The Red Cross and the Liverpool Field Hospital, Hope and Despair during 1915

Authors

Ian C. Willis, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

108944

Publication Details

Willis, I. C. (2016). The Red Cross and the Liverpool Field Hospital, Hope and Despair during 1915. Health and History, 18 (1), 22-41.

Abstract

The outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 was met with much jingoistic enthusiasm by the Australian population. Men volunteered in their hundreds for service for God, King, and Country; to defend the Empire; for adventure; and to see the world. Women on the homefront formed up Red Cross branches across the country in small country towns and city suburbs to serve 'their boys'. Unfortunately for the men who enlisted their desire to serve the Empire was not met with a similar level of organisational efficiency by authorities in Australia. The military were completely overwhelmed by the progress of the war, especially the level of casualties that resulted from the Gallipoli campaign.