During the First World War in Australia, the Red Cross organization saw enthusiastic support from New South Wales women, spurred on by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson and the state's elite. The movement mobilized thousands for war support, with both urban and rural branches contributing countless hours and funds to provide comfort and aid to soldiers.
Category: War at home
Local historian talks at an international conference in Adelaide
Dr Ian Willis OAM challenges myths of WWI in his talk at the 2024 Australian Historical Association conference. He examines the Australian military's response to sick and wounded soldiers and the role of the British Red Cross. The conference aims to uncover home truths and dispel historical myths. Dr Willis's research focuses on the Red Cross's role in soldier recovery.
An embroidered silk postcard for Millie at Christmas 1916
A postcard from Frederick for sister Millie During the First World War, local soldier Frederick Kelloway sent his sister, Millie, an embroidered silk postcard to celebrate Christmas and New Year at home in 1916. The front of the embroidered silk postcard that Frederick Kelloway sent his sister Millie in 1916. (KCordina 2023) Millie’s great-granddaughter Kellee… Continue reading An embroidered silk postcard for Millie at Christmas 1916
Embroided handkerchief, memories of home at Christmas on the frontline in 1916
Christmas during wartime is a period of hope and memories of home. This embroidered silk handkerchief is full of meaning and memories for an Australian soldier at the front in 1916.
Menangle School of Arts hall, the heart of a village, under redevelopment
The Menangle Community Association is leading a project to replace the former Menangle School of Arts with a modern community hall.
Red Flanders poppies, a field of memories
The red poppy carries a lot of symbolism in cultural mythologies from remembrance to sacrifices. The simple flower triggers outpouring of emotion, memories and commemorations on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day every year.
Blue Plaque recognises Camden Red Cross sewing circle in wartime
The wartime efforts of Camden women have been recognised by the successful nomination for a New South Wales Blue Plaque with Heritage NSW. The women volunteered thousands of hours of their effort and skills to supply hospital requisites for soldiers at military hospitals.
Waley Convalescent Home at Mowbray Park
In 1919 Mowbray Park, five kilometres west of Picton, was handed over to the Commonwealth Government to be converted to a convalescent home for invalided soldiers from the First World War. The home was called Waley after its philanthropic benefactors.Â
Sunday sport banned in Camden
Camden has a fine tradition of sport and sporting events back into the 19th century. But one day in 1925 Camden’s civic leaders banned Sunday sport at Onslow Park.
Camden War Cemetery
Camden War Cemetery has the graves of a number of service personnel from the Second World War who were killed while based in the local area.
