S1 E7: The Real Namesake of Deakin University - Vera Deakin and the Red Cross Wounded and Missing Bureau

Women of War

This week on Women of War we go all around the world with Vera Deakin (daughter of Alfred, he of the White Australia Policy) as she seeks out missing Aussie soldiers for the Red Cross Wounded and Missing Bureau, including one missing young man in particular. Featuring cameos from John Monash, Harold ‘Pompey’ Elliott, and an accidental defamation of Peter Fitzsimons (since redacted).

This episode contains descriptions of war injuries and what happened to the bodies of the dead during World War I. It also contains some coarse language. It may not be suitable for all listeners.

This podcast is recorded on Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrong Land and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Thanks to Danielle Broadhurst and Jeremy Johnston for their voice-acting contributions.

This episode was in part based on Scates, Wheatley and James’ work, World War One: A History in 100 Stories. The book Nicola discussed, Pedersen’s Anzacs: Gallipoli to the Western Front, is mostly an excellent resource for those curious about Australian military history in World War I, especially for the Sinai-Palestine campaign.

Nicola made a mistake when talking about the development of the NHS in the UK being forced by the shortness of British soldiers. Though the development of the NHS may have been driven by this, she meant to say ‘the welfare state’ of which the NHS is part. She also misspoke towards the end and said George Irwin (senior) was quartermaster of Katoomba station; he was not, he was the stationmaster. Thanks again to Dr André Brett for sharing the hot goss on train worker salaries during the war.

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this podcast however with the nature of historical research, there may be mistakes or inconsistencies.

For more information on the podcast, go to womenofwarpod.com and sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @womenofwarpod for updates, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

Sound Effects via ZapSplat.com.

Intro and Outro Music: Frosty Forest by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com