Museum Metadata Exchange

Names

Name PrimaryOlive King collection

IDs

ID Localnma-collection-150

ID Urihttp://www.nma.gov.au/collections-search/results?search=adv&ref=coll&collname=Olive+King+collection

Descriptions

Brief DescriptionThe Olive King collection consists of ten commemorative medallions and plaques covering themes related to the First World War in Europe, including items produced as propaganda and to inspire patriotism. The collection also contains three Australian commemorative medallions.

Full DescriptionKing was born into a wealthy family in Sydney, and decided to become an ambulance driver when war broke out while she was visiting her sister in England. She bought a French Alda truck which she had converted into an ambulance capable of seating 16 patients, and worked with the Allied Field Ambulance Corps in Belgium before joining the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service. After six months in France she spent the next five years in Serbia travelling to the front, transporting men, recovering wounded and establishing Australian Serbian Canteens to support displaced Serbian families and soldiers. She was awarded the Serbian Silver Medal for Bravery, the Gold Medal for Zealous Conduct, the Samaritan Cross and the Cross of the Order of St Sava

SignificanceThis collection relates directly to Olive King's work as an ambulance driver during the First World War. . The commemorative medallions in this collection illustrate King's war-time work and her interest in and commitment to the causes for which she was fighting.

RightsCopyright National Museum of Australia

AccessPhysical access to the collection by appointment only

Related Collections

Dates

Date Record Updated2012-05-30 23:43

Date Created in MME2011-06-27 10:42