Charles Huxtable facts for kids

Charles Reginald Ralston Huxtable was an Australian doctor who lived from 1891 to 1980. He was a brave medical officer who helped soldiers during both World War I and World War II. He even wrote a book about his amazing experiences called From the Somme to Singapore.

A Life of Service

Doctor in Two World Wars

Charles Huxtable became a doctor in the army in April 1915. He served with the Royal Army Medical Corps. During World War I, he was a medical officer with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was very brave and received the Military Cross twice for his actions. He left the army as a Captain in April 1918.

Years later, during World War II, he was captured by the Japanese in Singapore. He became a prisoner of war and was held in Changi Prison.

Helping Outback Kids

After the wars, Dr. Huxtable worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. He was based in Broken Hill, Australia. He noticed that many children in remote areas were not going to school. They had very little contact with other kids. At that time, the government only offered them lessons by mail.

Dr. Huxtable was determined to help these children. In 1965, he started the Bush Children’s Education Foundation. He worked with important people like Sir Leslie Herron to set up this foundation.

The Foundation's Goal

The Foundation's main goal was to help isolated children. It provided money for them to live at special hostels. These hostels were built so children could attend a country school. One of the first hostels was the Tibooburra Hostel. Other similar places were set up in the far west of New South Wales.

The Foundation asked for donations from people and companies. This money helped pay for children to stay at these hostels. It meant kids from remote areas could get a proper education.

Who the Foundation Helped

In the early days, the Foundation helped children from many different families. These included farmers, station hands, and even kangaroo shooters. They also helped children of miners, nurses, and small business owners. Today, the Foundation still helps children from similar backgrounds. They also help kids whose parents work in parks and wildlife.

The Foundation was also ahead of its time. It strongly supported Indigenous families applying for help. This included descendants of the Wadikali and Karengappa people. These are original tribal groups from the north west of New South Wales. The Foundation continues to encourage all families to apply for support.

Publications

Dr. Charles Huxtable wrote a book about his life. It is called From the Somme to Singapore: A Medical Officer in Two World Wars. It was published in 1987. ISBN: 0-86417-745-3