- Entry type: Person
- Entry ID: IMP0188
Barr Smith, Mary (Molly) Isobel
- CBE
- Maiden name Mitchell, Molly
- Born 2 December, 1863, Ayrshire Scotland
- Died 16 June, 1941
- Occupation Philanthropist
Summary
On 4 October 1918 Molly Barr Smith was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil) for services to the Red Cross in South Australia during the war.
Details
On 5 May 1886 Molly Mitchell married Thomas Elder Barr Smith (1863-1941). The pair had six children. A company director and pastoralist, Thomas Elder Smith followed the philanthropic tradition of his father, Robert Barr Smith, and his uncle, Sir Thomas Elder. From the beginning of World War I Molly Barr Smith was an executive member of the South Australian branch of the British Red Cross Society. She was also chairman of the buying committee and co-ordinated the Red Cross Sock Club. On 4 October 1918, she was appointed C.B.E. (Civil) for services to the Red Cross in South Australia during the war. She died on the 16 June 1941, and is buried in Mitcham cemetery.
Digital resources
- Title: Mrs T E Barr Smith CBE
- Type: Image
- Description: Studio portrait of Mrs T.E. Barr Smith CBE, a member of the executive of the South Australian branch of the British Red Cross Society from the beginning of the war and also chairman of the buying committee. Her own private enterprise was the Red Cross Sock Club, which she started in 1915-05. During the war Mrs Barr Smith sent over 128,000 pairs of socks and over 16,000 woollens direct to the commanding officer of each Australian battalion, and she has a whole cupboard full of thanks from the men. She personally imported most of the wool and supplied it gratis to those who were willing to knit socks but could not afford to purchase it. Mrs Barr Smith was also the only woman on the committee of the Red Cross rest room for soldiers at the Queen's Hall. She paid innumerable visits to the Red Cross military hospitals, and her wonderfully fine record of war work gained for her the distinction of being the only woman in South Australia who received the order of CBE.
- Date: 3 May, 2023
Published resources
- Book
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Resource Section
- Smith, Tom Elder Barr (1863 - 1941), Linn, R W, 2006, http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A110683b.htm
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Site Exhibition
- Faith, Hope and Charity Australian Women and Imperial Honours: 1901-1989, Australian Women's Archives Project, 2003, http://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib/honours/honours.html
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Resource
- Trove: Barr Smith, Mary (1863-1941), http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-755092