Death of soldiers on the battlefield is an expected part of war, yet the death of Australian Army recruits in training in 1915 sent a shock across the country, sparking public outcry and a Royal Commission. The abysmal conditions at the Liverpool Field Hospital were first recognised by volunteers from the newly formed Red Cross. Military authorities were overwhelmed by the conditions at the Liverpool Military Camp, and failed to cope after the outbreak of war. After a local Member of Parliament raised the issue in Federal Parliament, a Royal Commission was called to investigate the conditions at the camp. Join historian Ian Willis as he shares the story of the Liverpool Field Hospital, and examines the interactions between military personnel and the Red Cross.
Dr Ian Willis is an honorary fellow at the University of Wollongong, and a member of a number of professional historical organisations. He has a particular interest in local studies and the war at home.
When: Monday 3 September 2018, 11:00am
Where: Nowra Library, 10 Berry Street, Nowra
Cost: Free – book online
Contact: derrilin.marshall@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au, 02 4429 3713
Hosted by Shoalhaven Libraries
Proudly presented as part of the History Council of NSW’s Speaker Connect program for History Week 2018, supported by Create NSW.
Image: Australian Light Horse Liverpool Military Camp, 1917, image courtesy Shellharbour Libraries
