ANZAC war glorification challenged by sculptures of conscientious objectors

On ANZAC day 2016, two sculptures of conscientious objectors in the 'field punishment number one' position were placed around Wellington to remember those who opposed the war and challenge the on-going romanticisation of war and the militarisation of this day, especially at a time when New Zealand continues to support and contribute to ongoing war around the world.

Often left out of the ANZAC narrative, conscientious objectors withstood horrific conditions and physical torment to defend peace and protest the unnecessary deaths of millions. Some received Field Punishment No. 1 where they were suspended from poles tipped forward, their hands bound tightly behind their backs for up to four hours per day in all weathers. Two human-sized sculptures were secured to poles in this fashion, one overlooking Civic square, after it had been removed by security from outside Te Papa and the remaining one on a flag pole overlooking the waterfront in Frank Kitts Park.

The New Zealand author and conscientious objector, Archibald Baxter, described this experience in his book "We Shall Not Cease." Baxter's punishment lasted twenty eight days.

'My hands were taken from round the pole, tied together and pulled well up it, straining and cramping the muscles and forcing them into an unnatural position....he knew how to pull and strain at the ropes till they cut into the flesh and completely stopped the circulation.' 'I was strained so tightly against the post that I was unable to move body or limbs a fraction of an inch.'

In addition to this conscientious objectors were subject to imprisonment, starvation, beatings and sometimes forced into German artillery and gun fire.

Peace Action Wellington spokesperson James Barber says, "In remembering those who were persecuted and abused by the army and the government for their belief that war is wrong we can bring about a broader discussion of history and counter the dominant narrative that glorifies and sanitises the reality of war."

James continues, “We hope the remaining sculpture can stay to help provoke conversations and public awareness about ongoing militarisation of ANZAC day, its romanticisation of war, and its promotion of the armed forces, rather than be silenced swiftly as was case when staff from Te Papa immediately removed the sculpture from the flag pole outside. Perhaps if it had been of a larger scale it might have made it inside?”

The first World War was a completely unnecessary conflict. It happened to protect and expand the empires involved, not to defend principles such as freedom or democracy. The millions who died endured tortuous conditions in conflict and were victims of an international power struggle. Many who resisted war, for religious or moral reasons, were subjected to torture and imprisonment.

James says, "New Zealand's defence industry continues to exploit the Anzac myth for the perpetuation of its war agenda. New Zealand has just recommitted its military presence in Iraq, and its ‘ANZAC class’ frigates are being upgraded at a staggering cost of $446 million."

This upgrade is being done by the Canadian arm of nuclear weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin. It includes missiles, communications and radar detection, torpedo decoys and an overall combat management system.

It is time to end the militarisation of ANZAC day and end New Zealand's involvement in current conflicts.

ENDS

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