Red Cross branch Efforts, WW1 and WW2

Compiled by Sandra Young, 2014

Photos by Sandra Young

(Photo of a WW1 era magazine cover)

Bungendore Red Cross Society

(Goulburn Evening Penny Post 10/9/1914 page 4)

Several meetings of the Red Cross Society have been held in Bungendore, Mrs. Foster Rutledge presiding. £10 was collected to buy material, and 19 bags filled with comforts for the sick and wounded in the war have been sent to Headquarters. On Saturday at the meeting further subscriptions were promised, and Mrs. Rutledge, Miss Powell, Mrs. T. Gordon, and other ladies gave individual bags. Many willing workers are busy making garments.

Bungendore Red Cross Society

(The Age 10/11/1914 page 2)

The president of the above Society, Mrs. W. F. Rutledge, who was ever ready to help any deserving cause, has promoted a ball to augment the funds of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society. Friday, November 27th, is the date selected for holding the function, and as the price of tickets is very reasonable, we know the Bungendore folk will, as is usually the case with them, patronise the ball and make it a pronounced success. Particulars are advertised.

Bungendore Red Cross Society.

( 13/11/1914 page 5)

Bungendore Red Cross Society.

A BALL

Will be held in aid of the above in the Federal Hall, Bungendore.

On Friday, November 27th.

Double Tickets 5s, Single 3s.

Mrs. Rutledge,

President Bungendore Branch.

Bungendore

Red Cross Society

(The Queanbeyan Age 19/10/1915 page 2)

A Red Cross meeting of ladies under the presidency of Mrs. W. F. Rutledge, held last week decided to send parcels of Xmas cheer to the boys of the 6th and 7th Light Horse Regiments at Gallipoli. Great enthusiasm was shown in the movement, in which Mrs. Rutledge is deeply interested, and she will be pleased to receive at the Church of England schoolroom any donation, such as cakes, puddings, sweets, tobacco, cigarettes, khaki handkerchiefs, writing material, etc., and will have them packed and sent on in time for Xmas. Miss Holdship, an earnest worker from Sydney Red Cross Society, was present, and gave some useful information as to the mode of packing and forwarding the parcels, etc. The members were entertained by Mrs. Rutledge at afternoon tea before parting. There has been a liberal response, and when the billys and tins are opened by the soldiers will be a pleasurable surprise to them, and prove that their countrymen are not unmindful of them, and that they appreciate “our boys at the front.”

Patriotic Funds

Red Cross

(The Sydney Morning Herald 8/6/1917 page 9)

The honorary treasurer of the Red Cross Society, Division (Mr. Wilfrid Docker), Norwich Chambers, Hunter St., Sydney, announces the receipt of the following donations: Amount previously acknowledged, £177, 231/3/4; further proceeds of Allied bazaar, Coliseum, Chicago, January 11-20, 1917, final remittance, £136/10/3; payment on account of Rabbit Day, £5/3; Armidale Red Cross Society, on account French Red Cross Hospitals, £50; Armidale Red Cross Society, on account prisoners of war, £58/2/6; Tumut Red Cross Society, £25; Sir William Cooper, on account taxi money, £2/10/-; Muswellbrook Red Cross Society, £100; Moonan Flats Red Cross Society, £3/4/-; Dapto Red Cross Society, £20; spinning sales, £5/1/1; proceeds concert, Sonoma (Master Cecil Parkes), £2/3/6; Winn and Co., exchange on cheques, £5; Cryon Sports Club, £15; Tuncester Red Cross Society, £20; Knitting Book, per Miss Monie, £3/2/6; refund of petty cash, wool (Mrs. McKinnon), £2; employees Nock and Kirby, Ltd., £5/16/11; Old Linen Depot, sale of muslin, sale of cases, £4/9/6; children of Empire Bay public school, £2/0/6; Thuddungra Circle, on account hospital suite, £10/3/6; Dorrigo District Patriotic Fund, £50; spinning industry, £3/19/6; Knitting book, £2/17/6; Sweeney Bros., per Scone branch Red Cross Society, £5/5/-; Grafton branch, on account 3 beds and furnishing, Red Cross Sanitarium Wentworth Falls, £30; Mrs. A. Hordern, on account of taxi money, £2/10/-; Oaklands branch Red Cross Society, £5; Eugowra branch, £30; Guyra branch Red Cross society, £2; Rylstone Freezing Company, on account Rabbit Day, £9; Mrs. E. L. Johnson, £2; Coonamble branch Red Cross Society, £10; Mrs. Drummond, on account prisoners of war, £3/3/-; Wenz and Co., £10; Old Linen Depot, sale of rags, £4/0/6; Repton Patriotic Association, £4/16/5; Jiggi Wattle branch, on account hospitals abroad, £50; Tingha branch, on account prisoners of war, £7/10/-; Lady Fairfax, on account taxi money, £2/10/-; Wardell branch Red Cross Society, £5; Kiama branch Red Cross Society, on account hire Red Cross Society films, £2; Bosch, Barthel, and Co., £50; Websdale, Shoesmith, and Co., £5; kitchen sales, £4/19/11; Bangalow branch, on account butter kitchen, £3; collected at Anzac service held by Reverend J. J. Rapkins, in Presbyterian Church, £3/3/6; Hugh Roxburgh, £5; Anon, £10; Winn and Co., Exchange cheques, £2; cash and credit sales material, £513/6/4; Red Cross Record, per Miss Monie, £12/10/6; badges, £4/13/1; tobacco, per Miss Higman, £24/9/6; toy sales, £16/11/9; Chas. E. Hood, for French Red Cross, £5; for British Red Cross £5, for Belgian Red Cross, £5, for general £5; sock measure, per Miss Monie, £3/6/-; Red Cross kitchen sales, £4/2/4; ditto; ditto, £5/17/8; Lake Cowal branch Red Cross Society, £50; Bulli branch Red Cross Society, £9; sale of papers, Book Depot, £8/14/6; Red Cross Knitting Book, £5/0/8; Spinning Industry, £22/18/7; Pambula branch Red Cross Society, on account field ambulance at the front, £20; Willow Tree branch, on account prisoners of war, £5; ditto, on account French Red Cross , £10; Merriwa branch, on account Fruit and Vegetable Depot, £5; ShoalHaven district, Nowra, ditto, ditto, £20; Toronto Red Cross Society, £2/2-; employees, 22 Hunter Street, on account fruit and vegetables, £3; Miss Peacock, Roycroft Library, proceeds sale of mascots (Miss Hill), £21/12/-; Burrogrins branch Red Cross Society, £12/0/6; Marie Morris, on account 3371, Private N. S. Morris, 55th Battalion, for period of two months, £3; Mrs. M. Austin, on account of No 3230, Corporal M. J. D. Austin, 55th Battalion, £4; Mrs. White on account taxi money, £5; Mrs. S. Hordern, ditto, £2/10/-; employees Lackersteen and Co., £10/16/3; Moonan Flat Red Cross branch (proceeds euchre party), £6/7/5; Shepardstown branch Red Cross Society, £10; Central Tilba Red Cross Society, £10; Nubba Patriotic Society (proceeds of gift sale and half proceeds of social), £44/12/1; members of Ocean Island Voluntary Recreation Club, (profits made on canteen of club year ended February, 1917) £10; spinning industry, £44/16/1; F.W. Learoyd, £5; Websdale, Shoosmith, Ltd., £5; Winn and Co., exchange cheques, £4; Parkes branch Red Cross Society, for prisoners of war, £25; Rous Mill-Dalwood Red Cross Society, £5; spinning sales £30/15/-; Wardell branch Red Cross Society, £10; Tilba Tilba branch Red Cross Society, £10; Winn and Co., exchange cheques, £4; cash and credit sales, material, £463/10/3; Red Cross Record, per Miss Monie, £15/13/6; badges, £19/15/9; tobacco, £4/18/-; toy sales, £237/0/4; Mrs. A. Lorner, £2/2/-; proceeds of bazaar organised by Misses Marjorie Rogers, V. Ellershaw, and Nellie Clelland, £65; Bena branch Red Cross Society, £30; Saturday voluntary workers, £2/13/6; kitchen sales, £3/13/10; do (same)., do (same)., £4/9/10; donation from the kitchen, £2/7/-; Lismore branch of Red Cross for Leura Consumptive Home, recreation room, £200; Book Depot, sale of papers, £5/9/6; Willoughby branch of Red Cross Society, for prisoners of war, £4; Bena branch Red Cross Society, for Australian hospital in France, £20; Miss M. Marr, result of child’s play and raffle of doll, £3/0/3; Bimbi branch Red Cross Society, for prisoners of war, £25; Day account, 80 per cent of wages , month of May, £105/5/7; Bungendore branch Red Cross Society, for prisoners of war, £5; Brewarrina branch Red Cross Society, £75; Department of Public Instruction, £6/13/6; employees Windy Station, £4/7/-; Allied Bazaar, Chicago, further proceeds for Australian branch, £91/5/9; Guyra branch Red Cross Society, monthly donation, £2; spinning sales, £56/6/6; Raine and Horne for William Cooper, £2/10/-; 20th Battalion Comforts Fund, for prisoners of war, £2/15/-; Old Linen Depot, sales, £4/5/11; Strand Movies, for hire of film, £10/7/-; Nowra Red Cross for film and posters, £2/4/-; Woodford Red Cross, balance of membership fees in hand, £2/1/-; Kangaroo Red Cross for endowment Mill House bed, £3; Miss Ruth White for taxi, £5; Wellington branch Red Cross Society, £9/15/10; South Bowenfels Red Cross Society, £7/9/1; Portland branch Red Cross Society, for comforts for hospitals, £10; spinning sales, £30/5/10; cash credit sales, material, £393/11/10; Red Cross Record per Miss Monie £8/18/-; badges £6/1/6; toy sales, £10/19/11; making with other amounts, a total of £185,416/16/4.

Red Cross general expenditure to June 7, £168,977/2/1.

Australia Day general expenditure to the same date, £290,350/2/5: Total £454,336/4/6.

(Note: Some of the figures in the above article are somewhat blurred, so please check this article with an original copy, using Trove or microfiche copies of this article.

The Red Cross Record was the official Red Cross magazine, containing Red Cross news and sold to help Raise money.

Toys, baskets etc., made by returned veterans were often sold via Red Cross branches and the profits returned to Red Cross funds.)

Bungendore

Red Cross Day

(The Queanbeyan Age, 9/4/1918 page 2)

Mrs. W. F. Rutledge has convened a meeting to be held in the Literary Institute on Saturday, 13th of April, to consider the best method of raising funds for the Red Cross. A large attendance is earnestly requested.

Bungendore

Red Cross Meeting

(The Queanbeyan Age 16/4/1918 page 2)

A very representative and successful Red Cross meeting, which was convened by Mrs. W. F. Rutledge of Gidleigh, was held in the School of Arts on Saturday evening. The chair was occupied by Mr. G. Curtis, J.P., who called on Mrs. Rutledge, who is a most arduous work for this Society, to explain the object. This lady made a most feeling and patriotic address. She stated that her son, Major Rutledge, who has been at the front for a considerable time, had donated £200. (Applause). Mr. F. Leahy was appointed secretary and treasurer. The following donations were then received: Mrs. Rutledge £5 (also £5/12/6) being a sum of money found in the pocket of the late Lieutenant Rutledge. Mr. Curtis £5, Miss Rutledge £3, Mr. F. Leahy £5, Mr. J. Harrison £2 and fat sheep, Mr. W. Edmonds £5, Mr. Chas Masters junior £2 and fat sheep, Mrs. Champion £1, Miss Powell £5, Mr. Curtis Masters £2/2/-; Mr. Knox £2, Mrs. J. Edmunds £1, Private Harry Edmunds £1, Mrs. Marshall £1, Mrs. Pollack £1/1/-, Mrs. J. Chinnery £1/1/-, Mrs. Kitcher £1/1/-, Miss Lundie £1/1/-, Mr. C. Masters senior £1/1/-, Mrs A. Edmunds 10/-, Mrs. Rumph 21/-.

These sums with a few other donations, totalled £254/10/-. It was decided to hold a social on the 3rd May and the sale of gifts the following day. Miss Nellie Edmunds and Miss Lundie were appointed to canvas the town for collections, and Miss Champion for Gidleigh; Mrs. Curtis Masters for Currandooley; Mrs. Kitcher, ; Mr. Taylor, Foxlow; Miss Barnett, ; Mrs. Donnelly, Turalla; and Mrs. Edmonds, Ingledow.

The tickets for the social were fixed at 5/- and 3/-.

A committee consisting of Messieurs Chas. Masters, W. Taylor, Curtis Masters, J. J. McJannet, J. Edmunds, T. Knox and W. Taylor was appointed to look after the sale of gifts.

I must congratulate Mrs. Rutledge on the success of the meeting. It is expected the total at the close of the proceedings will be close to £500.

Queanbeyan Dramatic Company

(Queanbeyan Age 20/5/1919 page 2)

A meeting of the above was held last night in the Council Chambers, there being a number of members present. The chair was occupied by the president, (Alderman H.T. Land).

Included in the correspondence were letters from Mr. F. Leahy, secretary of the Bungendore Red Cross, in reply to the Company’s offer to augment the funds. Also from Mr. J. C. Tickner, secretary of the Hall Returned Soldiers’ Presentation Fund, asking the company to favour Hall with a visit on the night of the sports.

The secretary was instructed to arrange with Bungendore and Hall re dates of visit.

Mr. F. Warren, secretary, explained the reason why the company had not visited Bungendore as previously arranged, mainly owing to the ‘flu scare and lack of conveyances.

The following sub-committee was appointed to deal with matters which may arise from time to time: Miss T. Oldfield, Messieurs R. Fallick, J. Moran, the president and secretary.

After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to stage “Breaking His Bonds”, also a farce entitled, “My Turn Next” for the next performance. The proceeds of the same, to be devoted towards a fund for the erection of a Memorial to our local soldiers, who had fallen in the Great War.

The meeting then terminated.

(Note: The above memorial was for a Queanbeyan Great War Memorial)

Bungendore

Tree Planting

(The Queanbeyan Age 4/7/1919 page 2)

A correspondent writes: A very nice gathering assembled at the Gidleigh homestead on Friday afternoon, the occasion being a well-devised plan by our esteemed friend, Mrs. W. F. Rutledge, with the planting of chestnut trees for each of our heroes who enlisted from Gidleigh.

I think everyone will agree with me in saying it speaks volumes for this place when you compare the population of Gidleigh with much larger centres, that 14 brave lads represented Gidleigh, while four were rejected as unfit for military service. I regret to say that three out of the number who went paid the supreme sacrifice. The trees have each a brass tablet with the soldier’s name and battalion. I think there could be no more fitting memorial for our brave boys than this, and everyone must feel very grateful to Mrs. Rutledge for her noble thought. Before the planting began, the Reverend Canon Champion said a few most touching words and remarked that the beautiful memorial would in truth keep green the memory of the men who had fought for us. The trees are flowering chestnuts, pink for the men who came back and double white for the three who died and they should do well on the alluvial flat along the main road through Gidleigh where their growth will be watched with interest.

At the head of the row is a brass plate with the inscription “Lest we forget. These trees are planted as a memorial to the men who volunteered from Gidleigh to take their part in the Great War. God gave them a hard thing to do and they did it.”

The names of the soldiers are:

Lieutenant-Colonel T. F. Rutledge

Lieutenant H. F. Rutledge (killed in action)

Sergeant A. C. Taylor

Lance-Corporal J. T. Flynn M.M.

Trooper W. J. McKay (died on Gallipoli)

Trooper J. O. McKay (killed in action)

Trooper W. J. Wark

Private E. R. Flynn

Private J. T. Flynn Private A. H. Donnelly

Private H. Harrison

Private S. McFadzean

Private W. C. Bootes

Private S. Parker

The planting was performed by Mesdames Rutledge, McKay, Owen Taylor, S. Wark, Donnelly, M. Flynn, R. Flynn, Harrison, H. Edmonds, and Miss Elma Rutledge.

When all planting was completed, the visitors, 70 in all, were kindly invited to the homestead by Mrs. Rutledge to after meeting to afternoon tea, and were nicely entertained by the hostess and her daughter, Miss Elma, who did all in their power to make everyone happy. Despite the cold, windy day, all had a most pleasant time.

At night a dance was held in the men’s hut, which was kindly lent for the occasion by Colonel Rutledge, and who regretted he could not forsake urgent business matters to be present during the afternoon. He said he was most pleased to be able to attend the dance for a time, and to have his sister with him, also Mr. Chisholm, a visitor. I am sure the station hands, who gave the dance, fully appreciate the readiness of the Rutledge family to assist in amusements for their employees. The duties of M. C. were very ably filled by Mr. J. Wark, junior. The music was supplied by M. H. Donnelly, junior, who is an expert on the violin. He was assisted by his brother Darcy. During the intervals between the dances, songs were rendered by Messieurs H. Donnelly, S. Bender, C. Lawless, G. Daniel, J. Wark and J. McKay and Mrs. M. Flynn, junior, and this lady also gave a recitation, which was much appreciated, as was also a recitation by H. Donnelly.

The supper arrangements were in the capable hands of Mrs. J. Hush, who was assisted by a willing band of workers. A most pleasing feature of the evening was a step-dance executed by the old veteran H. Donnelly.

In conclusion, I must repeat the comment on all sides “We had a good time.”

I hear that Mrs. Rutledge has received a communication from the War Office saying that Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of November 8th last, Lieutenant-Colonel Rutledge’s name had been mentioned for conspicuous services during the war, for the second time.

(Note: Gidleigh is a large rural property about 15 minutes by car on the outskirts of Bungendore. During the WW1 era, Gidleigh had its own small schoolhouse, and employed numerous people to help run this property. Today the Rutledge family no longer owns the Gidleigh property, but some Rutledge descendants still reside close to the Gidleigh estate.) Gidleigh

(From a Correspondent)

(The Goulburn Evening Penny Post 3/7/1919 page 2)

A nice gathering assembled at the Gidleigh homestead on Friday afternoon, the occasion being a well-devised plan by our esteemed friend, Mrs. W. F. Rutledge, for the planting of chestnut trees for each of our heroes who enlisted from Gidleigh. I think everyone will agree with me in saying it speaks volumes for this place when you compare the population of this place with much larger centres that 14 brave lads represented Gidleigh, while four were rejected as unfit for military service. I regret to say that three out of the number who went paid the supreme sacrifice.

The trees have each a brass tablet with the soldier’s name and battalion. I think there could be no more fitting memorial for our brave boys than this, and everyone must feel grateful to Mrs. Rutledge for her noble thought.

When all the planting was completed the visitors, 70 in all, were kindly invited to the homestead by Mrs. Rutledge to afternoon tea, and were nicely entertained by Mrs. Rutledge and her daughter, Miss Elma, who did all in their power to make everyone happy.

Despite a cold, windy day, all had a most pleasant time. At night a dance was held in the men’s hut, which was kindly lent for the occasion by Colonel Rutledge, and who regretted he could not forsake his urgent business matters to be present during the afternoon. He said he was most pleased to be able to attend the dance for a time, and to have his sister with him, also a Mr. Chisolm, a visitor.

I am sure the station hands, who gave the dance, fully appreciate the readiness of the Rutledge family to assist in amusements for their employees. The duties of M.C. were very ably filled in by Mr. J. Wark, junior.The music was supplied by Mr. H. Donnelly junior, who is an expert on the violin, He was assisted by his brother Darcy. During the intervals between the dances, songs were rendered by Messieurs H. Donnelly, S. Bender, C. Lawless, G. Daniel, J. Wark, and J. McKay; also Mrs. M. Flynn junior, and this lady also gave a recitation, which was very much appreciated, as was a recitation by H. Donnelly. The supper arrangements were in the capable hands of Mrs. J. Rush, who was assisted by a willing band of workers.

A most pleasing feature of the evening was a step-dance executed by the old veteran, H. Donnelly.

In conclusion, I must repeat the comment on all sides “We had a good time.”

The Soldiers’ Memorial Trees at Gidleigh

(The Goulburn Evening Penny Post 5/7/1919 page 4)

We have already recorded the planting at Gidleigh June 27 of a row of trees as a memorial to the men who enlisted from that station. Following are the names of the soldiers:

Lieutenant-Colonel T. F. Rutledge

Lieutenant H. F. (Pat) Rutledge (killed in action)

Sergeant A. C. Taylor

Lance Corporal J.T. Flynn (M.M)

Trooper W. J. McKay (died on Gallipoli)

Trooper J. O. McKay (killed in action)

Private E. R. Flynn

Private J. T. Flynn

Trooper W. J. Wark

Private A. H. Donnelly

Private H. Harrison

Private S. McFadzean

Private W. C. Bootes

Private S. Parker

A brass tag is attached to each tree. The trees are flowering chestnuts, pink for the men who came back, double white for the three who died, and should do well in the alluvial flat along the main road through Gidleigh, where their growth will be watched with interest.

At the head of the row is a brass plate with the inscription: “Lest we Forget” These trees are planted as a memorial to the men who volunteered from Gidleigh to take their part in the Great War. “God gave them a hard thing to do and they did it”.

We hear that Mrs. Rutledge has received a communication from the War Office saying that in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of November 8th, Lieutenant-Colonel Rutledge’s name was mentioned for conspicuous service during the war, for the second time.

(The above three photos are of what could possibly be replacement Gidleigh Memorial Trees. The original 1919 Gidleigh Memorial flowering chestnuts and their plaques, were probably lost in district floods. These trees are to be found just before the bridge before Gidleigh, on Gidleigh Lane, Bungendore.)

Bungendore

(The Queanbeyan Age, 23/7/1920 page 4)

On last Tuesday a welcome home was tended to Corporal E. Barnett, youngest son of our esteemed resident, Mr. W. Barnett, of Carwoola. This young man has been about four years at the front as an artilleryman in the 3rd Brigade and engaged in a great many battles. He was accorded a most hearty welcome. The hall was crowded. The band played several patriotic airs outside the Hall, and as the young soldier entered the building they played “See the Conquering Hero Comes.” This was accompanied by the cheering of those assembled.

The Reverend A. Champion presided, and in his welcome speech was heartily supported by Messieurs Anderson and Rumph, after which a medal was attached by the soldiers’ sister, Mrs. W. Cavanough. Corporal Barnett replied in very feeling terms to the reception accorded him, and also eulogised the Bungendore Red Cross for the comforts sent, and which were highly appreciated by the soldiers.

Dancing was indulged in until midnight, after which refreshments were served. It was announced that ere long a welcome home would be given to all returned soldiers in Bungendore.

The WW1 era Mrs. Rutledge, president of Bungendore WW1 Red Cross branch died in 1932, aged 77. She had three sons, and one daughter. One of her sons died of an accident in childhood, one was killed in WW1, and one son survived to marry.

(Her daughter-in-law, Helen, married Thomas L. F. Rutledge in 1935, and was the president of Bungendore Red Cross branch during WW2.)

During the WW1 era many of the local district veterans would have had many relatives and friends associated, either as members or helpers, with the local Bungendore Red Cross branch.

Some of the Bungendore and District veterans, who became missing in WW1, for various reasons, would have had relatives and friends that either made Red Cross Missing enquiries through the nearest Red Cross Missing branch that dealt with Missing enquiries, Yass, or possibly via Sydney.

The following Bungendore related Honour Roll and War Memorial would contain some veteran names, whose relatives and/or friends would have made enquiries about their welfare, via various Red Cross Missing agencies.

(A photo of the Bungendore and District WW1 Honour Roll, which is in the Bungendore War Memorial Hall)

(A photo of the WW1, or Pro Patria, side of the Bungendore and District War Memorial)

(A photo of the explanatory plaque, which is near the WW1 side of the Memorial.)

(A photo of those killed in action, and also the nurses, from Bungendore and District. Note: There are some mistakes on some WW1 listings, as sometimes happens on War Memorials.)

(A photo of the enlisted and returned from the WW1 Bungendore and District War Memorial)

“The Angel”

(Photo of a WW1 era magazine cover)

Bungendore

(From Our Correspondent)

(The Queanbeyan Age 19/9/1939 page 3)

Members of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society held a meeting in the School of Arts last week. There was a splendid attendance. Mrs. T. L. F. Rutledge presided.

The work of providing comforts was dealt with, and members were very enthusiastic. These goods will be forwarded to the Central Depot and from there distributed as required.

Mesdames J. Gordon, Broadbent and Robertson were appointed to purchase the necessary material, and the work of securing patterns from Red Cross Headquarters and cutting out the required garments will be carried out by the secretary, Mrs. Jamieson.

Members of the Junior Red Cross have undertaken to knit mufflers. This will be done under the supervision of Mrs. J. J. Green.

Of the £117/10/- realised and the sale of the fat bullock, donated by Colonel Rutledge, £50 will be immediately sent to Headquarters for the Relief Fund.

Bungendore

(From Our Correspondent)

Red Cross Society

(The Queanbeyan Age 16/7/1940 page 3)

The annual meeting of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society was held in the Parish Hall recently. The President, Mrs. Rutledge, occupied the chair.

The following members attended: Mesdames W. Gordon, R Faulkiner, D. Bailie, M. Edmonds, J. Donnelly, L. Harrison, M Gallagher, J. Cunningham, B. Chinnery, B. Emmett, P. Robertson, H. Harrison, H. Harriott, B. Donoghoe, S. Gallagher, G. Simpson, A. Payne, C. Taylor, S. Daniel, J. Broadbent, P. Osborne, A. S. Donnelly, Misses M. Gallagher and R. Donnelly. Apologies were received from Mesdames L. Maysteer and J. Moore.

The annual report stated that as Australia, in common with other nations, had been forced into war, this naturally had considerably increased the activities of the Red Cross Society.

Greater efforts had been made to help alleviate the suffering of the sick and wounded soldiers, homeless refugees, and other emergencies that look to the Society for assistance.

A bullock donated by Colonel T. L. F. Rutledge was auctioned and realised £117/10/-. Of this amount £50 was immediately despatched to Headquarters to be used as they thought fit.

The garden fête at “Gidleigh” was a remarkable success, a profit of £226/16/6 being made. This meant that between the outbreak of the war and November 4, 1939, the local branch had raised the amount of £344/6/6 for Red Cross purposes.

The Lady Gowrie Appeal benefited to the extent of £163/12/- as a result of the efforts of the Bungendore branch. Car stickers and buttons to the value of £3/12/- were sold locally, and Christmas Cheer to the extent of £6 was distributed.

Home nursing classes under auspices of the Society and supervised by the class secretary, Mrs. B. Donoghoe, were conducted during the year and were very well attended.

Our annual quota of £25 was supplemented by a further £50.

Membership increased from 30 to 81 members.

The effort of the branch in making up materials and knitting socks, etc. is very creditable. Parcels of goods have been despatched to the Red Cross store in Phillip Street. The total contents were as follows: fourteen sheets, 6 shirts, 49 pairs of socks, 13 mufflers (10 of which were knitted by members of the Junior Red Cross), 7 pairs of pyjamas, 5 pairs of underpants, 27 hot water bag covers, 2 patchwork rugs, 8 flannel dressing gowns.

A large quantity of comforts for Polish refugee children was made by members and despatched.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:

Patroness, Mrs. J. Gordon (re-elected);

President, Mrs. Rutledge (re-elected);

Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Broadbent, Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Osborne, Mrs. Hyles, Mrs. J. Donnelly, Mrs. Falkiner;

Honorary Treasurer: Mrs. Emmett;

Committee: Mesdames C. Taylor, J. Green, S. Gallagher, G. Simpson, B. Donoghoe, J. Cunningham, Flanagan, D. Bailie, A. Payne, W. Gordon, B. Chinnery, H. Harrison, L. Harrison, M. Edmonds, Misses M. Gallagher and R. Donnelly.

The President, Mrs. Rutledge, highly commended the work of the retiring secretary, Mrs. A. E. Jamieson.

Australian Red Cross

N.S.W Division

(The Queanbeyan Age 12/7/1941 page 4)

A report from the British Red Cross tells of the educational service and book section which provides British (including Australian) prisoners of war with text books and study courses. In one camp a “university” has been instituted with a regular time-table for lectures in mathematics, languages, agriculture, engineering, history, common law and criminal law. Attendances at lectures is regular, and the students keen.

One hundred and thirty different subjects are being studied by prisoners in German camps, and the Red Cross have supplied them with 2,867 text books. Australian Red Cross

N.S.W. Division

(The Queanbeyan Age 12/7/1941 page 4)

A house already cut and partly furnished is waiting for the lucky winner of the Red Cross Art Union. This was arranged by the committee of the Rural Queen and still has two months to run. The seller of the winning ticket will receive a delightful trousseau, or its cash equivilant. Books of tickets are available at all red Cross branches and at 117 Pitt Street, Sydney.

Red Cross Society

Bungendore branch

Annual Meeting

(The Queanbeyan Age 29/7/1941 page 2)

The Bungendore branch of the Australian Red Cross Society held its annual meeting on Tuesday, 22nd of July, 1941.

Mrs. T. Rutledge was unanimously re-elected as president, and other office-bearers elected were:

Patron: Mrs. J. Gordon.

Vice- Presidents: Mesdames J. R. Broadbent, P. Robertson, P. J. Osborne, R. Falkiner, J. Donnelly, W. Hyles.

Committee: Mesdames Green, Bailie, Paine, Taylor, M. A. Chinnery, H. Harrison, and Miss M. Gallagher.

Treasurer: Mrs. B. Emmett.

Secretary: Mrs. R. Reid.

Assistant Secretary: Mrs. Wylie.

The President, (Mrs. Rutledge), was unable to be present going to an attack of flu, but a letter from her was read exhorting all members of the branch to work harder than ever, as the call upon the services of the Red Cross would be even greater during the coming year.

The secretary then reported that the branch had just concluded a very successful year. The big Red Cross day resulted in £259/17/6 being sent to Headquarters.

A new Group scheme for collecting money for war materials was organised, and £18/8/- as so far been raised by this means.

A Listening-In Party was held by Mrs. Osborne last Melbourne Cup Day, resulting in £3.

Three street stalls at the latter end of the year raised £50/7/-.

During the year the branch sent four consignments of clothing, etc., to the York Street Depot, including 77 pairs of pyjamas, 22 dressing gowns, 5 coats, 9 knitted rugs, 15 pairs of underpants, 72 bedjackets, 31 b. p. covers, and various other articles.

(b. p. was an abbreviation for a bed pocket, perhaps a cover a for bed pan.)

Mr. Graham visited the branch in March and delivered an interesting and enlightening lecture on the work of the Australian Red Cross Society at home and abroad. Many members afterwards declared that his words had been a revelation to them as to the extent and importance of the work being done by the Society.

It was decided to extend further the Group collecting scheme with the object that everyone, even people living in more outlying parts of the district, should belong to one of these groups.

This is how the scheme has been working: Several ladies have been appointed Group leaders: each Group to raise at least 5/-. This has been very successful, some Groups bringing in much more than this amount. Mr. Masters, a generous donor, giving one guinea per month to each group in turn.

We would be very grateful if more people would join up and assist these Groups, which have taken the place of monthly street stalls.

The proceeds of these groups go alternately to Red Cross and Country Women’s Association Comforts Fund.

Red Cross Society

Year’s Work at Bungendore

(The Queanbeyan Age 24/7/1942 page 2)

At the annual meeting of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society, the annual report and balance sheet, showed a most satisfactory year’s work.

Secretary’s Report

Mrs. B. F. Emmett, honorary secretary, presented the following report for the year 1941-42.

I have pleasure in submitting herewith a report of the activities of our Red Cross branch to the end of the financial year.

The past year has been a successful one for the branch and it is pleasing to note that membership has increased by 13, bringing the number of members now to 57.

Receipts for the year were £435/16/2, in comparison with £362/12/6 for the preceding year. A large portion of the receipts was received from the very successful carnival held in conjunction with the local Patriotic Fund, the amount received being £259/1/3. From this amount we were pleased to forward to Red Cross Headquarters, £175, which included our yearly quota of £25.

The grip collections have grown considerably and have been a source of revenue to the funds, the total received being £54/17/3.

Various functions were held to raise funds for the very worthy cause of the Red Cross Prisoners of War Appeals and thanks are given to Mrs. Rutledge for the organisation of the Xmas party held at her home, to the shearers at “Sharrow” for the effort in holding a dance at Hoskinstown, and to the members of the branch who assisted at the sale of teas at the local sale yards and the stall held for Prisoners of War Day.

The following amounts were received from these efforts: Xmas party £19/18/-; dance £17/0/3; sale of teas £14/2/6; Prisoners of War “Day” £25/10/9. The total £76/11/6, being forwarded to Red Cross Headquarters.

The ladies of Hoskinstown kindly donated £4, being proceeds from the sale of afternoon tea at a V.D.C. parade, and other donations amounted to £8/4/9.

The branch was pleased to assist a local returned soldier to the extent of £6, and this assistance was greatly appreciated.

Christmas Cheer usually given to returned soldiers’ wives and widows was not given this year as we thought that funds were more urgently required for war purposes. Sale of tickets from the Dream Home Art Union realised £12/11/-

Proceeds from disposal of Red Cross seals by the schoolchildren amounted to £9/11/5. (Note: These seals were like stamps and could be used on the back of letters)

Salvage was collected in the town and proceeds from the sale thereof divided between the local branch of the Country Women’s Association and our branch, and £5/14/2 received.

£95/1/11 was expended on the purchase of material and wool during the year, and articles made and forwarded to Philip Street and Goulburn depots included: 120 pairs of pyjamas (27 tropical), 7 shorts, 7 bed pockets, 26 bags, 12 b. p. covers, 12 limb pillows, bundles of old linen, 1 muffler, 1 pullover, 1 cardigan, 7 boys’ pullovers, 5 jumpers for bomb victims.

A great amount of work has been done by the members and others who have assisted in making the year such a successful one, and in view of the urgent need for funds for the Red Cross to carry on the magnificent work is doing, I am certain that the members of this branch will continue to give their whole-hearted support in the coming year.

Election of Officers.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

Patroness: Mrs. J. Gordon.

President: Mrs.T. F. Rutledge.

Treasurer: Mrs. D. R. Bailie.

Secretary: Mrs. B. F. Emmett.

Bungendore

Red Cross branch

Officebearers Elected

(The Queanbeyan Age 17/8/1943 page 3)

At the annual meeting of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society, held on Thursday, July 22, office bearers were elected as follows:

Patroness: Mrs. J. Gordon.

President: Mrs. T. F. Rutledge.

Vice-Presidents: Mesdames Robertson, Osborne, Broadbent, Braund, Hyles, and Donnelly.

Honorary Secretary: Mrs. B. F. Emmett

Honorary Treasurer: Mrs. D. R. Bailie

Auditor: Mr. D. Lamb

The honorary Secretary, Mrs. Emmett, submitted the following:

Annual Report

I have pleasure in submitting a report of the activities of our Red Cross branch to the end of the financial year ended 30-6-1943.

Although our membership is smaller than that of last year, 24 in comparison with 57 members, this year has been one of the most successful since the branch has been functioning, receipts for the year being, £1,085 in comparison with last year’s £435.

A large proportion of the monies raised was received from our effort in the “Miss Red Cross Competition” realising the very satisfactory total of £642. A report has been made on this effort so there is no necessity to itemize individual efforts. The money was raised by every conceivable means and the amount of work and enthusiasm displayed by members and others is to be commended. £642 was sent to Red Cross Headquarters for general funds and was in connection with Red Cross Day in November, 1942.

Our monthly Group Collections have increased this year to £65, last year totalling £54. Our monthly Street Stalls have been very successful for Prisoners of War and of the total of £374 remitted to P.O.W. Headquarters, £256 has been raised from stalls. Bungendore and District War Comforts and Patriotic Fund donated £75 to P.O.W. ., and C.W.A. Comforts Fund £20. This total means that we actually support 7 Prisoners of War per week.

Hoskinstown and Rossi people have helped our branch tremendously, assisting in sewing, knitting, supported our candidate in the “Miss Red Cross Competition”, and assisted general funds and P.O.W. to the extent of £22/12/3, results of a sports meeting and dance.

June 28th, 1943, “Red Cross Day”, resulted in £71 general funds sent to Headquarters, this amount included street stall £30, donation Mrs. Rutledge, auction of Bullock £21/10/- and £9/12/3 raised by Hoskinstown-Rossi dance.

The sum of £12 odd was expended on materials and the following articles were forwarded to Phillip Street Depot: 11 flannelette shirts, 5 pairs of flannelette pyjamas, 6 helpers shirts, 6 many-tailed bandages, 15 bed pockets, 3 limb pillows, 9 long-sleeved pullovers (knitted).

Owing to rationing of materials and wool our sewing and knitting are not up to last year’s standard.

Salvage was collected in the town and our branch received £2/2/6 half proceeds of sale, the local CWA branch receiving a similar amount.

A great amount of work has been done by members and others who have assisted in making the year such a successful one and in view of the urgent need of funds for the Red Cross and to carry on the magnificent work is doing, I am certain that the members of the branch will continue to give their wholehearted support in the coming year.

Credited to the branch quota is the sum of £33/7/7; this resulted from the sale of various pieces of china donated “by our President” to the appeal for “China and Glass Sale.”

Red Cross Society

Bungendore branch

Annual Meeting

(The Queanbeyan Age 28/7/1944 page 2)

At the annual meeting of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society the secretary presented the following report:

I have pleasure in submitting herewith a report of the activities of the branch to the end of the financial year. This year our membership has increased slightly, 28 in comparison with last year’s 24.

Although this year is not up to last year’s financial standard the result has been more than satisfactory, as last year was the most successful are branch has ever known and included a big effort in the “Miss Red Cross” competition.

Total receipts for the year were £1,077/12/2, last year £1,185/12/2. I do not think there is need to feel disappointed with our effort this year. Group collections amounted to £61/9/- a slight decrease on that of the previous year, £65/16/1. Our monthly street stalls have been very successful for Prisoner of War Funds, total receipts for P.O.W. Funds being £455/9/0 in comparison with last year’s figures, £374/11/9, an increase of £80/17/3. Our afternoon teas at the sale yards have been most successful, and are a marvellous source of income, usually averaging from £6 to £7, with very little effort.

We are indebted to Mr. Scott for providing us with a very nice hut at the sale yards, and also to Colonel Rutledge and Mr. Masters for various improvements, and to Messieurs Hopkins, Daniel and McKie for erecting same, and also to Mrs. Kennedy, who kindly allowed the hut to be erected on her property.

Bungendore Comforts’ Fund and Country Women’s Association have made donations to P.O.W. Fund of £52 and £84 respectively.

Hoskinstown and Rossi people have helped the branch tremendously, both general funds and P.O.W. efforts. A special dance with donations, realising £13/12/4 for P.O.W., and half proceeds of the sports’ carnival and dance, to general funds, which realised £25/13/6.

“Red Cross Day” in December realised £52, this included a street stall and afternoon tea at the sale yards. “Red Cross Day” in June was our biggest effort of the year, a sports’ carnival and rodeo and a Red Cross Ball realising the large amount of £403/9/8. £70 was forwarded to Headquarters for general funds. £15/3/8 was expended on materials in the following articles were forwarded to Phillip Street Depot: 12 pairs of flannelette pyjamas, 23 b. p. covers, 1 long-sleeved pullover. Owing to rationing of materials and wool we have been unable to maintain our usual standard of knitting and sewing.

£3/6/- was received from the sale of salvage; £11/5/- was credited to our branch for the sale of Xmas cards and calendars; £2 was sent to special Xmas Cheer Fund.

A great amount of work has been done by members and others who have assisted in making the year a very successful one. The Red Cross needs funds just as urgently now as it has done throughout the five years of war, and I feel sure that one and all will continue to support our branch as loyally as in the past.

Bungendore

(The Queanbeyan Age 13/7/1945 page 2)

At the annual meeting of the Bungendore branch of the Red Cross Society, the Honorable Secretary, Mrs. Harrison, submitted the following report covering activities of the past financial year:

Membership now stands at 108.

Although not up to the financial standard of the previous year, the position is considered quite satisfactory. Total receipts for the year were, General Fund £338/9/9; Prisoners of War Fund £235/18/1.

Group collections amounted to £36/4/-, a drop of about £25.

Our street stalls have been very successful, total receipts being £202/6/1. Prisoners of War Fund has been closed and stalls in future will be held for Red Cross General Funds.

Afternoon teas at the sale yards are very successful, and are marvellous source of income, £97/17/5 being raised for the year.

Office bearers for the year were elected as follows:

President: Mrs. Rutledge.

Treasurer: Mrs. Lamb.

Secretary: Mrs. Harrison.

(Note: There was no Queanbeyan Age Bungendore Red Cross 1946 Annual Report published in the Queanbeyan Age newspaper)

During the WW2 era, many families and veteran friends would have either joined, or assisted Bungendore Red Cross and the following Honour Roll and War Memorial would contain names of some of the district veterans whose families and/or friends made enquiries about their missing veterans in WW2.

(A photo of a combined Bungendore Honour Roll for WW2, Korea and Vietnam that is in the Bungendore Memorial Hall)

(A photo of the WW2/Vietnam/Korea and later War section of the Bungendore and District War Memorial)

(A photo of the explanatory plaque for the Their Service - Our Heritage side of the memorial)

(A photo of the WW2 section of the Bungendore and District War Memorial)

References and Notes:

The National Library of Australia, its Trove search facility, and NLA microfiche copies of old Australian newspapers .

The Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 1914,1917, and 1919.

Copies of WW1,and WW2 era Queanbeyan Age newspapers.

The Sydney Morning Herald,1917 newspapers.

Some of my Bungendore District photos of Gidleigh, Bungendore Honour Rolls, War memorials etc.

Other Bungendore war related memorials, such as those at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Bungendore, and other regionally related war memorials, such as Carwoola, Queanbeyan, Braidwood etc., are to be found on the online site : register of war memorials in NSW.

The WW2 Queanbeyan Age newspapers have not yet been digitised, so if you need to check any WW2 entries you will need to consult microfiche copies of the Queanbeyan Age WW2 newspapers, which should be found in any larger Australian libraries.

There will be mistakes in transcribing efforts, so if in doubt, please consult with the original newspaper articles that have been either digitised, or are available as microfiche copies.