KITCHENER'S 100
When British Secretary for War, Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, sent out an urgent plea to Australia for 100 doctors to come to Europe, volunteers rushed to join. Many were still in their final year at university so exams were brought forward. 94% were born in Australia the others were born in New Zealand, England, Fiji. They sailed 1st Class feted as heroes but one said, "Rubbish, we went for the adventure". Five were killed and several took their own lives after the war, "if you stand next to enough blood you get bloody". Little did they expect to be shunned by their British counterparts, rather a shock after traveling so far as volunteers!
There was romance abroad... weddings and babies. Many married nurses who also served in the war. They became ancestors of a long line of doctors who still serve our community around the world. 100 young men and 100 spell-binding stories. The darkest hours bring forth the brightest achievements!
From
Lina Stunden's book "Kitcheners 100" (www.australiandoctorsww1.com)
