Links across the world: World War I French soldiers and Melbourne's 'Busy Bees'. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nettelbeck, Colin; Georgelin, Pauline
• Is Part Of: History Australia. Volume 15:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 657
• Page End: 673
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: First World War -- French–Australian relations -- French Red Cross -- Busy Bees -- Australian Red Cross; Australia -- History -- Periodicals; Australia; History; Periodicals; 905
• DOI: 10.1080/14490854.2018.1514980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1449-0854

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores a largely ignored aspect of French–Australian relations during the First World War, namely the provision by the Australian civilian public of large-scale support to the French war effort. Framing the work of local benevolent groups within the larger context of aid organisations such as the French and British Red Cross and their Australian branches, we draw on previously unpublished sources from the University of Melbourne Archives to demonstrate the importance of personal networks and connections in the France-focused activities and to probe how and to what extent they affected the longer-term relationship between the two countries.