Lindsay Cox has been a member of the Salvation Army officer since he was 15. Since 1996, he has been employed as Museum Curator and Archivist. One of his hobbies is creating cartoons about life in the Salvos. Here are a few samples of his work....
His other hobby is writing and talking about the history of the Salvos especially their involvement during war times.
The Salvation Army has been supporting Australia's armed forces during war times for the past 100 years. In the First World War their chaplains tended to the physical and spiritual needs of diggers wherever they were. One example was the chaplain to the First Infantry Brigade, “Fighting Mac” McKenzie, who went ashore with the troops at Gallipoli. In one 3-day period, Fighting Mac conducted 647 funerals and, after one funeral service, he found three bullet-holes in his hat. He was later awarded a Military Cross for his work, an honour virtually unheard of for a military chaplain.
After Gallipoli, they were deployed to France where the famous “Hop In” sign made its first appearance, accompanied by the Red Shield symbol of service. The Hop In centres offered soldiers a cup of tea and a bit of advice or encouragement if they needed it.
As WWII commenced, the Salvation Army went to work, at home and on the battlefield offering home comforts, advice, support and spiritual assistance. The famous Salvation Army ‘Hop in’ tents and canteens were set up in training camps in Australia, in the deserts of North Africa and in the jungles of New Guinea. Where an Australian soldier, sailor or airman served, the Salvos endeavoured to be there too.
The Salvos have also been present during other times of conflict including Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East.