World War I

Red Cross Ideological and Service Map, 1941. Although printed in 1941 this stylised map shows the fundamental ideology of the Red Cross as well as the services it provided. This helps to understand the Red Cross’ role in Queensland during  World War I as it shows the underlying ideology of generosity and mercy which were clearly demonstrated by members of the Queensland district branches during the World War I. The Geneva Convention is the trunk and commencement point from which the key services of the society branch out. In the early years of the war the Queensland division of the Red Cross focused upon stores and equipment for field hospitals and comfort parcels for soldiers at the front as listed upon one branch. Local convalescent homes became increasingly important as did methods of rehabilitation as wounded soldiers returned to Queensland. As the war waged on, the welfare of prisoners of war became increasingly important also. From Joan Lindsay, The story of the Red Cross, Melbourne: Australian Red Cross Society, 1941.