Today’s contemporary organisation is founded on a long and proud heritage which can be traced back to the days of the first Crusades when the Knights of St John, also known as Hospitallers, cared for sick and injured pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem some 900 years ago.
In the nineteenth century a group of citizens revived the Order of St John in England, drawing their inspiration from the example of the Knights. St John Ambulance was subsequently formed to put its humanitarian ideals into practice in the new industrial society, promoting the cause of first aid for the sick and wounded through volunteer effort, a novel concept at the time.
The movement spread to Australia in 1883 and has since developed into the organisation we know today. The work of the Order of St John is carried out in many countries around the world. St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry with the Queen as its Sovereign Head
To learn more about the order of St John please visit The Order of St John website.
The Order of St John
This brief publication helps distinguish between St John Ambulance and The Venerable Order of St John.
Understanding the Most Venerable Order of St John and the Order's relationship to St John Ambulance Volunteers
Historical Society, Museum and Research Centre
Our long and proud history is promoted by the St John Historical Society of SA. This group meets monthly and has established a Museum and Research Centre of St John memorabilia.
Monthly Historical Society newsletter
May 2017 Henry Robert Silvester
2014
2013
2012
2011
Click here to read all of the Historical Happenings from 2011