History

 The St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia

The Historical Society is open to all members and friends of St John Ambulance who are interested in learning more about the long history of the Order of St John. Founded in 2001, the Society grew from an earlier informal Priory History Group that began meeting in 1999. The Historical Society is a federal body with State and Territory branches. The national Society meets annually in conjunction with the National Conventions of St John Ambulance Australia. Each of its gatherings includes an annual general meeting and a history seminar at which various members present papers based on their historical research.

The Society's principal officers are:
Patron: Professor Villis Marshall
President: Dr Allan Mawdsley
Secretary: Mr James Cheshire
Treasurer: Mr James Byrne

 Publications

The Society publishes a quarterly newsletter, Pro Utilitate, and a high-quality annual journal St John History. Members receive both publications free. The St John History journal, Volumes 1–12 are available online.

St John Ambulance South Australia has recently published Understanding the Most Venerable Order of St John and the Order's relationship to St John Ambulance Volunteers. Available only online, this succinct and informative work was written by Brian Fotheringham AM, KStJ, former Priory Librarian. To read online or download, click here. It will soon also be available via the South Australian website.

Membership

Membership is for a calendar year. Subscriptions rates for 2013 are:
Individual membership: $20 (within Australia) and ₤15 (UK)
Family membership: $30 for two family members, $35 for three or more
Group membership: $30.

Further information about the Historical Society is available from the Editor, Dr Ian Howie-Willis: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Anyone interested in joining the Historical Society should contact the relevant State or Territory membership officer, below:

In the Nineteenth Century a group of citizens revived the Order of St John in England, drawing their inspiration from the example of the Knights of St John who in medieval times, offered care and shelter for pilgrims and crusaders. St John Ambulance was subsequently formed to put its humanitarian ideals into practice in the new industrial society, promoting the cause of first aid for the sick and wounded through volunteer effort—a novel concept at the time and a much-needed one.

The movement spread to Australia in 1883 and has since developed into the organisation that we know today. The work of the Order of St John is carried out in many countries around the world. St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry with the Queen as its Sovereign Head. A more detailed history can be found at The Order of St John website. 

The Ashford Litter the patented demountable stretcher on cartwheels, also known as 'the St John Ambulance' from which our organisation takes its name.

The Society's logo reflects its federal nature. Included on the logo are the Australian kangaroo and emu, the shield of the Australian Priory of the Most Venerable Order of St John and the armorial devices of each of the Australian States and Territories.