Oaths of enlistment and engagement for Australian forces - Sudan to Vietnam

Oaths of enlistment and engagement have been similar from enlistment for the Sudan through to the Vietnam war. This entry lists the wording of the following oaths.

• Sudan - New South Wales Infantry, 18 July 1885
• South Africa - Commonwealth Contingent for Service in South Africa, 10 May 1900
• Naval Defence Act - 1910-1966
• First World War - 26 June 1916
• Second World War - 2 July 1941(AIF)
• Second World War - 4 February 1941 (CMF)
• Vietnam War - 1 May 1967
• Vietnam War - 6 September 1966

Sudan - New South Wales Infantry, 18^th July 1885

Oath of Engagement

I ..... swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen, in the New South Wales Infantry for the term of one year, or for two years if required for that period until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed; and that I will resist Her Majesty's enemies, and cause Her Majesty's peace to be kept both on land and at sea, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my Service, faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

So help me God.

South Africa - Commonwealth Contingent for Service in South Africa, 10^th May 1900

Oath to be taken on attestation

I ..... do make oath that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, His heirs and successors, and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, his heirs and successors in person, Crown, and dignity against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, his heirs and successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me.

So help me God.

Note: Prior to Federation (1901) enlistment was to separate Australian colonial forces. Attestation proformas are contained in Conditions of service of South African and over-sea contingents employed in the South African War, 1899-1902 (HMSO, 1904).

Naval Defence Act 1910-1966 Oath or Affirmation

Oath

I ..... swear that I will well and truly serve His/Her Majesty (Queen Elizabeth the Second) Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a seaman in the Permanent Naval Forces for the period of ..... years ..... days, or until my service is sooner lawfully terminated, that I will resist Her enemies and that in all matters appertaining to my service I will faithfully discharge my duty according to law. So help me, God.

Affirmation

I ..... do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will well and truly serve His/Her Majesty (Queen Elizabeth the Second), Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a seaman in the Permanent Naval Forces for the period of ..... years ..... days, or until my service is sooner lawfully terminated, that I will resist Her enemies and that in all matters appertaining to my service I will faithfully discharge my duty according to law. 

 First World War - 26^th June 1916

Oath to be taken by person being enlisted*

*a person enlisting who objects to taking an oath may make an affirmation in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Act, and the above form must be amended accordingly. All amendments must be initiated by the Attesting Officer.

I ..... swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force from ..... until the end of the War, and a further period of four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed therefrom; and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained; and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service, faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

So help me God.

Second World War - 2^nd July 1941

Oath of enlistment (AIF)

I ….. swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord, the King, in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia until the cessation of the present time of war and twelve months thereafter or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed, and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

So help me God.

Second World War - 4^th February 1941

Oath of enlistment (CMF)

For persons voluntarily enlisted or called upon under Part III or Part IV of the Defence Act to serve in the Citizen Forces in time of war. Not compulsory for serving members of the Forces or those allotted to the Citizen Forces under Part XII of the Act, but unless in any case an objection is raised, the oath should be administered to them as part of the ceremony of attestation.

I ..... swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord, the King, in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia until the cessation of the present time of war or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed, and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

So help me God.

Vietnam War - 1^st May 1967

Declaration and Oath

I ..... having been informed of the provisions of Section 74 of the Defence Act, 1903-1964, do solemnly and sincerely declare that the answers made by me to the above questions are true. Having also been informed of the provisions of Section 73A of the Defence Act, 1903-1964, and Sections 78 and 79 of the Commonwealth Crimes Act, 1914-1960, I further solemnly and sincerely declare that I will not divulge by word or deed, or cause to be divulged any official secret to any person not authorized to receive it, whether during or after my service in or with the Australian Military Forces without the previous sanction of the Chief of the General Staff.

I ......do swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a soldier in the (Australian Regular Army) for the period (six) years or until my service is sooner lawfully terminated, that I will resist Her enemies and that in all matters appertaining to my service I will faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

So help me God.

Vietnam War - 6^th September 1966

Re-engagement oath

I ..... at present serving in ..... and due to complete my present engagement on or about 31^st May 1967 hereby apply for re-engagement in the Permanent Military Forces for a period of ..... years or until reaching the prescribed age for retirement whichever is the earlier. This re-engagement to immediately follow the expiration of my current engagement. If my re-engagement is approved I declare that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a soldier in the Permanent Military Forces for the period approved, or until my service is sooner lawfully terminated, that I will resist Her enemies and in all appertaining to my service I will faithfully discharge my duty according to law.