Mary Chomley

Mary Elizabeth Maude Chomley (29 July 1871 – 21 July 1960) was a charity worker, arts patron and feminist. She was secretary of the Prisoners of War branch of the Australian Red Cross based in London during World War I. She coordinated a team of volunteers who facilitated communication with Australian prisoners of war, and their families back home. The prisoners referred to her as an 'angel' and considered her a lifeline providing them with the essential material aid, and communication required to survive.

Early life Chomley was born in Riddell's Creek to Juliana Charlotte Chomley née Hogg, and Arthur Wolfe Chomley a barrister and judge of the County Court and the Supreme Court of Victoria, who was the younger half brother of Francis Chomley. She had eight siblings, two of whom died in infancy. The family lived at the property Dromkeen homestead which her father named after his mother's home in Ireland.

She was the first cousin of Charles Henry Chomley. She was the founder of the Victorian Arts and Crafts Society. From 1909 until 1914, she was the foundation state secretary of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship, and she remained a member of the organisation until her death.

Chomley travelled to London in June 1914, and was prevented from returning due to the outbreak of war. In this role she coordinated a team of volunteers based in the British War Office, working in collaboration with the International Red Cross, the Central Prisoners of War Committee, the Bureau de Secours aux Prisonniers de Guerre, and other international organisations at Geneva, The Hague, and elsewhere.