Sydney, NSW. November 1941. Group portrait of members of the first VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) contingent to travel overseas. The women are assembled on the boat deck of the Queen Mary, the troopship which carried them over to the Middle East. Two lifeboats are at rear on the edge of the deck. Known to be in this group are: Edna Bland, Joan Bryce, Yvonne Levy (Victorian Camp Commandant), Marjorie Brown (South Australian Camp Commandant), Marjorie Davis, Bertha Meggs, Lesley Long, Rae Batt, Molly Johns, Molly Oliver, Beryl Follows, Nan Liston, Ann Scots Girving, Elsie Paton, Gladys Battye, Molly Hales, Sheila Lennox-Biggar, NX76505 Alice Burns, Alwyn Smith, Edna Helliwell, Marie Robinson, Joan Petts, Joan Whittington, Dr Piper, Joan Shelaugh, Amber Bushell. (Donor A. Penman)