Denis James O'Donnell as a conscientious objector interviewed by Greg Swanborough for 'The sharp end'

Denis James O'Donnell as a conscientious objector interviewed by Greg Swanborough for 'The sharp end'. Scene 5 Take 1: Conscripted in 1965, went into 1st intake February 1967. He describes 12 week basic training at Puckapunyal –military discipline and various skills; test by Army of endurance and ability to function. Describes Army life as incredibly hot and physically hard – didn’t mind the training, it was interesting, but there was also a lot of time just waiting around which was boring. Scene 5 Take 2 [retake of 1] Scene 5 Take 3: Knew a little about Vietnam and didn’t believe in ‘domino theory’ – that of the 'yellow or red hordes moving down to take Australia'.
Scene 20 Take 1: Talks about why he became a conscientious objector. 6 months after going into the Army he was leafing through a magazine called ‘Rampart’ which had very graphic pictures of women and children (civilians) burnt by Napalm. It really affected him strongly and decided at that point “that was enough”. Friends suggested he might be a conscientious objector but didn’t see himself as one and he didn’t consider himself a pacifist. Had no problems with the Army or concept of fighting. Scene 20 Take 2 roll 35 [retake of 1] Tried a group called ‘Conscientious Objectors – non pacifists’; applied for conscientious objector status. He was scared to confront the Army. Next day he took form to the commanding officer, a captain just returned from Vietnam, and was shocked by his reaction – “Well, Private O’Donnell, if I was asked to go to Vietnam tomorrow, I’d blow my brains out! ... So what. You’re a soldier. You do as you’re told and obey orders while in the Army.” Case became an important legal test case. Tried to escape from Military Police (MPs) after first court case and became media symbol against Vietnam War. He wasn’t prepared; it was a very difficult time emotionally. There were demonstrations. He was released from Holsworthy prison a few days early before his release date and went to Canungra near Brisbane. Melbourne didn’t know he’d been released. He watched demonstrators on TV being hit with batons. He informed Melbourne immediately about his release. The Army had separated him from supporters and the campaign started to go wrong.
Scene 20 Take 4: Generally, people were sympathetic. No-one in Army confronted him in violent way. Military Prison was different – designed to degrade people. He spent time in Holsworthy and various other prisons. Describes escape attempt after first court case where he knew he would lose and be arrested by MPs – was AWOL at the time. The MPs and TV crews were waiting outside the courtroom. He had TV producers move the TV camera crews to motion him towards the fire escape. Shot up the fire escape followed by camera crews and MPs. MPs confronted him – agreed neither wanted any trouble and walked out of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) together. From that point on the Press really on to him – everything he did was newsworthy. Scene 20 Take 5 [retake of 4]. Scene 20 take 6 [retake of 4].