We are continuing to add digitised content to our catalogue relating to the First World War for you to explore. The three items highlighted in this post show the importance of food and supplies to the war effort, not just the men.

The following three telegrams are now available

1. Telegram from the Agent-General London requesting that the Queensland Patriotic Fund Committee send such articles as jams, preserved fruits, honey, golden syrup and butter in preference to tinned beef, 23 July 1915 – 26 July 1915 (Digital Image ID 25105)

This telegram, like many of the communications with London at the time, is in code and the translation is provided

2. Telegram contained in correspondence regarding the Queensland Patriotic Fund making a donation to the Belgium Relief Fund, 11 September 1914 (Digital Image ID 24555)

3. Telegram to Mr Denham, Premier of Queensland from Biboohra Meat Export Company Limited, offering to donate one hundred fifty cases each containing two dozen Ox tongues as war relief, 12 September 1914 – 6 October 1914 (Digital Image ID 24562)

Accompanying this telegram is further correspondence relating to this generous donation.  The donation from the Biboohra Meat Export Company Limited in Cairns was provided through the Queensland Patriotic Fund and was to be distributed to either the “British Belgic forces or in relief of distress in Mother country”.