Australia Day fundraisers in 1918 played a crucial role in supporting the war effort, with various activities such as selling badges, public subscriptions, prayer services, lectures, and door-knocks. The Camden Red Cross raised a significant amount, as did Menangle and Narellan branches. The total effort amounted to ยฃ748, a substantial sum for the time.
Tag: Patriotism
Camden Red Cross 110 Years Display: Objects and Ephemera Exhibition 2024
The Camden Red Cross exhibition at Camden Library in August 2024 showcased the historical contributions of local women to the Red Cross during World Wars I and II. Women from the Camden district played a pivotal role in supporting soldiers and shaping the narrative of the Australian Red Cross, creating over 20,300 articles in 40,000 volunteer hours during WWI.
Ministering Angels, Myth and the Red Cross on the Australian Wartime Homefront
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 womenโs empowerment in embracing the Red Cross, serving as ministering angels, and upholding patriotic values. Total words: 78
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.ย
The patriotism of the wartime sock knitter
During World War I, hand-knitted socks became crucial for soldiers facing harsh conditions, preventing trench foot. Women across the British Empire, particularly in Australia, organized knitting efforts, leading to over 1.3 million pairs made. These efforts provided essential support and represented women's patriotism in wartime, often alleviating grief through their contributions.
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.
