Redbank Plains R.S.L Sub Branch

A Short History of the Beginnings of the RSL

In 1915, returned soldier's associations had formed in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria from clubrooms provided by public subscription for invalid returned men. They became a gathering place and centres for discussion regarding the serious wounds and health problems which were faced because of their war service, and the lack of organised repatriation facilities and medical services available.

As it was realised that without unity nothing would ever be achieved, a meeting of a representative of each of the four states was held in Sydney on the 10 May 1916 where it was agreed to hold a more representative meeting in Melbourne to reach agreement regarding the formation of an Australian-wide Returned Soldier's Association. This meeting was held from the 6-12 June 1916, at which a provisional constitution and statement of aims and objects was drawn up and the name Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) was suggested.

In November 1940 the word 'Airmen's' was added and the name become Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA) and, in October 1965, a change to Returned Services League of Australia was made. In September 1990, to cater for a wider membership, the name was changed to Returned & Services League of Australia which remains today.

The first Federal Congress was held in Brisbane from 11-16 September 1916 at which the formation meeting minutes and the suggested name were adopted; the RSL had commenced operation.

The New South Wales Branch, however, refused to affiliate with the other state organisations at the congress. The Branch had the largest membership and was dissatisfied with a majority decision that all Branches should have equal representation on the supreme governing body of the new organisation, including the Tasmanian Association which had just been formed. The New South Wales Branch found it was unable to exist alone and asked to join the Federal body in 1917.

The strong Western Australia Association remained outside the League until 1918, partly because of the distance involved in maintaining representation at the Federal level and partly because of the separate circumstances encountered in the Western State. A Branch was formed in the Australian Capital Territory in 1928 and Papua New Guinea was given Branch status in 1951.

The ideals and objects which characterised the formation of each state association in 1916 were correlated and finally adopted in the following form as the aims and objects of the League:

To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by a mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour.

To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia

To provide for the sick and wounded and needy among those who have served and their dependents including pensions, medical attention, homes and suitable employment.

To inculcate loyalty to the nation, to guard the good name and preserve the interest and standing of members of the Defence Force.

To promote our policy on national questions, particularly:

The unity of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Defence of Australia.

The maintenance of a sustained and selective immigration policy

The development of a national defence infrastructure and defence industry.

The promotion and proper employment of the nation's national resources.