From Swords to Ploughshares: Townsville men and women who served their community in war and peace

Anzac Day procession, Flinders Street, Townsville, 1922. The standard bearer, carrying the Union Jack and leading the procession is Sergeant H. Thorley. Photo: City Libraries Townsville Local History Collection.

November 11, 2018 marks the centenary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. Reflecting on this anniversary provides us with a unique opportunity to consider the connections between war and peace. People who volunteered to serve during World War I left lives behind: some of those who returned built military careers, some continued to use and develop their professional skills, while other set about contributing to the civic and recreational life of their communities.

This exhibition developed by James Cook University, commemorates the contributions of Townsville’s service men and women to the creation of peace and a flourishing community in Townsville. ‘From Swords to Ploughshares’ seeks to explore the stories of those who returned from military service and resumed their civilian lives, and recognises the roles they have played in developing their town, region, and country; along with their contribution to a lasting peace.

Postcard of the 7^thField Ambulance in France, 1917. Photo: Private Collection

Some of the original items and materials discovered by the project research team will be on display across three Townsville locations – the Flinders Street branch of City Libraries and the James Cook University Eddie Koiki Mabo Library from 1 November to 30 November 2018; to be followed by a display at the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

Discover more about the findings of the project by following a series of blog posts via the JCU Library News Blog under the series name “From Swords to Ploughshares”. Follow the posts, read more, and see some of the exciting discoveries unearthed by the research team.

Townsville nurse, Sister Blanche Geary, is pictured second from left, sailing on the Suez Canal. Photo: Australian War Memorial

Acknowledgements: This project has been funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs through the Armistice Centenary Grants Program in the federal electorate of Herbert. It has also received support from JCU Library Special Collections, Townsville City Council City Libraries, and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Additional support from the Army Museum North Queensland, Townsville RSL Library, Townsville Museum and Historical Society, 1RAR Museum, and the Maritime Museum of Townsville, is also gratefully acknowledged.

Project Team: