Hannah Wootton, a young Dunedin woman, became involved in the Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association after the First World War broke out in 1914. Throughout the war years she canvassed the local community for funds in support of Belgium. Sadly her health soon deteriorated and in September 1918, following a long illness, Hannah died from tuberculosis. In 1920, Hannah was posthumously awarded the Médaille de la Reine Elisabeth (Queen Elisabeth Medal) for her fundraising efforts in aid of Belgium. Her mother received the award on her behalf.
Family information
Parents: John Wootton and Hannah Wootton (née Evans)
Born: 1891
Died: 10 September 1918, aged 27 years
Buried: Southern Cemetery, Dunedin
Obituary/death notice:
WOOTTON – On September 10, 1918, at Palmerston South, after a long and painful illness, Hannah Ruby, dearly beloved third eldest daughter of John and Hannah Wootton, of 65 Queen’s drive, Musselbrugh, Dunedin; aged 27 years. Deeply mourned. Sydney and Home papers please copy.
'Deaths', Otago Daily Times, 11 September 1918, p. 4
Selected sources
'The Otago Patriotic Fund', Otago Daily Times, 15 May 1915, p. 12
'The War', Otago Daily Times, 8 July 1915, p. 6
'The Otago Patriotic Fund', Otago Daily Times, 12 February 1916, p. 7
'The Otago Patriotic Fund', Otago Witness, 26 April 1916, p. 27
'The Otago Patriotic Fund', Otago Daily Times, 8 May 1916, p. 2
'Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association', Evening Star, 16 June 1916, p.
'Belgian Awards for Dunedin Women', Otago Daily Times, 5 January 1920, p. 6
Community contributions