During the First World War, 1723 past and present students, teaching, administrative and grounds staff of the University of Melbourne enlisted for active service overseas. Of these, 241 were either former students of law or students who suspended their legal studies to enlist.
Enrolments in the Law School dropped by half, as current and prospective students left for the armed services. The Law Students' Society felt the impact of members enlisting, and argument over conscription divided the campus: a small number of opponents confronted an overwhelming majority in favour. Dean William Harrison Moore supported conscription, gave public lectures on wartime issues, and provided high-level advice to government.
Of the former law students who enlisted, one of the most prominent was John Monash (LLB 1895) who became a lieutenant-general and corps commander of the Australian forces. Another prominent former student was Harold 'Pompey' Elliott (LLB 1906, LLM 1920) who obtained the rank of brigadier-general and took part in many of the major battles of the war involving Australian troops.
Future dean, Kenneth Bailey, was one of the many law students who suspended their studies to enlist. Having seen active service in the 2nd Division of the Australian Field Artillery as a gunner, Bailey recommenced his studies at Melbourne in 1919 before being chosen as Rhodes Scholar and departing for Oxford.
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