Remembering the war in New Guinea
J.V.J. Robinson: Army Chaplain (People)
Module name: Operations (Australian perspective)
This page was contributed by Ms Vanessa Johnston (Australian War Memorial)
Despite being a non-combatant, Chaplain Robinson was right up there in the trenches with the men. He endured the same living and environmental conditions and the same air raids as the troops he was linked to. Seemingly this shared experience, his high regard for the troops and his efforts to listen and interact with them as people, without regard for position in the rank hierarchy endeared him to the men.
As chaplain, Robinson performed many roles during the battle experience. He listened to the men's reminiscences of home and met the men's loved ones through photographs. From this sense of familiarity he was often called on to help the men deal with the strains of separation, especially when there was a problem at home. This was a task that was important for the maintenance of the troops morale and also one which gave Robinson an immense sense of personal satisfaction and usefulness.
Robinson also provided religious services for the men. Although he was somewhat skeptical about the level of the men's genuine religious commitment, he was still greatly pleased with the strong attendance he received at his services, as he believed this was how the men showed their appreciation of him. "I was thrilled with the attendances, the fellows know me because I am constantly among them wherever they are; I do not have to talk religion and I believe that instead of entering into discussions, they show their appreciation by attending any of the services I arrange, and by the number who approach me with a problem or just for a talk."
Organizing recreational activities was also something Robinson devoted a lot of energy to. Recreation was seen as a way of preventing the men falling into complacency and depression by minimizing the negative effects of boredom. Robinson went to immense lengths to try and obtain a power mower, which he planned to use to level the roughly cut cricket pitch he was developing in the Kunai grass. Unfortunately the only power mower he could locate was in New Britain and was not accessible so his planned cricket activities had to suffer from a makeshift pitch. His efforts to organize boxing events were more successful. The only complications were disputes over the weight classifications, but these were easily settled.
Robinson also had to face some gruesome responsibilities. He assumed a strong role in burying the dead. This, even for a man of committed faith, must have been incredibly challenging, especially when there were only pieces of men to bury. Perhaps the meticulous requirements of the army for recording burials, with Burial Return forms to be filled out in quadruplicate, conferred a methodical routine that provided a sterilized distraction from the horrendous scenes.
Ultimately Robinson felt his greatest service was in helping the troops survive the war emotionally and morally. He believed that he was doing something worthwhile if he could "help a fellow to grin even under the worst conditions". Through his conduct and the experiences he found most rewarding, Chaplain Robinson emphasizes the value and impact that can flow from simple gestures of compassion.
(Source: Australian War Memorial PR84/216)