ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with Frank Coaldrake's period in Melbourne working with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and, more significantly in terms of the later mission to Japan, with his activities as a vocal and vehement pacifist. The period in Melbourne coincides with the long and grim years of World War Two, first in Europe and then, from December 1941, with Japan. War in Europe finds Frank Coaldrake as one of three Travelling Secretaries of the A.S.C.M. his focus was shifting from Queensland to Victoria and the city of Melbourne. He began working with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence in January, 1940, on the completion of his duties with A.S.C.M., combining his activities with the Brotherhood with his role as editor of The Peacemaker. Student politics was the initial forum for his pacifism but The Peacemaker was rapidly gaining momentum as the national forum for conscientious objectors, as the articles included in the chapter reveal.
