Historian Alan Clark has released a new book sharing how the outbreak started, where people were treated, who the nurses were who cared for them, and the stories of those who died.

With no Shoalhaven Hospital at the time, last week we shared how Nowra Public School to be the temporary hospital.

Now, we share how the Red Cross and doctors worked to treat patients.

Five local deaths happened before the hospital could be opened in 1919 but all was in place by Monday, June 30, 1919.

Mayor Holloway was among those who assisted the Red Cross members in preparing a wing of Nowra Public School, comprising two wards. Nurses were accommodated in the Church of England Hall across the road.

The first patients came from Numbaa - Mrs Alice Watson and daughter Margaret. The next day she was joined by one of her sons.

The driving forces behind the Red Cross efforts was its president, 45-year-old Gertrude Roberts.

Gerry Kvarnstrom was appointed as orderly. He'd recently returned from service in the Great War.

Additional nurses were sought, with concern that some of the staff had become patients, including Nurse Williams and volunteers Miss Emma Bice and Mrs Clara Ison. When admitted, Mrs Ison had been considered a hopeless case, but two nurses were assigned to her and she recovered.

On July 23 it was reported that the hospital had 14 patients, which was taxing the accommodation and nursing staff. Red Cross had become short on funds, but there was immediate support and when the first lot of donations was published, it totalled more than 35 pounds ($63).

By the end of the month, the epidemic was on the wane and the temporary hospital was left with three patients, cared for by one day and one night nurse.

The hospital was closed but some nurses were kept to deal with any fresh cases. Within days it was business as usual at Nowra Superior Public School, with classes resumed on August 4.

Next week we'll introduce some of the local residents who died in the outbreak.