In 1916 Sabina Dillon of Naracoorte, wrote two letters to the South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau asking for information about her son, Private Michael Dillon of the 32^nd Battalion, reported missing in July of that year.

In her October 29^th letter Mrs Dillon writes: Do you know any one of that Battalion who have returned? Perhaps I might be able to hear of him somehow like that. If I could only get the ad[d]ress of some one who might know him. The suspense is unbearable. I wish you could find some trace somehow from the military for me they might let you know definitely where we can’t hear. I will pay you for any trouble if you will only try for me.

Over one year later the Bureau was able to confirm to Mrs Dillon that her son had died 20^th July, 1916.

During WWI, every state had a Red Cross Information Bureau to co-ordinate enquiries from families and friends regarding the tracing of wounded and missing soldiers and nurses.
The correspondence includes eyewitness accounts, accounts of burial, hospitalisation, letters to and from military offices, and replies to the original enquirer. The SA Bureau held a unique distinction of being known for not ‘toning down’ the details divulged, allowing the disturbing realities of trench warfare to be exposed.

The State Library has made this unique resource, of 8033 ‘packets’ available online.
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The South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau records have been digitised in accordance with the State Library of South Australia's Copyright Risk Management Framework. The copyright status and copyright holders for personal letters are undetermined.

The work's appearance on this website is not a guarantee that it can be used for any other purpose.

The State Library of South Australia acknowledges the permission of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Red Cross to digitise and publish these records.