Jump to content
Free downloads from TNA ×
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Australian Women - who served - units & names


Indunna

Recommended Posts

Blue Birds - More info[from The British Journal of Nursing /b]

The British Journal of Nursing -Volume 57, 02nd September 1916 (p190)

The Secretary of State for the Colonies announces that, in recognition of the wonderful heroism of

the French soldiers, the New South Wales division of the Red Cross Society has arranged to place

twenty trained nurses at the disposal of the French Government. It was intended that they should be given the

Army pay from the date of embarkation, but the Australian Jocley Club has arranged to make a contribution sufficient to make up for them the full Day of staff nurses for six months. They sailed on August 4th.

The British Journal of Nursing - Volume 57, 16th September 1916 (p230 & p231)

We have often pointed out that the work of a British nurse in French militarv hospitals

under the direction of French military medical officers, and where conditions are so different to

those obtaining in English military hospitals, is one of very great difficulty and requiring the utmost skill and tact, and when it was first proposed to organize the French Flag Nursing Corps under these conditions we were told it was a hopeless task. The two years’ work of this Corps in France has anyway disproved this pessimistic view, although the difficulties remain, and it is exceedingly creditable to so many of the Sisters that they have succeeded in spite of such diffculties. ‘ Now Australia proposes to help our French Allies in the same way, and twenty nurses, a gift to the French Government from the New South Wales Branch of the Red Cross Society,

which has equipped and will maintain the nurses in France, left Australia on July 4th on the hospital ship Kanowna for Europe. The Australian Jockey Club, with truly patriotic spirit, has offered to maintain the twenty nurses for six months, a matter of 1,560 pounds The Lismore Branch of the Red Cross has given 150 pounds

The following are the nurses selected, all of whom are members of the Australasian Trained Nurses Association, and are provided with their regristration certificates and the badge of silver and dark blue enamel :

Mrs. Elsie Cook, Miss N. Weston Crommelin, Miss Lynette E. Crozier, Miss Dorothy E. Duffy,

Miss Alice F. Gray, Miss Fanny M. Harris, Miss Winifred Hough, Miss Susan Hughes, Miss Ruby Hungerford,

Miss Jessie T. Hutchinson, Miss Annie Jamieson, Miss Hilda Laxton, Mrs. Jessie McKillop, Miss Ida J. Moreton,

Miss Olive H. Norman, Miss Alice E. Robinson, Miss Grace Sheridan, Miss Lilian F. Thompson,

Miss Helen S. Wallace, and Miss Elfrida Warner,

In addition to the nurses, Miss Hamilton Moore, masseuse (a registered member of the Australian Massage

Association) , has been sent to France, and as it was impossible to secure nurses who spoke French,

Mlle. Niau accompanied the nurses to England to give them instruction on the vovage.

But the only plan by which ‘‘ grown ups ” who know not French can obtain a working use of the tongue is to study it assiduously when amongst the people, and this no doubt the Australian nurses will recognise

as a duty to their patients. A departure has been made, says the Australian Nurses’ Journal, from the well-known uniform of the nurses, with a view to doing away with the cape coats and obviating the necessity of wearing any outer coat, unless, of course, the weather should demand it. As these nurses are not permitted

to wear anything approaching the military uniform in colour, the Red Cross Society has decided on a neat dark blue uniform, consisting of a tailored Norfolk coat and skirt with a very slight piping of pale blue (the New South Wales colour) on collar and on coat-sleeve. The same colour is shown again in a hat-band on a very dark blue felt hat. A comfortable double-breasted military overcoat oi dark blue, lined with white satin, is to

be provided, and this will be worn when necessary ; but the lighter coat and skirt will really be a uniform

in itself. The indoor uniform is a pretty dark blue-striped zephyr. To the outfit given by the Society three dark blue aprons are added of the same material, for working purposes. White belts complete a very serviceable indoor uniform. The whole of the twenty nurses are delighted with the choice of uniform, commenting on its neatness and suitability. Special badges have bees designed. Over a red cross is the word " Australia," and under it the words ' New South Wales."

The British Journal of Nursing - Volume 57, 07th October 1916 (p290)

The unit of twenty Australian nurses sent as a gift for war service with the French Army from

New South Wales, left for France last week. We hope they will all be fitted in where their skill will

be really useful ; but, as they will find conditions very different to those to which they have been

accustomed, they must not be ‘‘ down-hearted ” if they find the work less exciting than they

expected. In the picture on this page they appear very happy group, taken on board the steamer

just before crossing from England.

The story goes that the New South Wales Government recently expressed their great appreciation

to France of their glorious defence of Verdun, and asked in what manner they’ could give practical

assistance to their gallant allies.

The French Governm.ent replied that they were in need of War Nurses-and so the unit of Australian

Nurses was sent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

The Australian Voluntary Hospital - known Staff - 208

Australian women known to have served with this unit - 56

Australian Men known to have served with this unit - 152

(men not listed here but please contact me if you wish to have this list of names - Jennifer )

Known Nursing Staff

Australian women known to have served with this unit - 56

Surname Christian names Rank Service Unit Notes

ANDERSON PATIENCE OUTRAM SISTER Australian Volunteer Hospital ST NAZAIRE, FRANCE "Medal card of Anderson, Patience O

Australian Voluntary Hospital

Nursing Sister

Photos in AWM -

The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914 -

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

ARMIT Bess R

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Armit, Bess R

Corps: British Red Cross Society and Order of Saint John of Jerusalem

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24

Photos in AWM"

Armitt B R

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Armitt, B R

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

Arnott

Australian Volunteer Hospital

The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914

Banaclack M

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Banaclack, M

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

BAXTER Margaret

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Baxter, Margaret

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

BAXTER MAY

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Baxter, May

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24

Photos in AWM"

Bazley

Mabel

Housekeeper

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Bazley, Mabel

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Housekeeper

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

Benallack Mary

Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

" Medal card of Benallack, Mary

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Sister

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

Blackmore

Australian Volunteer Hospital

The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 9th 1915

Bowie Helen

Nursing Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Bowie, Helen

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nursing Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

Buckham Jesse B Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Buckham, Jesse B

Queen Alexandra?s Royal Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Stationary Hospital - Nursing Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

Buclrhani J. B.

Australian Volunteer Hospital

Mentioned In Despatches - The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 15th 1916

Burns Martha Dentist & Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital "

The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914

Medal card of Burns, Martha

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Dentist

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24"

Cabriell A B

none given

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Cabriell, A B

Australian Voluntary Hospital

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24

Mentioned In Despatches - The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 15th 1916"

Cavender Ida

Wardmaid

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Cavender, Ida

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Wardmaid

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Cawood Dorothy Gwendolen

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

Bib - http://www.awm.gov.au/people/1078495.asp -

Awarded Military Medal

Cay Alice E

Voluntary Aid Detachment - Civilian

Australian Volunteer Hospital

" Medal card of Cay, Alice E

Voluntary Aid Detachment

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Civilian

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Dalgleish J M

Voluntary Aid Detachment

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Dalgleish, J M

Australian Volunteer Hospital Nursing - Voluntary Aid Detachment

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service

British Red Cross Society

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Dalyell Elizabeth Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Awarded - THE ROYAL RED CROSS.- 2nd Class - The British Journal of Nursing - Nov 22nd 1919 - DALYELL, Elizabeth Award: Royal Red Cross (2nd Class) Date granted: 16 November 1918 Citation: Australian Army Nursing Service -

Medal card of Dalyell, Elizabeth

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Sister

Australian Army Nursing Service - Charge Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Dow Mabel L

Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Dow, Mabel L

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914 "

Dowling Ruth M

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Dowling, Ruth M

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Dudley Rachel Lady

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of The Right Honourable The Countess of Dudley, Rachel

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Edwards M

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Edwards, M

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank : Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23k:

Fallon Annie

Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Fallon, Annie

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Gabriel Ada Baber

Nursing Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Gabriel, Ada Baber

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nursing Sister

General Hospital/Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

GARDEN ( married name FUSSELL ) EFFIE

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

Photos in AWM

Greaves Ida Mary Nurse & Matron

Australian Volunteer Hospital Havre

"The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914

Medal card of Greaves, Ida Mary

Australian Volunteer Hospital Havre - Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Photos in AWM"

Hankin-Hardy Hannah Jessie

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Hankin-Hardy, Hannah Jessie

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Jenkins Vauglian

Australian Volunteer Hospital

The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 9th 1915

Jenkins Mary Vaughan

Nurse Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Jenkins, Mary Vaughan

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Knowlden Ida

Ward Maid

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Knowlden, Ida

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Ward Maid

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

MACKENZIE MYRA

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Mackenzie, Myra

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Assistant Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Photos in AWM - The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 9th 1915 - The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914"

Massy Patience O H

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Massy, Patience O H

Australian Voluntary Hospital - Sister

Nursing Reserve - Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Masters Rosa Mary S

Nursing Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Masters, Rosa Mary S

British Red Cross Society

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nursing Sister

McGregor E

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of McGregor, E

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Milburn Mary Wilhelmina

Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Milburn, Mary Wilhelmina

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Sister

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Sister

Army Auxiliary Nursing Service - Sister

Australian Army Nursing Service - Sister -

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 9th 1915 "

MILES MAY

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Miles, May

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Staff Nurse

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Sister British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Photos in AWM"

Moss Fanny Millicent

Nursing Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital Paris Unit

"Medal card of Moss, Fanny Millicent

Paris Unit British Red Cross Society

and Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nursing Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Moxham M

Matron

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Moxham, M

Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nurse

Australian Unit - Matron

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Moxham F Jane

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Moxham, F Jane

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

MUNDELL E

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Mundell, E

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Photos in AWM"

RAWSON Mary

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Rawson, Mary

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Photos in AWM"

Reay C V

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/24 -

Mentioned In Despatches - The British Journal of Nursing - Jan 15th 1916 -

REAY NAN

Australian Volunteer Hospital

Photos in AWM

Robert ( nee Walter E C) Hannah

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Hannah nee Walter E C, Robert

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Robertson Minnie M A

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Robertson, Minnie M A

Australian Volunteer Hospital

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Rogers (nee J Dow ) Joan O Garland

nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Rogers nee J Dow, Joan O Garland

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Brittish JournaI of Nursing. October 3, 1914 - meantions invalided home, ( under name Dow, J )"

Rooney H

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Rooney, H

Corps: Australian Volunteer Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Saw Lily Hilda

Nursing Sister

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Saw, Lily Hilda

British Red Cross Society/Australian Volunteer Hospital - Nursing Sister

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Sutton Lillian C

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Sutton, Lillian C

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Australian Volunteer Hospital - Staff Nurse

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

Toyer Ellen Eliza

Rank: none given

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Toyer, Ellen Eliza

Corps: Australian Voluntary Hospital

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Treble Mary A

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Treble, Mary A

Corps: Australian Voluntary Hospital

Rank: Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Walter Ella L

Staff Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Walter, Ella L

Corps: Australian Voluntary Hospital

Rank: Staff Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23 -

Photos in AWM"

Ward Constance K

Nurse

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Ward, Constance K

Corps: Australian Voluntary Hospital

Rank: Nurse

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23"

Wyllie A A

SISTER

Australian Volunteer Hospital

"Medal card of Wyllie, A A

Australian Voluntary Hospital - Sister

Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve - Sister

British National Archives Medal card ref: WO 372/23

The British Journal of Nursing - Oct 3rd 1914 "

Articles from British Journal of Nursing on this unit

Volume 53, 15th August 1914 (p146) LADY DUDLEY'S FIELD HOSPITAL.

By request of Australians Lady Dudley is equipping a voluntary field service hospital, which she will organize and accompany. Dr. Douglas A. Shields, an Australian surgeon, now in London, will be in professional charge. Funds for equipment are already guaranteed by Australians, but further donations, with a view to extension and maintenance, may be sent to Lady Dudley, 7, Carlton-gardens. A provisional equipment is actually ready for service at any moment.

Volume 56, 15th January 1916 (p48) MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES.

AUSTRALIAN NURSING SERVICE, Miss A. Wyllie.

AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTARY HOSPITAL.

Miss A. B. Cabriell, Miss J. B. Buclrhani, Miss C. V. Reay.

Volume 54, 9th January 1915 (p26)

Among recent additions to the nursing staff of the Australian Voluntary Hospital near Boulogne, are Nurses Blackmore, Vauglian Jenkins and Mackenzie, of New South Wales ; and Nurse M. W. Milburn, of Victoria. This hospital is almost entirely staffed and maintained by Australians,

whose generosity has been munificent. Sir Robert Lucas Tooth subscribed 10,000 pounds at its

inception; and tragic interest is lent to this circumstance by the fact that lie has lost two sons

in the War. Many Australians are contributing 1OO pounds a month while the War lasts. The nursing

staff are all patriotic Australians, the majority trained in the best hospitals in the Commonwealth.

All overseas nurses have shown a splendid national spirit.

Volume 55, 04th September 1915 (p197)

Regarding the war, Australia has sent with her troops two complete medical units : doctors,

nurses, orderlies, dispensers, carpenters, cooks, fully equipped to accommodate 1,640 patients.

The Australian Voluntary Hospital, maintained by subscriptions from Australians, is also staffed

by Australian nurses and doctors, and a very large number of Australian nurses are also in

the service of French and English and Belgian hospitals. The government of Australia has

undertaken to send another 100 nurses for service with the Imperial Government.

Volume 53, 5th December 1914 (p451)

By the kindness of the British Australasian, we are able to publish the accompanying picture of the Australian Voluntary Hospital, which has rendered splendid service since its transference to Wimereaux, about four miles from Boulogne. The hospital, which is located at the Golf Hotel;

has a magnificent view of the English Channel, the cliffs of Dover being plainly seen on a clear day. The day after the arrival of the hospital, 170 wounded were sent in, and our contemporary says that the arrival of the Australian motor ambulances, with their freight of brave wounded

from the trains coming into Boulogne, is a sight that should make all Australians feel proud of the service their country is doing.

Volume 55, 03rd July 1915 (p14)

Other Australian nurses who have been employed in the following military hospitals

are Miss A. Garden, at the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich,

Miss Elizabeth A. Bole, Q.A.I.M.N.S. Reserve, at the Military Hospital, Wrexham, v. Wales,

Miss Janet Moxham, and Miss E. Orr, on the staff of the Australian Hospital at Boulogne,

Miss Hodge, Miss Stow, and Miss Keane at Petyood, Lincolnshire,

Miss Milk Brook, of Adelaide, Miss Beatrice McGennan, working in France,

Miss Clara and Miss Frances Mackintosh in the Military Hospital, Namanulla, Rabaul.

Volume 53, 3rd October 1914 (p264) AUSTRALIAN NURSES AT THE FRONT.

We are indebted to the courtesy of the editor of The British Autstralian the fine pictorial weekly which keeps us'in touch with the great Commonwealth, for the use of the two pictures showing

(I) The quarters of the Australian Voluntary Hospital in France at the Base, and (2) Arrival at the Hospital-Tea is coming.

To Miss Joan Dow, one of the nurses with the Australian Voluntary Hospital, who, to her bitter disappointment, has been invalided home, we are -indebted, says The British Aaistraliain, for the accompanying photographs of the hospital and its personnel.

The hospital, as we know and expected, is doing splendid service, and doctors, nurses and the harmony. Miss Dow speaks entliusiastically of the careful way in which Colonel Eames, Dr. Shields, and the other doctors look after the nurses, assisting them in every difficulty, and protecting them from possible danger. Where the hospital has been or is at present may not be stated, as the Censor dislikes geographical accuracy. It has, however, been busy at its appointed work of caring for the sick and injured wlio come in from the front, sometimes faint with hunger as well as from their wounds, but always uncomplaining and cheerful. First of all tlie hospital staff feed them, then their wounds are attended to, and afterwards, as soon as possible, they are taken to a hospital ship for conveyance to England. Their pleasure and gratitude for tlie care bestowed on them is, says Miss Dow, most touching. The soldier who is refreshed with food, given a clean pair of socks and soft slippers, after not having his heavy boots off for perhaps a fortnight, almost forgets his injuries in the delight of being washed again and for a moment at his ease.

The more the nurses and doctors see of the British Army, officers and privatcs alike, The more proud do they feel of them and the more happy in the privilege of being able to serve them. Wherever the Tomniies go they are singing. Whether it is a fresh and eager regiment just moving off, as yet untried, from the base to the front, or a group of war-worn, limping wounded back from the inferno in which they have suffered, the same fine spirit of cheerfulness prevails. The soldiers' favourite songs, says Miss Dow, are " It's a long, long way to Tipperary " and " 0h! you beautiful doll," the latter, perhaps, beating the former in popularity. Whenever the nurses heard the tramp of feet they at first ran out in the hope of seeing a British

regiment pass by. Soon they learnt that if there were no sound but that of the marching the regiment was French. The French do not sing ; it perhaps could hardly be expected of them. Thoughts of what is going on in the French. countryside, where a barbarian foe is murdering

innocent folk in the villages and destroying beautifuful towns, is not conducive to singing, unless it be singing songs of revenge, In any case, the Frenchmen go forward to the front in silence, while the British never stop singing unless it be to cheer the nurses whom they pass upon the

road.

While the work of the Australian Voluntary Hospital is appreciated in all its aspects, that done by the motor ambulance attached to it is the admiration and the envy of all the other hospital staffs at the base. The ambulance has been invaluable, and many a wounded officer and private has had cause. to thank from the bottom of his heart those who sent it out to assist the work of mercy which the Australians and a host of other British women are doing in the theatre of war. The Duchess of Albany presided at a recent meeting of the Australian Hospital at 7, Carlton Gardens, when a very satisfactory report of the work in France was received. Lady Coglilan, on behalf of New South Wales, was given a large motor ambulance. Mrs. Arthur Popplewell is still devoting herself to the interests of the hospital.

A patriotic concert, given by Madame Melba in Sydney for the benefit of the war funds, realised 1,890 pounds

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I am enjoying reading all of this great work.

I mistakenly acquired a copy of the service record of Australian Army Nursing Service Sister Alice Bull. Turned out to not be the Alice Bull I was looking for but is clearly a young lady from Australia who went to serve. If this is of any interest let me know and I'll post some particulars.

bc

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes please do post any details - Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jennifer, I couldn't see the following in your lists? Not sure if they are of interest?

Sister Maud Clow Hamilton (an Aunt) she left for service abroad but the War ended while en route. Reached South Africa when ship was recalled. Assisted in hospital set up on a beach near Fremantle WA for Spanish Influenza paitents:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.as...mp;I=1&SE=1

Sister Kathryn Annie Lowrie (a first cousin to my Gran). Saw service in Salonika:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.as...mp;I=1&SE=1

- David.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank You David for adding these two wonderful Ladies to the list

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is some information about AANS Sister Alice Bull from her service record. There are some gaps (and of course I can't read some of the writing). But it looks like this lady did some long duty aboard hospital ship, got very sick three times (including 1918 flu). I wonder what happened to her after they declared her unfit for further service?

Sister Alice Bull, Australian Army Nursing Service

Born Bairnsdale, Australia

Member of Royal Victorian Trained Nurses Society (certified general, midwifery and infections)

Enlistment date 15 July 1915

Age 36

Awarded 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

17 July 1915 Embarked in Australia 3rd Military District

24 September 1915 On staff No. 2 Hospital Ship Kanowna

29 September 1915 Granted rank of ‘sister’

5 October 1915 Sailed from Suez on HS Kanowna (disembarked Melo)

22 November 1915 On duty No. 2 Hospital Ship Kanowna

22 December 1915 On duty 2nd Military District

3 August 1916 Reported sick (Enteric). 13 months on hospital ship. Admitted into hospital as convalescent 26 August 1916.

26 August 1916 Arrived in England, contracted Enteric on voyage from Australia

8 September 1916 Medical Board Hospital for QAIMNS Vincent Sq. – Not fit for service (placed on half pay)

19 Oct 1916 Medical Board DMS, AIF ‘fit for service’ St. Albans

22 Oct 1916 Detached for duty with No. 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital Dartford

22 March 1917 Detached from No. 3 AAH proceeded overseas for duty with 2nd Australian General Hospital, France

4 July 1917 Proceeded to England for duty on Transport to Australia HS Kanowna

26 September 1917 Sailed from Sydney (arrived Avonmouth, England 28 Nov 1917)

14 December 1917 Embarked to Australia

26 February 1918 Re-embarked HS Kanowna Sydney

5 June 1918 Sailed from Sydney (arrived in Suez 17 July 1918)

30 June 1918 Embarked at Albany, HS Kanowna in addition to hospital staff embarked at Sydney

17 September 1918 Re-embarded HS Kanowna

23 October 1918 Embarked HS Kanowna Sydney

27 November 1918 Granted leave (HS Kanowna)

25 March 1919 Medical Report (Typhoid 1916, Influenza 1918) – arrived HS Kanowna

9 April 1919 Medical Board, No. 11 Australian General Hospital – Discharge from service recommended as unfit for service

1 June 1919 3rd Military District MU, AANS appointment terminated

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 weeks later...

Dear Christine

Something seems to have gone astray with your interesting list as Evelyn Morey's details appear to run into those of someone else. I have done a little research on her - you are welcome to it if you wish - but I didn't realise she had spent time in Fiji! Can you tell me more?

Regards

There were several nurses from Fiji, of Australian descent, who served in the Australian Nursing Service

1) Staff Nurse Lavinia Baillie

AANS

born Levuka, Fiji 1875

d/of Alan & Mary Ann (Tebbutt) Baillie

enlisted Fremantle, WA 12 June 1915

nok Emma Russell - sister

SERN S/NURSE

proceeded to Men’s Convalescent Depot for duty 20 November 1915

admitted Heliopolis hospital with mild influenza 14 March 1916

returned to Australia medically unfit 19 April 1916 per Demosthenes

1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

2) Staff Nurse Alice D’Arcy Bruun

AANS born Levuka, Fiji Islands 1882

nok Eric Bruun - brother

enlisted 5 May 1915 aged 33, single

trained at Melbourne Hospital

member RVTNA Anglican

SERN N/A S/NURSE

3rd Australian General Hospital, Lemnos

admitted hospital, nok informed, 21 May 1916

resigned appointment in England 31 January 1917 on account of marriage

married Musgrave 31 January 1917

returned to Australia

1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

3) Staff Nurse Evelyn Rose Morey

AANS

born Triabunna, Pembroke, TAS 2 April 1885 Labasa

trained at Lyell District Hospital –5 years

nok Mrs Ellen Morey – mother, Triabunna, TAS

sister of Wilfred Sydney Morey, AIF- KIA enlisted 17 September 1917 joined AANS 17 October 1917 aged 32

previously in AANS 4 months 23 October 1917

SERN S/Nurse

embarked AMATS Nestor 21 November 1917

disembarked Southampton 18 January 1918

staff nurse at 2nd Aust. Aux. Hospital, Southall 19 January 1918 staff nurse at 3rd Aust. Aux. Hospital Dartford 4 February 1918

staff nurse at 1st Aust Gen Hospital Sutton Veny 19 October 1919

returned to Australia 1 November 1919 per Nestor

injured knee in fall on ship Grace Darling 7 January 1920

recommended unfit for general service 26 January 1920

service terminated 25 February 1920 due to demobilisation

engaged to Capt Austin ex Rani

1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

and also Sister Gertrude Faddy in the British Red Cross

Sister Gertrude Helen Faddy

Red Cross nurse

sister of NW Faddy,FL Faddy & HS Faddy

d/of Dr William and Ruth (Johnstone) Faddy

Netley Auxiliary Hospital

served France, England

Associate to Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class

LG 24 October 1917

returned to Australia, then Fiji

Matron of Levuka Hospital

I have photos of Lavinia Baillie and Gertrude Faddy.

Christine

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mate,

I shown this lady also,

LEAKE Nellie Staff Nurse 3 AGH on Lemnos RRC 2nd class MID to 1 CCS F&B to 3 AAuxH UK,

And

KEYS Constance Mabel Sister 27 embarked with 1 LH Bde Trn 5Co AASC to 3 AGH to Head Sister 2 ACCS awarded RRC 1st and 2nd class 2xMID Medal de Epidemies (F) .

Cheers

S.B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi

I've enjoyed reading your lists - great work. Apologies that this is about 3 months too late but I've just seen something you posted in June, saying that Dr Agnes Bennett was the first woman to be commissioned captain in the RAMC.

I'm afraid the Australian DNB is wrong on that one. First of all, women doctors didn't get commissioned rank in WWI, but were only paid as equivalents. Second, Flora Murray and Louisa Garrett Anderson were awarded Major-equivalent status, probably in Feb-March 1915, when they came back to London to set up Endell Street. I don't think Agnes Bennett joined an RAMC hospital till quite a bit after that, but perhaps you have a better source than me?

You are right though - for those women drs working for the RAMC outside Endell St captain was quite a high equivalent rank. Most were paid as lieutenants. Endell St doctors did better than those in other army hospitals. Flora Murray was 'promoted' lieutenant-colonel in about 1918. The specialists (consultants) at ES were captains - about 10 or them - and the others all lieutenants.

Jennian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Here are two more Australian ladies who served in Egypt and France

EVANS, Charlotte Elizabeth AANS Born 1889 NSW. Enlisted 5 June 1917. Served in 14th Australian General Hospital, Abbassia, Egypt. Returned to Australia July 1919 on HMAT Madras. During her time in Egypt and on the return voyage, CEE collected signatures, "poems" and drawings (including one by George W Lambert, war artist) in an autograph book. This book brings to life her experiences in Egypt and on board the Madras. She died in 1963.

THOMAS, Margaret VAD Born 1881 in Victoria. Served as VAD nurse in 8 & 13 General Hospitals in France. After the war she served in the Empire Leave Club in Cologne. Returned to Australia in 1920 on RMS Ormonde. Served in WAAF in WW2. Died 1966 in Victoria. She wrote brief memoir of her war service.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
Guest Heather Sheard

Have been following this forum with great interest and hoping someone can help with information about these Australian doctors who served overseas during the war:

Grace Cordingly

Mabel Murray-Prior

Isabel Ormiston - she was born Albury 1882, graduated university Sydney 1907, Inspector of Schools in Tasmania, 1911 - , and in Cairo, 1922, but no details of her war effort.

Also found an Australian War Memorial photo (PO3644.001) of a Dr Dobson in a Cairo Military Hospital, but no details.

Cheers HeathMarg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Grace Cordingly medical practitioner unit unknown no medals found

Mabel Murray-Prior medical practitioner unit unknown Medal card of Murray-Prior, Ruth A Young Mens Christian Association

Isabel Ormiston - she was born Albury 1882, graduated university Sydney 1907, Inspector of Schools in Tasmania, 1911 - , and in Cairo, 1922, but no details of her war effort.

medical practitioner WOUNDED ALLIES’ RELIEF COMMITTEE - typhus hospital unit,

Dr. Isabel Ormiston, Medical Inspector of Schools, Tasmania - Volume 54, 12th June 1915 (p507) - Dr. Ormiston inspected all the hospital arrangements and Austrian prison camps, - Volume 54, 5th June 1915 (p486) - Volume 54, 15th May 1915 (p417) - Volume 54, 1st May 1915 (p367) The Wounded Allies' relief Committee (Sardinia House, Kingsway) is sending to Montenegro Dr. Isabel Ormiston, who for the past three years has been Chief Medical Inspector of Schools CO the Tasmanian Government.

Medal card of Ormiston, Isabel

French Red Cross

Driver

Also found an Australian War Memorial photo (PO3644.001) of a Dr Dobson in a Cairo Military Hospital, but no details.

also have no detail on her

Hope this is of some help

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Hi, My name is David Buchanan and saw your posting. I am currently researching my Great Aunt who served from 1915 - 1919 as a Staff Nurse. Currently in my possesson all her nursing certificates, Army Pay Books, passport, I.D tags and a number of photos of her with colleagues and patients-mainly Dartford 1918.

Cheers;David

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 6 months later...

Just for information, would appear that NO. 34 WELSH GENERAL HOSPITAL DEOLALI was not staffed only by ANNS members as, according to his "Particulars of Service", my grandfather, William E. Ginner, was transferred there "for duty 27.8.18" from the British R.A.M.C. before himself being admitted to hospital 14.9.18.

Regards Paul.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Paul

I think the two go side by side - the thread is about Australian women, and it's likely that all the hospitals named had a complement of male officers and orderlies as well, many of them RAMC. I think their omission was only for the sake of this particular thread, and was not meant to imply that these nurses formed the entire staff of the hospital.

Sue

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

I've read conflicting reports - is it possible for a nursing sister in AANS to work in a British hospital in France?

Thanks for any help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Anne

Some of the AANS nurses that I’ve read up on spent some time in British hospitals in France whilst stationed there.

And for a little more info on the subject, here are some extracts from ‘Guns and Brooches’ (Jan Bassett)

P.66: “Most members of the AANS, excluding the one hundred and thirty nurses sent as an Australian contingent to serve with the QAIMNS in response to a 1915 War Office request, went overseas fully expecting to nurse Australian patients in Australian hospitals. The strength of their feelings can partly be explained by the fact that as a group they were overwhelmingly Australian-born. To their surprise, they soon discovered that many of them were to work in British and other medical units and that even working in Australian general hospitals was no guarantee of nursing Australian patients.”

However

P.68: “The dispersal of members of the AANS throughout British hospitals caused considerable administrative problems: it was impossible to maintain ‘any regular system of promotion’ with the desired ratio of two staff nurses to one sister, nurses complained about their ‘isolation from friends’, and pay arrangements were difficult. For these reasons, Fetherston [Director General of Medical Services] recommended in a memorandum of 8 December 1916 that members of the AANS in England, France, and other countries be reorganized to form the entire nursing staff (including the matron) in a number of hospitals. The War Office agreed to the reorganization.”

P.68: “Australian nursing staffs took over at No. 25 BGH and Nos. 5 and 38 BSHs in France in July 1917. The three hospitals chosen in France, as Butler noted, ‘reduced the opportunities previously existing for the undoubted abilities of the Australian nurses for front line work.’

Cheers, Frev

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
Hi Frev

Lady Rachel Dudley's Australian Voluntary Hospitals in Wimereux & St Nazaire (France)

Any idea of number of Australian women serving in it ????

Jennifer

I have databases for Australian WWI nurses and masseuses in:

Australian Army Nursing Service - both active service (2447 names) and home service

QAIMNS - reserve

Territorial Force Nursing Service

YMCA

Red Cross (Australian, French and British)

VADs

Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force

Australian Voluntary Hospital

South African Army Nursing Service

New Zealand Army Nursing Service

St John's

French Flag Corps

The figures given for the AANS are not the most recent research. AG Butler cites 2286 in the AANS (in another volume). 423 nurses on home service is the establishment table number, not the number of nurses who actually served in the hospitals - this number is more than 685. Excluding the AANS, I have more than 720 names of Australian nurses who served overseas in World War I. Happy to take enquiries.

Kirsty Harris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Kirsty - and welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you're a lady after my own heart - I just love databases - though my nursing data seems to have taken a back seat to other projects in the last couple of years.

Anyway, good to see someone else gathering the info - the more the merrier.

It's a long shot, but I was just wondering if you might have burial details for one of our VAD's.

Violet Ann ROBERTSON died in a riding accident in Rotten Row, Hyde Park 29/11/1917.

Please tell me you can help :D

Cheers, Frev

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome Kirsty and hello, again, my old friend, Frev. I know. Less of the old. Frev, in the past has provided a lot of information to me about A.S. Violet Robertson but I too would like to know her last resting place. Frev, I have an article about her accident from the Times. Let me know if you haven't got it. Kirsty, I am intrigued about your database. Is it just names and service details or does it include biographical information and photographs? I may be able to help if they were casualties.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Jim - now who's showing their age :P it was when you posted the Times article on her accident that I went looking for more info on her - your memory is getting as bad as mine!!! (if that's possible) I've put together a short article on the lady & would really like at least a grave photo to go with it....

By the way, are you planning on finishing that book anytime this year? You know you have to let go of it eventually.......

Cheers, Frev

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome Kirsty and hello, again, my old friend, Frev. I know. Less of the old. Frev, in the past has provided a lot of information to me about A.S. Violet Robertson but I too would like to know her last resting place. Frev, I have an article about her accident from the Times. Let me know if you haven't got it. Kirsty, I am intrigued about your database. Is it just names and service details or does it include biographical information and photographs? I may be able to help if they were casualties.

Hi Jim, Thanks for the welcome.

My data is most robust for AANS nurses and masseuses. In each database I have 27 fields including names and alternates, military service or reserve appointments prior to enlistment; dates of appointment and seniority, ship out from Australia, postings, decorations, ship return to Australia, marriage during war, date of birth and place; training hospital, previous nursing experience prior to enlistment, post war activities, date/place of death

My emphasis in the past has been on finding out what work these nurses did (much more than nursing of course) so I have not collected photos unless they show nurses with their sleeves up and working (hard to find). My book on the AANS's work should be out in October this year.

In the next millenium I hope to be able to find enough information on those nurses who do not have official files anymore to decide whether they were in the AANS or another service during WWI - only 190 names to work through...

cheers

Kirsty

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Has any one know what units these are ?

came across these while indexing the Honours & Awards list

Unit AAH Welwyn

Unit Lord Derby Warr

Unit R Vic Netley

Unit Mena

:ph34r: Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, don't know if you've found out since this post but I can help a little:

AAH Welwyn was 5th Australian Auxillary Hospital at Welwyn Hall, Welwyn, UK

Lord Derby War Hospital, Warrington

Royal Victoria Military Hospital at Netley

2AGH at Mena House, Egypt

cheers Kirsty

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...