A Mayoress's Work and a Mother's Grief

Jane served as President of the Lady Liverpool Fund which collected money and “comforts” such as home-sewn shirts and knitted socks for the men at the front. Jane’s sons Percy and Sidney joined the war effort.

Like many Canterbury mothers, she kept in touch by writing letters and eagerly waited for news back from them. For their contributions to fundraising, Henry and Jane were both awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1918.

Percy’s Story

Percy Holland volunteered in August 1915, leaving behind his girlfriend Maud Stringer.

As he prepared to depart for the front, he wrote to his mother asking her to help Maud purchase an engagement ring. When he left New Zealand 2 days later, the couple were engaged. He survived fighting in Gallipoli but was tragically killed by gas poisoning in France in 1917.

Percy Holland

Sidney’s Story

Before the War, Sidney Holland had been a member of the Territorial Force and enlisted as an officer. He sent the cable to his parents reporting the devastating news of his brother Percy’s death.

Shortly afterwards, Sidney was hospitalised with pleurisy and sent home to New Zealand, where one of his lungs was removed. He went on to lead a successful life, marrying Florence Beatrice Drayton in 1920 and serving three terms as Prime Minister between 1950 and 1957.

Sidney Holland

This online exhibition is representative of Canterbury and World War One: Lives Lost Lives Changed, a temporary exhibition which ran from 30 November 2017 to 11 November 2018 at Canterbury Museum.

A Mayoress's Work and a Mother's Grief

Percy’s Story

Sidney’s Story

On the Eve of War

Going to War

The War Away

The War at Home

Illness, Injury and Death

Lives Changed

Reflections

Roll of Honour

A Mayoress's Work and a Mother's Grief

Percy’s Story

Sidney’s Story

Share A Mayoress's Work and a Mother's Grief