The paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Australian Historical Association at the University of Queensland in 2014 explored the role of Australian country women in supporting the Red Cross during the First World War. The paper focused on the Camden District Red Cross, emphasizing the conservative women’s empowerment in embracing the Red Cross, serving as ministering angels, and upholding patriotic values. Total words: 78
Tag: homefront
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.
Understanding the Anzac Myth: Truths and Contradictions
The Anzac story is vital to Australian identity, yet its meaning remains contested. Historian Dr. Jen Roberts argues that the narrative, while centered on duty and sacrifice, encompasses contradictions surrounding nationalism, trauma, and the realities of war. Anzac's evolution reflects cultural transformations, highlighting diverse interpretations and ongoing relevance in society.
Wartime volunteers and The War Workers’ Gazette
Wartime volunteers and The War Workers’ Gazette in New South Wales
Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital Concord NSW
Out at Concord, located in Sydney's inner west, is the magnificent building of the former Thomas Walker Memorial Hospital for Convalescents, that is now the school Rivendell. It was recently open for inspection by the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society. The heritage society organises regular open days to continually raise public awareness of this… Continue reading Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital Concord NSW
Lady Street visited Camden in 1934
The Red Cross drew many important people to visit Camden during the Inter-war period. One of those was Lady Belinda Street, a member of the Street family, a dynasty of important Sydney barristers and judges. Lady Belinda Street was part of the influential network of friends and contacts that formed the circle that swirled around… Continue reading Lady Street visited Camden in 1934
Angels of Mercy, Red Cross volunteers
For the many during the First World the Red Cross became the soldier's guardian angel. The metaphor was expressed in poster, literature, the popular press and a host of other locations.
Cobbitty New Year’s Day Village Sports Day Benefits War Effort
Cobbitty Sports Day on New Year's Day, 1915 A major event on the social calendar of a number of picturesque villages in the Camden district was the annual New Year’s Day Sports Carnivals. Cobbitty's St Paul's Anglican Church 1910 (Camden Images) The New Year's Sports Day was part of the English traditions brought to the… Continue reading Cobbitty New Year’s Day Village Sports Day Benefits War Effort
Australian Women’s Land Army at Orangeville NSW
The Women’s Land Army was active in the Camden area between 1942 and 1945. They were located at camps in the local area and the largest was at Orangeville. The role of the Australian Women’s Land Army was to fill the manpower shortages in the agricultural sector as Australia was tasked with supplying food and… Continue reading Australian Women’s Land Army at Orangeville NSW
