LADY Helen Hermoine Munro-Ferguson, GBE

LADY HELEN MUNRO-FERGUSON eldest d/o Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood (1826-1902), the Viceroy, the 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava and Harriot Georgina Rowan-Hamilton-Blackwood (1843-1936), was President and Founder of the Australian Branch of the British Red Cross Society, which she established on 13 August 1914.

During World War I the ballroom of Melbourne's Government House was given over to LADY HELEN’S work for the British Red Cross Society. LADY HELEN was no mere figurehead or patron. She created the organisation around the country and turned Government House, Melbourne, into a major Red Cross depot.

In 1918 she was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for her work during World War I. Lady Helen's contribution to Australia's war effort was immense.

Helen & her husband Ronald moved to Australia on his appointment as Governor-General in 1914. Following the end of her husband's term, on 6 October 1920, the Munro-Fergusons returned to Scotland. Lady Novar became a Justice of the Peace for County Fife and continued her public work.

Helen who, after her marriage, became Lady Novar was to be known later as Viscountess. She was interested in nursing. She helped provide Kirkcaldy with a Victoria nurse.

Helen was widowed in 1934 and died childless, in 1941. When in London the couple lived at 18 Portman Square.

LADY HELEN had 5 siblings namely; Archibald James Leofric Temple (1863-1900); Terrence John Temple (1866-1919) 2nd Marquess of Dufferin and Ava; Basil Temple (1870-1917); Victoria Alexandrina, who married PLUNKET (1873-1968) & Frederick Temple Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood (1875-1930) 3rd Marquess of Dufferin and Ava.