Doncaster Red Cross

The Doncaster Branch of the red Cross

This article looks at the establishment of the Doncaster Branch of the Red Cross and the valuable work and activities undertaken by the women members in support of the troops on the front lines during World War 1.

At the outbreak of the First World War, men from all over Australia enlisted to fight overseas. Although women could not fight in the war, there was a desire by the women to aid the troops on the front lines. In many townships, they banded together to form local Patriotic Leagues or organisations where they together could make “comfort” goods to send overseas as an expression of their patriotism and their gratitude. Many chose to knit socks, make towels, gloves, scarves, pack parcels, undertake fundraising activities for the purchase materials, and to support in-need troops returning from the war.

Shortly after the start of the war in 1914, the women of Doncaster gathered together and formed a local Patriotic League and commenced work in aid of the troops. The “Reporter – Box Hill” newspaper in October reported that “the ladies had been most willing and enthusiastic workers in the cause and had met together and organised sewing meetings, and had sent forward a fine parcel of clothing for the soldiers to the central Red Cross depot. They are still continuing their efforts, and have held several enthusiastic meetings in the Athenaeum. Recently a number of them had spent a day in town, and sought expert advice as to the best way of continuing the work. As a result, they purchased a large parcel of material to be made up for the comfort of the boys going to the front. The patriotic committee is still canvassing for funds”. [1]

By early November, 143 articles of clothing had been made by the ladies for use of the Australian troops”. [2]

At a meeting of the Doncaster ladies' Patriotic League held on 9 February 1915, at which Mrs. H. Clay presided, it was decided to form the league into a branch of the Australian branch of the Red Cross society. It was reported that excellent work had been done by the loyal and willing women of Doncaster since the beginning of the war in sewing and knitting for the soldiers who were fighting to defend the British empire and our hearts and homes. Two lots of clothing, consisting of shirts, underpants, cholera belts, sock, mittens, scarves, and caps - about 260 articles in all, had been made up locally and forwarded up to that date, and a further large consignment of similar goods was in course of preparation. Some of the goods most urgently needed for use by the Red Cross society in its noble work of mercy were cotton and flannel day shirts, blankets, socks, pillow cases, towels, sheets, old linen, and bandages, flannel and cotton pyjamas, flannel hospital jackets, face washers, knitted caps, bed socks, slippers. The committee made it known that donations of any of these goods or money to purchase same may be handed to the honorary secretary, Mrs. De Mole, at the E.S. & A. bank, Doncaster, who also had charge of the distribution of materials, wool, flannel, etc., already purchased out of the league's funds for making up into garments. The newly formed branch of the Red Cross society in Doncaster met on the first Thursday in each month at the lodge room at the Athenaeum Hall, and new members were very welcome. [3]

In August 1915, it was reported that the committee of the Doncaster branch of the Red Cross society acknowledged with pleasure and thanks the splendid response made by the residents of Doncaster and adjoining districts to the appeal for old linen to be used for hospital purposes amongst our wounded, and also to thank all those who so cheerfully assisted in preparing the same for immediate use on its reaching its destination, and it was gratifying to know that as a result no less than 435 rolls of dressing for wounds, 103 surgical dressing towels, and 5 chest binders had recently been despatched to Red Cross headquarters at Government house. [4]

In December 1915, the Central Red Cross organisation organised a carnival at Luna Park for wounded and invalid soldiers, and the Doncaster Red Cross ladies were kept busy receiving donations from the Doncaster community and packing them for the motor lorry sent to convey them to the carnival. Among the many good things were nearly 60 dozen eggs, the greater number of these being the result of the local schools' egg day. [5]

February 1916 saw the first annual meeting of the Doncaster Red Cross Society that was held in the Athenaeum Hall. The election of office-bearers resulted in the original president (Mrs. H. Clay), secretary (Mrs. De Mole), treasurer (Mrs. Williamson) being re-elected, whilst additional names added to the committee were Mrs. Tom Petty, Mrs. L. H. Smith, and Mrs. Albert Tully. The number of items made for dispatch to the central depot at Government house had increased significantly: - 424 pairs underpants, 89 towels, 287 shirts, 1 crochet rug, 50 Balaclava helmets, 405 scarves, 9 pairs slippers, 855 pairs socks, 7 kneecaps, 1377 washers, 5 knitted belts, 104 pairs bed socks, 35 handkerchiefs. 113 pairs mittens, 7 sheets, 137 pillowslips, 4 suits pyjamas. In addition to the above, there had been sent through the Doncaster branch 2 deck chairs, 1 roll of butter muslin, 1 roll of flannelette, cigarettes, soap, cards, pins, tooth brushes, books and magazines, groceries, and 29 parcels of old linen. Four hundred and thirty-five rolls of linen and 116 surgical dressing towels had also been sent. The splendid and whole hearted assistance, sympathy and help they had received from the residents of Doncaster and others was acknowledged. 

The branch was supported by concerts arranged by various clubs, societies, and private individuals with well received financial results. The liberal donations and funds enabled the buying materials to keep the workers busy, and to ensure a steady supply of things so urgently needed at the front.

As the activities of the branch had outgrown the accommodation of a private house, it was suggested larger premises were needed and Mr. John Petty promptly gave the use of a building for the depot. [6]

This building was located on Main Road Doncaster adjacent to Mr Petty’s house and the building had originally been an estate agent’s office during the land boom of the late 1880s. The building when used by the Doncaster ladies had the Red Cross symbol painted high up on the front and a photograph held in the DTHS archives show the building. Another photograph of the building shows a large group of the Doncaster ladies wearing their Red Cross uniforms out the front of the building. 


The Doncaster Red Cross building on Main Road Doncaster. John Petty’s house was behind the trimmed hedge at the left – DTHS NF12P023-151 Red Cross Building Doncaster Road Ref4-44 and same as DP0129 

The ladies of Doncaster Red Cross Society out front of the Red Cross building on Main Road Doncaster – DTHS NF12P023-153 Doncaster Red Cross Women Group Main Road Ref4-45

Fund raising activities were constantly held. In March 1916, under the auspices of the Doncaster Red Cross, an American tea was held in the Church of England grounds. Numerous attractions were provided, with music discoursed by the Eastern Districts brass band. On the same evening, to further augment the funds of the branch, a bioscope entertainment (under the well-known Glenferrie theatre management) took place in the Doncaster Athenaeum Hall. [7]

On Sunday 12 March 1916, about 100 returned soldiers, chiefly New South Wales and Queensland men, were brought to Doncaster by the Central Red Cross Volunteer Motor Corps in motor vehicles, and were entertained by the Doncaster Red Cross members. After refreshments had been served, Mr. T. Petty, J.P., in the unavoidable absence of the shire president (Cr. Zerbe), gave the men a hearty welcome, and spoke in warm appreciation of their noble deeds and daring so signally displayed at Gallipoli. The secretary of the Central Red Cross society, who was with the party, tendered to the Doncaster society the highest praise for the very valuable assistance it had always given. [8]

Similarly in May 1916, NSW and Queensland men who had recently arrived in Melbourne by hospital ship were entertained by the Doncaster Red Cross society. Cr. Zerbe and Mr. T. Petty, J.P., gave the men a hearty welcome, and three officers acknowledged the hospitality on behalf of the men, who cheered lustily to show their appreciation. [9]

In July 1916, Doncaster Red Cross held a French week and entertainment included Miss Freeman's lecture, "An Australian Girl in Germany," which drew a large and appreciative audience. Musical items were contributed by visiting artists with violin solos being given and the stage decorated by a profusion of wattle along with an array of flags. The French Red Cross fund benefited to the extent of about £16 from the entertainment. [10]

In September 1916, a party of about 200 sick and wounded soldiers were entertained at afternoon tea by the residents of Doncaster, the arrangements being most successfully carried out by the committee of the Doncaster Red Cross branch. The newly elected president of the shire (Cr. T. H. Petty) welcomed the guests in a brief and sincere manner, and thanks were returned on behalf of the men by one of their number, all of whom appeared to enjoy the outing. The procession of 48 motor vehicles through Doncaster conveying the soldiers was quite imposing, and the excellent music of the military band of 22 performers from the Domain camp did much to enliven proceedings. The doctors in charge of the hospitals and rest homes were emphatic on the benefit derived by the wounded warriors from these trips into the fresh country air, and the men were most grateful for the kindness and sympathy shown to them. [11]

The second annual meeting of branch was held at the Athenaeum on 4 January 1917 with a fair attendance of members. The president (Mrs. H. Clay) gave a helpful address, commending the good work done during the past twelve months, and urging that there be no slackening in the efforts of those who were so nobly doing their part in supplying comforts and necessaries for the soldiers. The treasurer's statement showed that the sum of £340 had been received in donations and proceeds of entertainments held in the district, and that £254 was expended in the purchase of materials, and £31 donated to the French Red Cross society during the year. The secretary reported that altogether 2,909 articles were made and forwarded on. The election of office-bearers for 1917 resulted as follows: President - Mrs. H. Clay (re-elected); vice-president - Mrs. John Petty and Mrs. G. Hislop; secretary - Mrs. H. N. De Mole (re-elected); treasurer - Mrs. J. Petty. The former committee was re-elected, with the addition of Mrs. H. G. Reynolds, Mrs. R. Sutherland, and Miss Muriel Whitten. [12]

In May 1917, a fleet of 40 motor cars brought another party of returned soldiers out to Templestowe on a Saturday as guests of the branch and who spent a very enjoyable afternoon in the sunny school grounds. [13]

In July 1917, a patriotic service, organised by the Doncaster Red Cross society, was held in the Athenaeum on a Sunday afternoon. There was a large attendance. The president of the shire (Cr. Tully) presided and the address was given by Chaplain Holden, who had recently returned from a visit to the Western front and the hospitals in England, where Australian soldiers were patients. The address was a great encouragement to all workers, and was said to inspire them with renewed zeal to help the suffering ones and keep the others fit. The collection for the Red Cross fund amounted to £15. [14]

In September 1917 at the invitation of the Doncaster Red Cross, a party of war 150 nurses visited Doncaster on a Tuesday evening when they were met by a large gathering of residents, and warmly welcomed by the shire president (Cr. Clay) and Cr. Tully. After a very pleasing programme of song and recitations, the nurses were entertained at supper, many who were to shortly to leave for the front. Flowers in profusion were pressed upon them, and most of the beautiful, floral stage decorations found their way into the departing motors. [15]

In January 1918, the third annual meeting of the Doncaster branch was held in the supper room of the Athenaeum. The oppressive heat militated against a large attendance, nevertheless, between forty and fifty members and friends gathered to conduct the business and to hear an address on Red Cross work given by Mr. W. F. Greenwood (in 1915, at the request of Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, Mr William Frederick Greenwood agreed to act with Sir Adrian Knox as an honorary commissioner for the Australian Red Cross services abroad).

In her report the honorary secretary (Mrs. De Mole) warned the members against any slackening of effort, and urged them not to feel weary of well-doing, but to remember the ever constant and increasing needs or our men, who so keenly appreciated the benefits of the Red Cross society. She reported that during the year four parties of soldiers, each numbering from 100 to 250, had been entertained at afternoon tea, that two small parties from the Mental hospital had been entertained by the committee, and also a party of nurses had been given an evening's entertainment. She suggested the establishment of a special entertainment fund, so that visits like the above might be invited more often. The report also stated that 2,299 articles had been made during the year by the workers of the branch, including 86 shirts, 164 pairs underpants, 845 pairs socks, 192 scarves, 50 pairs bed socks, 11 helmets, 83 pairs slippers, 80 pairs mittens, 50 pairs stretcher-bearer gloves, and numerous other articles. These had been forwarded to headquarters in monthly consignments, which had been conveyed free of charge from Doncaster to Box Hill railway station by Mr. V. Sodenberg. Numerous gifts and cigarettes, tinned milk, cocoa and parcels of old linen had also been received and forwarded. Elected office bearers for the year were: President - Mrs. H. Clay; vice-presidents - Mrs. Hislop and Mrs. A. Hardidge; hon. Secretary - Mrs. De Mole; hon. Treasurer - Mrs. J. Petty. The retiring committee of 20, including the officers, was reappointed, with power to fill vacancies up to a limit of five. [16]

January 1918 also saw another group of motorists from the Red Cross Volunteer Motor Corps lending their cars for driving wounded soldiers on convalescent excursions that included a visit to the Doncaster Red Cross Society. [17]

In July 1918, a concert was arranged to aid the Doncaster Red cross. Despite the unfavourable weather interfering with attendances, the programme was greatly enjoyed, encores being numerous. Cr. McNamara, of Templestowe, was naturally the star performer, and when he introduced "Ginger Mick, his Cobber Keith," who wears "perjamer soots an' cleans "is teeth," and "The Singing Soldiers," the audience waited spellbound, then clamoured for more. The local ES&A bank manager, Mr. De Mole had received notice of transfer to Essendon, and great regret was expressed at his removal, for both he and his wife had always been willing workers in all public affairs, especially in Red Cross work, of which Mrs. De Mole was secretary. At the last meeting of the Doncaster Red Cross society a presentation was made to her, with good wishes for her new sphere of work. Mrs. T. Petty was the newly appointed secretary. [18]

August 1918 saw a party of 150 returned soldiers on a Saturday visit to Doncaster as guests of the Doncaster Red Cross and received a very hearty reception. Residents turned out in force to welcome their visitors, who seemed very pleased with their outing. Refreshments were served in the Athenaeum, and the proceedings were enlivened by a musical programme by local performers. [19]

The making of goods by the branch continued in earnest. During the months of June, July, and August in 1918, the Doncaster Red Cross branch made and forwarded to the central depot many goods: - 212 pairs socks, 56 pairs mittens, 35 pairs flannel underpants, 9 helmets, 79 towels, 200 face washers, 3 flannel shirts, 10 pairs slippers, 17 pairs bed socks, 43 scarves, 19 arm stump socks, one tin cocoa, one tin cheese, 2 packets cigarettes, and parcel magazines. [20]

During the months of September and October 1918 (a period of six weeks), the branch made and forwarded to the central Red Cross depot: - 82 pairs socks, 60 washers, 22 pairs underpants, 36 towels, 13 pillowslips, 7 pairs bed socks, 19 scarves, 14 pairs mittens, 1 helmet, parcel old linen, parcel magazines. [21}

The branch continued its good work and during the months of October and November the branch made and forwarded to the central depot: - 54 pairs socks, 13 pairs mittens, 19 scarves, 43 towels, 140 face washers, 48 kitbags, 12 pairs underpants, 3 pairs bedsocks, 1 helmet, 1 parcel old linen, also quantity of bottles, books, etc. [22]

The annual meeting of the Doncaster Red Cross Society was held at the Athenaeum on 8 January 1919. During the previous year, 14 committee meetings had been held. The following goods were made and forwarded to the central depot: - 681 pairs socks, 56 pairs bedsocks, 231 towels, 749 face-washers,51 pairs slippers, 167 pairs mittens, 141 scarves, 147 pairs underpants, 22 helmets, 59 arm-stump socks, 10 shirts, 13 pillow slips, 48 kitbags, one chest protector, and one knee rug. In addition to the above, there had been sent in from the branch tins of cheese, cocoa, coffee, milk, packets cigarettes, parcels old linen, and magazines. Mr. Sonnenberg had very kindly conveyed, free of charge, the branch's parcels to and from the railway. The committee suffered a great loss in July by Mrs. De Mole's leaving the district, she having so ably filled the position as secretary tor 3½ years. Eight concerts in aid of Red Cross work were held through the year; and soldiers and nurses had been entertained on several occasions during the last 12 months, The best thanks of the meeting were conveyed to Mr. Lawford for acting as auditor to the branch, also to Mrs. Clay, who has acted as president since the inception of the branch, and whose resignation account of illness was received with very deep regret. The office-bearers elected for the 1919 year were: - President - Mrs. A. Tully; vice-presidents. - Mrs. Hislop and Mrs. A. Hardidge (re-elected); secretary - Mrs. T. Petty, jun. (re-elected); treasurer - Mrs. J. Petty (re-elected). The general committee was re-elected, and Mr. Lawford was appointed auditor. Although good news has been received the branch has been urged to carry on with the work until officially informed that it can be abandoned. During the last month the Doncaster branch has made and forwarded to the central depot the following goods: - 4 doz. kitbags. 17 towels, 22 scarves, 25 face washers, 2 pair underpants, 10 pairs socks, 14 pairs mittens, 10 pairs slippers, 11 pairs bedsocks, and one helmet. [23

Although the war had ended on 11 November 1918, the Doncaster Branch continued with their good work. The fifth annual meeting of the above was held in the Doncaster Athenaeum on 7 January 1920 with Mrs. A. Tully presiding. After singing the National Anthem, the president gave a short address on the year's work, stating that the year had seen the end of work in the making up of garments, and during the last few months the only work had been in connection with soldiers' visits. During the year, 10 committee meetings were held; and articles of clothing had been made and forwarded to headquarters. Since the inception of the branch 6,192 articles have been made. Two concerts in aid of Red Cross work were held, and there had been five visits from the soldiers during the year. In response to an appeal from the secretary of the Australian Red Cross is the establishment of convalescent homes for soldiers, an American tea was held, proceeds of which amounted to £30 4/5. During the year the committee made a presentation of a silver cake-basket to Mrs. H. Clay in recognition of her valuable services. Until the last 12 mouths she had acted as president since the inception of the branch. The office-bearers and the retiring committee were all re-elected. Mrs. F. Morrison was also elected a member of the committee. The best thanks of the committee were conveyed to Mr. John Petty for allowing the use of the depot for the meetings, also to Mr. E. Lawford for auditing the books and drawing up the balance sheet. A pleasant meeting was closed with the National Anthem. [24]

The sixth and last annual meeting of the above was held in the Doncaster Athenaeum on 5 January 1921 with Mrs. A Tully presiding. After singing the National Anthem, the secretary read the minutes of last annual meeting, also a short report on the year's work. The treasurer read the balance sheet. After discussion, it was agreed that the branch disband, and that the balance of the funds in hand be handed over to the military ward at the Austin Hospital. It was decided to present to the Athenaeum committee the crockery belonging to the Red Cross committee, which had been used for entertainment of soldiers. A vote of thanks was proposed to office bearers. The committee desired to thank all who had assisted in the work. After the business a social was held, when quite a large number of members were present. An enjoyable musical programme was gone through, after which the president presented official certificates to workers who had done Red Cross work for a period of three years and over. Supper was then handed round, and a pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem. [25]

Even though they were far from the front line, the women of the Doncaster Brach of the Red Cross had certainly contributed much to the war effort and in particular by providing much needed support to the those serving at both overseas and those returning home. 

Author: Ian Schafter - DTHS Member, December 2024

Sources:

The above information on the Doncaster Branch of the Red Cross has been taken from newspaper articles contained in the Nation Library of Australia TROVE digital archive of old newspapers. 

1. Reporter (Box Hill), 9 October 1914, p5 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75091620

2. Argus (Melbourne), 13 November 1914, p8 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10817172

3. Reporter (Box Hill), 12 February 1915, p5 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75092771

4. Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser, 14 August 1915, p7 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153606086

5. Reporter (Box Hill), 17 December 1915, p5 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75164484

6. Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser, 26 February 1916, p2 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153605889

7. Reporter (Box Hill), 10 March 1916, p5 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75165025

8. Reporter (Box Hill), 24 March 1916, p4 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75165119

9. Reporter (Box Hill), 5 May 1916, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75165403

10. Reporter (Box Hill), 28 July 1916, p4 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75165950

11. Reporter (Box Hill), 22 September 1916, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75166247

12. Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser, 20 January 1917, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153612356

13. Reporter (Box Hill), 1 June 1917, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75167691

14. Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser, 28 July 1917, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153610043

15. The Reporter (Box Hill), 24 August 1917, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75168222

16. Reporter (Box Hill), 18 January 1918, p4 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75169029

17. Weekly Times (Melbourne), 12 January 1918, p23 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122129453

18. Reporter (Box Hill), 19 July 1918, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75170192

19. Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser, 6 September 1918, p3 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153611254

20. Reporter (Box Hill), 6 September 1918, p7 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75170500

21. Reporter (Box Hill), 18 October 1918, p5 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75170810

22. Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser, 6 December 1918, p7 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153117357

23. Reporter (Box Hill), 17 January 1919, p6 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257148674

24. Reporter (Box Hill), 16 January 1920, p5 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257153329

25. Reporter (Box Hill), 14 January 1921, p2 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257155870


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