Born of war The New South Wales Division of Australian Red Cross was officially born in August 1914, just a few days after the outbreak of the First World War. Lady Edeleine Strickland became our first president, as she was the spouse of the then NSW Governor, Sir Gerald Strickland – a tradition that continues today. Since 1910, there had been discussions about starting Red Cross in the state. Then in October 1913 a small committee was formed.

First request It was well prepared then, to respond to the first request - providing comfort supplies for the 1700 men about to disembark in mid-August. Some of those supplies provided included blankets, and food such as ham, bacon, jam, dried fruit, bottled pickles, brandy, biscuits, cakes, cornflour and condensed milk. Red Cross continued providing goods throughout the war.

Main aim These kinds of items were called ‘comfort supplies’ and providing these for Australian, New Zealand and British troops was the organisation’s primary aim. Red Cross NSW was able to carry out this aim very effectively by mobilising the patriotism of thousands of Australians who formed groups, called ‘branches’, in towns and cities all across the state.  This kind of support and service 'back home' was important for our troops. So to was the service carried out by John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who joined the Australian Medical Corps and rescued some 300 men before he died on May 19, 1915.

Junior Red Cross Also around this time, Eleanor McKinnon began Junior Red Cross. During the war these groups of children made an enormous contribution. All throughout the state Junior Red Cross 'circles' were formed and there was scarcely a child around who wasn't in a JRC circle. Red Cross was an organisation for which, just about everyone could do his or her bit.  People of all ages were recruited to knit, sew or pack. This was so successful, that within the first three months of war, over 56,000 medical and comfort supplies were dispatched.

Very able VAs! Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs) became active during WWI and were based on the existing British Red Cross model. VADs comprised largely of women and Voluntary Aids (VAs) were trained in nursing, first aid, and nutrition. They were also a supplement to the Australian Army Medical Service. In 1916 over 20 VAs from New South Wales were sent to serve in hospitals in the United Kingdom and France. VAs also established the ANZAC Buffet in Sydney’s Domain. When returning soldiers disembarked at Woolloomooloo they and their families were served refreshments.  This practice still continues after every ANZAC Day march in Sydney. This task is now carried out in Hyde Park and a plaque in the Domain is a reminder of those early years.

Caring for our soldiers When sick and wounded soldiers began to return home, meeting their basic needs and those of their families would occupy Red Cross for decades. By the time the WWI was over there were 16 convalescent homes, five nerve homes and five sanatoriums around the state and the post war work of Red Cross had begun.

1920 - 1929: Life after war