John was radicalised in 1965 by the US war in Vietnam. He started taking an active part in protesting the war and for that was arrested in May in Canberra.

In 1966, John became editor of the Sydney University Labour Club's magazine where he argued for the need of an off-campus youth organisation to better promote the antiwar campaign. In October in Sydney, John was part of rebellious demos against US President Lyndon Johnson's visit.

Into 1967, John, his brother Jim and others tried to establish “Group X”, a radical youth group. It flopped. In May, they tried to form a broad youth group with the CPA. That didn't eventuate. In August, they found the Society for the Cultivation of Rebellion Everywhere (SCREW). In November, the SCREW changed name to Resistance.

1967-1975

John pictured after being arrested at a Vietnam War protest – 1968 (Canberra Times photograph).

John (far left) and his brother Jim (4th left) assembling outside the Third World Bookshop on Goulburn Street, Sydney before a Cuba solidarity march to the US consulate – January 1, 1968.

 

Canberra Times article on Resistance pamphlet How not to join the army authorised by John – June 28, 1968.

John, taken between 1969 and 1970.

John being questioned by customs officer at Sydney Airport – 1970 (ASIO photograph).

John (leaning against tree) and his brother Jim (front right) at Eureka Resistance Camp – January 1971.

John speaking at Socialist Workers League founding conference – January 1972.

John speaking at Socialist Youth Alliance 3rd national conference – April 1972.

John (standing left) at Sydney May Day rally – May 1, 1972.

John pictured selling Direct Action – DA, December 13, 1973.