Updated on VWMA
DICKINSON, Ruby
Staff Nurse
AANS Born Forbes, NSW Daughter of William (deceased 1911) and Julia DICKINSON Of 'Arizona' Almora St. Mosman, Qld. Age 29 Years Enlisted 26 July 1915 Embarked 31 July 1915 per “Orontes” Service in Lemnos and Egypt Transport duty from Egypt to Australia per “Seang Choon” Re-embarked 24 January 1917 per “Anchises” Service in England and France Died 23 June 1918 of Pneumonia at Australian Nurses Hospital, Southwell Gdns Aged 32 years Buried Harefield Parish Churchyard (Grave No 56) On 25 June 1918 at 3pm – Military Funeral www.awm.gov.au H16039 |
DICKINSON, Ruby Droma
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 03 April 1885 in Geelong, Vic. Sister of Sydney Rushbrook DICKINSON Age 32 years Enlisted 11 July 1917 Embarked 31 August 1917 in Sydney per “Wiltshire” Service in Salonika and England Contracted Scarlet Fever December 1917 Returned to Australia 04 July 1919 per “Norman” Discharged as medically unfit (Pyelitis) 15 April 1920 Her death was reported in the newspapers in 1918 and her family were notified that she had died. This proved incorrect - there was a nurse of the same name that had died. She did not marry Died 04 May 1945 in Hobart, Tasmania. Aged 67 years She was buried at Cornelian Bay Cemetery Church of England NN 249 |
DICKSON, Clarice Molyneux

Mentioned in Despatches
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 29 June 1917
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1394, position 45
Date of London Gazette: 4 January 1917
Location in London Gazette: Page 257, position 18
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 29 June 1917
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1394, position 45
Date of London Gazette: 4 January 1917
Location in London Gazette: Page 257, position 18

Awarded Royal Red Cross (1st Class)
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 18 April 1918
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 847, position 162
Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1918
Location in London Gazette: Page 54, position 3
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 18 April 1918
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 847, position 162
Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1918
Location in London Gazette: Page 54, position 3

AWARDED ROYAL RED CROSS.
SISTER CLARICE MOLYNEUX DICKSON.
Formerly of the Coast Hospital.
Sister Dickson is a Queenslander, and originally came from Brisbane. She received her training in mental nursing at the Hospital for Insane, Callan Park, and her general training at the Coast Hospital, Little Bay. She was one of the very earliest to offer her services on the out-break of the war, and left with the first batch of Australian nurses for the front.
Sister Dickson was for some time on transport duty, working between Malta, Egypt, and Lemnos, and later on went to England, and finally to France, where she was attached to a casualty clearing station.
For the past six months Sister Dickson has been acting as secretary to England's Matron-in-Chief at the headquarters in Horseferry-road London.
Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 15 January 1918 page 8
SISTER CLARICE MOLYNEUX DICKSON.
Formerly of the Coast Hospital.
Sister Dickson is a Queenslander, and originally came from Brisbane. She received her training in mental nursing at the Hospital for Insane, Callan Park, and her general training at the Coast Hospital, Little Bay. She was one of the very earliest to offer her services on the out-break of the war, and left with the first batch of Australian nurses for the front.
Sister Dickson was for some time on transport duty, working between Malta, Egypt, and Lemnos, and later on went to England, and finally to France, where she was attached to a casualty clearing station.
For the past six months Sister Dickson has been acting as secretary to England's Matron-in-Chief at the headquarters in Horseferry-road London.
Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 15 January 1918 page 8
DICKSON, Edith Beck
Sister
AANS Born 1886 in Maitland, NSW Daughter of Robert Peter DICKSON and Stuart nee BECK Age 30 years Enlisted 19 August 1915 Duty with Tropical Forces Rabaul, New Guinea From 04 September to 11 January 1917 Appointment terminated 11 January 1917 Enlisted AIF 12 January 1917 Embarked 07 February 1917 in Sydney per “Wiltshire” Service in England and France Promoted to Sister 07 February 1919 Returned to Australia 01 November 1919 per “Nestor” On Duty Appointment terminated 13 February 1920 Did not marry Died 11 September 1976 in NSW Aged 90 years Formerly of Mosman, NSW |
DICKSON, Ethel Mary
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1884 in Woolwich, Kent, England
Daughter of Francis George DICKSON and Kate Mary Louisa nee WAGG
Address 68 Little Heath, Old Charlton, Kent, England
Age 32 years
Training 4 years Melbourne Hospital
Enlisted 29 September 1919 in Melbourne
Embarked 09 October 1919 per “Valencia” at Sydney
She landed in England and immediately went on unpaid leave, until she left.
Returned to Australia per “Wahehe” 31 August 1920
Discharged 02 December 1920
Did not marry
Died 19 February 1965 in Vic.
Resided Hawthorn, Vic.
Cremated 22 February 1965 Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains scattered
AANS
Born 1884 in Woolwich, Kent, England
Daughter of Francis George DICKSON and Kate Mary Louisa nee WAGG
Address 68 Little Heath, Old Charlton, Kent, England
Age 32 years
Training 4 years Melbourne Hospital
Enlisted 29 September 1919 in Melbourne
Embarked 09 October 1919 per “Valencia” at Sydney
She landed in England and immediately went on unpaid leave, until she left.
Returned to Australia per “Wahehe” 31 August 1920
Discharged 02 December 1920
Did not marry
Died 19 February 1965 in Vic.
Resided Hawthorn, Vic.
Cremated 22 February 1965 Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains scattered
DICKSON, Georgina Florence
Sister
AANS
Born 1883 in New Zealand
Daughter of Peter John DICKSON and Catherine nee DAVISON
Enlisted 02 September 1916
Embarked 09 December 1916 in Sydney per “Kaiser-I-Hind”
Service in Salonika and England
Promoted to Sister 21 May 1919
Returned to Australia 21 May 1919 per “Osterly” On Duty
Appointment terminated 15 August 1919
Did not marry
Died 18 August 1963 in Belmont, NSW
Late of Belmont, NSW
AANS
Born 1883 in New Zealand
Daughter of Peter John DICKSON and Catherine nee DAVISON
Enlisted 02 September 1916
Embarked 09 December 1916 in Sydney per “Kaiser-I-Hind”
Service in Salonika and England
Promoted to Sister 21 May 1919
Returned to Australia 21 May 1919 per “Osterly” On Duty
Appointment terminated 15 August 1919
Did not marry
Died 18 August 1963 in Belmont, NSW
Late of Belmont, NSW
DICKSON, Grace Maud
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1876 in Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Thomas DICKSON and Catherine Molyneux nee ROBERTS
Sister of Elizabeth Janet DICKSON
Age 38 years
Training Ballarat Hospital
Enlisted 21 June 1917
Staff Nurse on Hospital Ship “Kanowna”
Transport from Suez to Australia
Duty in Egypt between transports
Appointment terminated 08 May 1919
Did not marry
Died 19 December 1963 in Vic.
Aged 88 years
Resided Croydon, Vic.
Buried 20 December 1963 at St. Kilda Cemetery Presbyterian Compartment B Grave 2A
AANS
Born 1876 in Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Thomas DICKSON and Catherine Molyneux nee ROBERTS
Sister of Elizabeth Janet DICKSON
Age 38 years
Training Ballarat Hospital
Enlisted 21 June 1917
Staff Nurse on Hospital Ship “Kanowna”
Transport from Suez to Australia
Duty in Egypt between transports
Appointment terminated 08 May 1919
Did not marry
Died 19 December 1963 in Vic.
Aged 88 years
Resided Croydon, Vic.
Buried 20 December 1963 at St. Kilda Cemetery Presbyterian Compartment B Grave 2A
DICKSON, May
Staff Nurse
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Born 26 June 1880 in Qld. Daughter of Robert Peter DICKSON and Stuart nee BECK Of Harvey's Creek, via Cairns, North Qld. Trained Coast Hospital, Sydney, NSW April 1903 to April 1906 Resigned October 1906 Further training - Maternity training 6 months June to December 1909. Private Nursing Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Joined QAIMNSR 11 June 1915 Invalided out of service 04 January 1916 as medically unfit Disability - Bronchitis with V.D.H. 'She is suffering from V.D.H. Compensation is now giving way and then hearts action is feeble and irregular' Total of 208 days service Died 04 October 1917 at Military Hospital, St. Kilda Road. Aged 37 years Buried Coburg Pine Cemetery, Vic. www.awm.gov.au P05159.001 |
WOMAN BURIED WITH MILITARY HONOURS.
SYDNEY, Friday.
Sister May Dickson, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial military nursing staff reserve was buried in Melbourne today with full military honours. This is the first time in the history of Australia that a woman has been thus honoured. Deceased was on her way home to Sydney, but died shortly after the vessel reached Melbourne.
Daily Observer Saturday 6 October 1917 page 2
WITH FLAG AS SHROUD, NURSE GOES TO RES
FIRST MILITARY FUNERAL FOR AN AUSTRALIAN WOMAN
VOLDEY SOUNDS REQUEIM
Sister May Dickson, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Staff Reserve, was buried today with full military honors, the first time in the history of Australia that a woman has been thus honored. The scene was most impressive, and among the large crowd which witnessed the carrying out of the solemn rites many were deeply affected. As the cortege passed slowly from the Base Hospital along St. Kilda road, and up Elizabeth Street to the Coburg Cemetery, the strains of the Dead March in Saul caused women to weep unaffectedly and men to uncover their heads reverently.
Shortly after half-past 11 o'clock the procession moved from the Base Hospital in the presence of a large concourse of people. It was led by the Domain Band, with muffled drums and instruments. The big drum and the side drums were draped in black crepe, as also was the drum major's staff, while the drum major walked behind instead of leading the band.
PLACED ON GUN CARRIAGE
The coffin was placed on the carriage of an 18 pounds field gun, and was covered with the Union Jack. Resting on the coffin lid were the caps and hat of Nurse Dickson, as well as a beautiful wreath, and the gun carriage was drawn by six black horses, controlled by soldiers who rose as postillions. About a score of non-commissioned officers and privates, representing the men's nursing staff at the Base Hospital, followed. The non-commissioned officers, who took their places on each side of the coffin sere the pall bearers. They were all returned men, and some hand been nursed by the dead sister in England.
A motor car followed, laden with wreaths and containing representatives of Sister Dickson's branch of the nursing service; then came six motor cars containing the staff nurses, the sisters, and the matrons: and the medical side was represented by Colonel J. Steell, Acting Principal Medical Officer, and the military side by Captain G.. Sykes, representing the Director-General of Medical Services. The chief mourner was an aunt of Nurse Dickson, who was accompanied in the car by Chaplain-Captain Thomson, of the Presbyterian Church, and nurses.
Chaplain-Captain Thomson conducted the service at the graveside, and a firing party in charge of 2nd Lieutenant P. Courtney fired the customary volleys over the grave. A bugler sounded 'The Last Post'. There was a large body of people at the graveside, and the solemn ceremonial impressed all present.
The profusion and beauty of the wreaths formed a feature of the obsequies. One was forwarded by Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, wife of the Governor-General. Nurse Dickson's companions in the Queen Alexandra nursing service in Melbourne sent an exquisite floral tribute. Others were from the matrons, the senior sisters, the sisters, and the Red Cross Cafe at the Base Hospital. Nearly all the flowers were tied with red, white and blue, which are the nursing colours of the order to which Sister Dickson belonged. Magnificent white roses and purple blooms predominated.
FOR HER COUNTRY
Nurse Dickson was a native of Australia, and her education as a nurse began here. Not long after the war broke out she went to England and joined Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Staff. She did a great deal of very hard work in England, and gave her life in the service of her country in as complete a sense as if she had died on the field of battle. When her health broke down under strain, it was thought that the climate of her homeland might restore it. She was on her way to her home in Sydney, but when the vessel reached Melbourne she was so ill that it was necessary to take her ashore. Though she did not reach her own home, she had the affectionate care of her sister nurses, who did all that it was possible to do for her. Nurse Dickson was 34 years of age.
DAUGHTER OF AUSTRALIA MAKES SACRIFICE FOR EMPIRE
SYDNEY, Friday.
Sister May Dickson, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial military nursing staff reserve was buried in Melbourne today with full military honours. This is the first time in the history of Australia that a woman has been thus honoured. Deceased was on her way home to Sydney, but died shortly after the vessel reached Melbourne.
Daily Observer Saturday 6 October 1917 page 2
WITH FLAG AS SHROUD, NURSE GOES TO RES
FIRST MILITARY FUNERAL FOR AN AUSTRALIAN WOMAN
VOLDEY SOUNDS REQUEIM
Sister May Dickson, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Staff Reserve, was buried today with full military honors, the first time in the history of Australia that a woman has been thus honored. The scene was most impressive, and among the large crowd which witnessed the carrying out of the solemn rites many were deeply affected. As the cortege passed slowly from the Base Hospital along St. Kilda road, and up Elizabeth Street to the Coburg Cemetery, the strains of the Dead March in Saul caused women to weep unaffectedly and men to uncover their heads reverently.
Shortly after half-past 11 o'clock the procession moved from the Base Hospital in the presence of a large concourse of people. It was led by the Domain Band, with muffled drums and instruments. The big drum and the side drums were draped in black crepe, as also was the drum major's staff, while the drum major walked behind instead of leading the band.
PLACED ON GUN CARRIAGE
The coffin was placed on the carriage of an 18 pounds field gun, and was covered with the Union Jack. Resting on the coffin lid were the caps and hat of Nurse Dickson, as well as a beautiful wreath, and the gun carriage was drawn by six black horses, controlled by soldiers who rose as postillions. About a score of non-commissioned officers and privates, representing the men's nursing staff at the Base Hospital, followed. The non-commissioned officers, who took their places on each side of the coffin sere the pall bearers. They were all returned men, and some hand been nursed by the dead sister in England.
A motor car followed, laden with wreaths and containing representatives of Sister Dickson's branch of the nursing service; then came six motor cars containing the staff nurses, the sisters, and the matrons: and the medical side was represented by Colonel J. Steell, Acting Principal Medical Officer, and the military side by Captain G.. Sykes, representing the Director-General of Medical Services. The chief mourner was an aunt of Nurse Dickson, who was accompanied in the car by Chaplain-Captain Thomson, of the Presbyterian Church, and nurses.
Chaplain-Captain Thomson conducted the service at the graveside, and a firing party in charge of 2nd Lieutenant P. Courtney fired the customary volleys over the grave. A bugler sounded 'The Last Post'. There was a large body of people at the graveside, and the solemn ceremonial impressed all present.
The profusion and beauty of the wreaths formed a feature of the obsequies. One was forwarded by Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, wife of the Governor-General. Nurse Dickson's companions in the Queen Alexandra nursing service in Melbourne sent an exquisite floral tribute. Others were from the matrons, the senior sisters, the sisters, and the Red Cross Cafe at the Base Hospital. Nearly all the flowers were tied with red, white and blue, which are the nursing colours of the order to which Sister Dickson belonged. Magnificent white roses and purple blooms predominated.
FOR HER COUNTRY
Nurse Dickson was a native of Australia, and her education as a nurse began here. Not long after the war broke out she went to England and joined Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Staff. She did a great deal of very hard work in England, and gave her life in the service of her country in as complete a sense as if she had died on the field of battle. When her health broke down under strain, it was thought that the climate of her homeland might restore it. She was on her way to her home in Sydney, but when the vessel reached Melbourne she was so ill that it was necessary to take her ashore. Though she did not reach her own home, she had the affectionate care of her sister nurses, who did all that it was possible to do for her. Nurse Dickson was 34 years of age.
DAUGHTER OF AUSTRALIA MAKES SACRIFICE FOR EMPIRE
DICKSON, Prudence
Staff Nurse
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Daughter of John DICKSON and Mary nee WRIGHT Enlisted 01 April 1918 Discharged 12 April 1919 "With reference to War Office letter dated November 4th 1920, I shall be glad if you will kindly forward your resignation to your Principal Matron, Miss Sparshott, without delay, as the names of married members are not being retained on the permanent roll of T.F.N.S." - 27 April 1920 Married Alexander DENHOLM 22 March 1920 in Winniped, Manitoba, Canada Residing 173 Magnus Avenue, Winnipeg, Cananda She and her husband migrated to Australian in 1922 Died 05 October 1958 Aged 65 years Buried Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens Columbarium 12 Section 10 |
DILLON, Henrietta Mary
Masseuse
AANS
Born 1874 in Deniliquin, NSW
Daughter of John DILLON and Margaret nee DAISY
Sister of John DILLON
Age 35 years
Enlisted 25 October 1915
Embarked 10 November 1915 per “Orsova”
Duty in Egypt
Transport duty on “Nestor”and “Karoola”
Returned to Australia 14 August 1916 per “Clan Gillivray”
Appointment terminated 20 November 1917
Did not marry
Died 11 May 1961 in Marrickville, NSW
Late of Strathfield, NSW
AANS
Born 1874 in Deniliquin, NSW
Daughter of John DILLON and Margaret nee DAISY
Sister of John DILLON
Age 35 years
Enlisted 25 October 1915
Embarked 10 November 1915 per “Orsova”
Duty in Egypt
Transport duty on “Nestor”and “Karoola”
Returned to Australia 14 August 1916 per “Clan Gillivray”
Appointment terminated 20 November 1917
Did not marry
Died 11 May 1961 in Marrickville, NSW
Late of Strathfield, NSW
DILNOT, Emily
Nurse
Queen Alexandria's Imperial Nursing Service
Born 19 January 1887 at Hamilton, Vic.
Daughter of George DILNOT and Frances Emily nee WALLIS
Lived for a time in Herne Bay, Christchurch, Kent, England
Returned to Australia in 1912 aged 25 years occupation Nurse per 'Runic' 02 December 1912
Worked at Mena Hospital, 19 Simpson St., East Melbourne in 1914
Embarked to England per 'Omrah' with her mother arrived 16 June 1916
Stationed at Central Military Hospital, Fort Pitt, Chatham, England 1919
Embarked for Australia 09 July 1919 per 'Frederichsruhe'
Returned to England in 1935 and 1939
Died late 1984 at Wandsworth, London
Aged 97 years
Queen Alexandria's Imperial Nursing Service
Born 19 January 1887 at Hamilton, Vic.
Daughter of George DILNOT and Frances Emily nee WALLIS
Lived for a time in Herne Bay, Christchurch, Kent, England
Returned to Australia in 1912 aged 25 years occupation Nurse per 'Runic' 02 December 1912
Worked at Mena Hospital, 19 Simpson St., East Melbourne in 1914
Embarked to England per 'Omrah' with her mother arrived 16 June 1916
Stationed at Central Military Hospital, Fort Pitt, Chatham, England 1919
Embarked for Australia 09 July 1919 per 'Frederichsruhe'
Returned to England in 1935 and 1939
Died late 1984 at Wandsworth, London
Aged 97 years
DIXON, Emma
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born c1878 at Toorak, Vic.
Daughter of Edward DIXON and Elizabeth Holland nee COTTON
Age 38 years
Enlisted 06 August 1915
Embarked 06 December 1916 in Melbourne per “Orsova”
Service in France and on the field
Returned to Australia 14 February 1919 per “Kenilworth Castle” On Duty
Appointment terminated 31 May 1919
Did not marry
Died 01 August 1960 in Heidelberg, Vic.
Resided Malvern, Vic.
Cremated 03 August 1960 Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains scattered
AANS
Born c1878 at Toorak, Vic.
Daughter of Edward DIXON and Elizabeth Holland nee COTTON
Age 38 years
Enlisted 06 August 1915
Embarked 06 December 1916 in Melbourne per “Orsova”
Service in France and on the field
Returned to Australia 14 February 1919 per “Kenilworth Castle” On Duty
Appointment terminated 31 May 1919
Did not marry
Died 01 August 1960 in Heidelberg, Vic.
Resided Malvern, Vic.
Cremated 03 August 1960 Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains scattered