BEAGLEY, Eileen
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1894 at Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Richard Griffith BEAGLEY and Annie nee O'CONNELL
Of 2 Herbert Street, Northcote, Vic.
Trained at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic.
Aged 23 years
Enlisted 27 April 1917
Embarked 09 May 1917 per 'Ulysses' from Sydney, NSW
Served in England and France
Discharged for Sick Sisters Hospital, South Kensington, England 15 Mary 1919
Returned to Australia per 'Dunluce Castle' 15 May 1919
Appointment terminated 29 June 1919
Died 06 December 1979 in St. Kilda, Vic.
AANS
Born 1894 at Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Richard Griffith BEAGLEY and Annie nee O'CONNELL
Of 2 Herbert Street, Northcote, Vic.
Trained at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic.
Aged 23 years
Enlisted 27 April 1917
Embarked 09 May 1917 per 'Ulysses' from Sydney, NSW
Served in England and France
Discharged for Sick Sisters Hospital, South Kensington, England 15 Mary 1919
Returned to Australia per 'Dunluce Castle' 15 May 1919
Appointment terminated 29 June 1919
Died 06 December 1979 in St. Kilda, Vic.
BEAVEN, Emily Vera
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1893 in Vic.
Daughter of James William BEAVEN and Eliza nee MARRIOT
Of 'Holmdene', Clarinda Street, Caulfield, Vic.
Married Laurence Harry EGAN
Died 20 August 1972 in Vic.
Resided St. Kidla, Vic.
NAA Records not available
The engagement is announced of Staff Nurse E. Vera Beaven, AANS, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J W Beaven, 'Holmdene', Clarinda Street, Caulfield, to Mr. Laurence Harry Egan (late lance-corporal AIF), elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J H Egan, Karcoola, Greenwald, Heywood.
Table Talk Thursday 23 January 1919 page 9
AANS
Born 1893 in Vic.
Daughter of James William BEAVEN and Eliza nee MARRIOT
Of 'Holmdene', Clarinda Street, Caulfield, Vic.
Married Laurence Harry EGAN
Died 20 August 1972 in Vic.
Resided St. Kidla, Vic.
NAA Records not available
The engagement is announced of Staff Nurse E. Vera Beaven, AANS, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J W Beaven, 'Holmdene', Clarinda Street, Caulfield, to Mr. Laurence Harry Egan (late lance-corporal AIF), elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J H Egan, Karcoola, Greenwald, Heywood.
Table Talk Thursday 23 January 1919 page 9
BEAVEN, Stella Louise
Staff Nurse
Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service Reserve
Born 1888
Daughter of John and Anne BEAVEN
Sister of Mrs. HARGRAVE
Of Commercial Bank, Astonville, NSW
Embarked 15 May 1915 per 'Mooltan'
Joined QAIMSR in Egypt 15 June 1915
Transferred to Meopotamia
Served 17 months
Contracted Cholera in Bombay 12 September 1916
Admitted to Colaba War Hospital
'She is delibitated from an attack of Cholera - she states she tires easily and her feet swell after walking. She has enlargement of a right lobe of Thyroid - no ex-ophalmos or cardiac symptoms. The Board recommend she be allowed to proceed to Australia during her leave for the benefit of her health.'
Granted Sick leave to 06 June 1917
Embarked for Australia per New Zeland Shipping Co's S S 'Remuera' 27 February 1917 for Brisbane
Appointment terminated 07 June 1917 due to ill health
In 1920 resided at Alstonville, Richmond River, NSW
She married Arthur Edward Osborne in the Solomon Islands. Resided at the Solomon Islands and was matron at Tulagi Hospital there. She and her family left the Solomons shortly before the Japanese invasion.
She died 30 December 1947
Buried Bowral Cemetery.
DEATH OF MRS. A. E. OSBORNE
The death occurred at North Sydney on 30th December of Mrs. Stella Osborne, wife of Mr. A. F.. Osborne and daughter of the late John and Anne Beavan of Bowral.
Entering the nursing profession, the late Mrs. Osborne was on service overseas during World War 1 and was attached to the Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service Reserve. Returning to Australia, she became matron at Tulagi Hospital, British Solomon Islands, where she subsequently married and resided until shortly before the Japanese invasion. The funeral took place at Northern Suburbs Crematorium on 31st December. Surviving Mrs. Osborne are her husband and son John, and the Misses Dorrie and Gwen Bevan (sisters) and Messrs. Len and Geoff Beavan (brothers).
The Southern Mail (Bowral) Friday 09 January 1948 page 1
Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service Reserve
Born 1888
Daughter of John and Anne BEAVEN
Sister of Mrs. HARGRAVE
Of Commercial Bank, Astonville, NSW
Embarked 15 May 1915 per 'Mooltan'
Joined QAIMSR in Egypt 15 June 1915
Transferred to Meopotamia
Served 17 months
Contracted Cholera in Bombay 12 September 1916
Admitted to Colaba War Hospital
'She is delibitated from an attack of Cholera - she states she tires easily and her feet swell after walking. She has enlargement of a right lobe of Thyroid - no ex-ophalmos or cardiac symptoms. The Board recommend she be allowed to proceed to Australia during her leave for the benefit of her health.'
Granted Sick leave to 06 June 1917
Embarked for Australia per New Zeland Shipping Co's S S 'Remuera' 27 February 1917 for Brisbane
Appointment terminated 07 June 1917 due to ill health
In 1920 resided at Alstonville, Richmond River, NSW
She married Arthur Edward Osborne in the Solomon Islands. Resided at the Solomon Islands and was matron at Tulagi Hospital there. She and her family left the Solomons shortly before the Japanese invasion.
She died 30 December 1947
Buried Bowral Cemetery.
DEATH OF MRS. A. E. OSBORNE
The death occurred at North Sydney on 30th December of Mrs. Stella Osborne, wife of Mr. A. F.. Osborne and daughter of the late John and Anne Beavan of Bowral.
Entering the nursing profession, the late Mrs. Osborne was on service overseas during World War 1 and was attached to the Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service Reserve. Returning to Australia, she became matron at Tulagi Hospital, British Solomon Islands, where she subsequently married and resided until shortly before the Japanese invasion. The funeral took place at Northern Suburbs Crematorium on 31st December. Surviving Mrs. Osborne are her husband and son John, and the Misses Dorrie and Gwen Bevan (sisters) and Messrs. Len and Geoff Beavan (brothers).
The Southern Mail (Bowral) Friday 09 January 1948 page 1
BEAVER, Gwenyth Muriel
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 28 October 1899 in Adelaide, SA Daughter of Horace Percy BEAVER and Malme Sturt nee ROGERS Appointed 19 January 1920 No war service Married Ronald Clarence Matthew in 1926 Adelaide. She died 15 December 1959 at Beulah Park, SA Aged 60 years Resided Toorak Gardens, SA Interred Centennial Park Cemetery Acacia C Path CC Grave 246 |
BECK, Victoria Wilhelmina (Queenie)
Enlisted 05 May 1917 Adelaide, SA
Embarked 12 May 1917 per 'Benalla'
Served in England and France
Returned to Australia per 18 April 1919 per 'Kashmir'
Discharged 28 June 1919
Married Roy Lionel Chichester YOUNG 27 November 1920 at Methodist Church, Port Augusta by Rev. C M Tresise
Died 22 May 1925 at North Adelaide, SA
Resided at St. Peters at time of death
Aged 36 years
Photograph - The Chronicle Saturday 19 May 1917 page 25
Embarked 12 May 1917 per 'Benalla'
Served in England and France
Returned to Australia per 18 April 1919 per 'Kashmir'
Discharged 28 June 1919
Married Roy Lionel Chichester YOUNG 27 November 1920 at Methodist Church, Port Augusta by Rev. C M Tresise
Died 22 May 1925 at North Adelaide, SA
Resided at St. Peters at time of death
Aged 36 years
Photograph - The Chronicle Saturday 19 May 1917 page 25
BECKER, Caroline Louise
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1885 at Echuca, Vic.
Daughter of Ferdinand August BECKER and Grace Blowey Hoare BOWDEN
Of Sutton Street, Echuca East, Vic.
Trained at Echuca Hospital
Enlisted 18 June 1917 in Melbourne, Vic.
Aged 31 years
Embarked 30 June 1917 per 'Somali' from Melbourne
Served for two years in India (6 months on a Hospital Ship) - Alexandria War Hospital Bombay and Colaba War Hospital Bombay
Returned to Australia 27 August 1919 per 'Pilsna'
Appointment terminated 31 January 1920
Did not marry
Died 15 August 1964 in Victoria
Resided Middle Park, Vic.
AANS
Born 1885 at Echuca, Vic.
Daughter of Ferdinand August BECKER and Grace Blowey Hoare BOWDEN
Of Sutton Street, Echuca East, Vic.
Trained at Echuca Hospital
Enlisted 18 June 1917 in Melbourne, Vic.
Aged 31 years
Embarked 30 June 1917 per 'Somali' from Melbourne
Served for two years in India (6 months on a Hospital Ship) - Alexandria War Hospital Bombay and Colaba War Hospital Bombay
Returned to Australia 27 August 1919 per 'Pilsna'
Appointment terminated 31 January 1920
Did not marry
Died 15 August 1964 in Victoria
Resided Middle Park, Vic.
BEEBY, Lucy Ethel
Matron
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
Born 1876 in NSW
Daughter of Edward Augustus BEEBY and Isabel nee THOMPSON
Embarked 06 April 1915 per 'Malwa'
Served in Egypt
Returned to Australia 05 July 1916
Did not marry
Retired from Baby Health Centres Office of Public Health 17 March 1941
Did not marry
Died 06 July 1950 at her residence 16 Bay Street, North Sydney, NSW
Late of North Sydney, NSW
AUSSIE NURSES IN ENGLAND.
MATRON BEEBY SPEAKS FOR COMRADES.
Matron Beeby, sister of Mr. G. S. Beeby, late Minister for Labor and Industry, was one of the delegates at the conference of the Northern Rivers district branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors' League on Wednesday night. Matron Beeby, who is at present in charge of Lismore hospital, was warmly welcomed by the other delegates.
Matron Beoby saw considerable war service. She sought the help of the conference in obtaining the same gratuities and privileges that are given to A.I.F. nursing sisters for the 130 of her nursing comrades who left Australia in 1015 under contract to the Imperial Government for work in Egypt and England. The contract was signed, by Colonel Featherstone, and provided for a salary of £-30 a year. They were in Egypt, for the Gallipoli landing and struck the heaviest work there. "While they were in England they were not treated like Australian nursing sisters, and were even denied the right, of voting at the referendums. When one of the sisters wanted to return home she was not granted her passage, but instead she had to work her way back to Australia, where she was two months on furlough without pay joining up in 1918 with the A.I.F. nursing service. In England under the Imperial contract, the sisters were attached to the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, in which they had a pretty hard spin. So far as she knew none of the 130 sisters had received anything in the way of gratuity, nor had any of them received the privileges enjoyed by their sisters in the A.I.F.
The conference unanimously decided to request the Defence Department to accord those Australian nursing sisters who served with the Imperial Government the full gratuities and privileges of the Australian nurses.
Northern Star Monday 13 October 1919 pge 2
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
Born 1876 in NSW
Daughter of Edward Augustus BEEBY and Isabel nee THOMPSON
Embarked 06 April 1915 per 'Malwa'
Served in Egypt
Returned to Australia 05 July 1916
Did not marry
Retired from Baby Health Centres Office of Public Health 17 March 1941
Did not marry
Died 06 July 1950 at her residence 16 Bay Street, North Sydney, NSW
Late of North Sydney, NSW
AUSSIE NURSES IN ENGLAND.
MATRON BEEBY SPEAKS FOR COMRADES.
Matron Beeby, sister of Mr. G. S. Beeby, late Minister for Labor and Industry, was one of the delegates at the conference of the Northern Rivers district branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors' League on Wednesday night. Matron Beeby, who is at present in charge of Lismore hospital, was warmly welcomed by the other delegates.
Matron Beoby saw considerable war service. She sought the help of the conference in obtaining the same gratuities and privileges that are given to A.I.F. nursing sisters for the 130 of her nursing comrades who left Australia in 1015 under contract to the Imperial Government for work in Egypt and England. The contract was signed, by Colonel Featherstone, and provided for a salary of £-30 a year. They were in Egypt, for the Gallipoli landing and struck the heaviest work there. "While they were in England they were not treated like Australian nursing sisters, and were even denied the right, of voting at the referendums. When one of the sisters wanted to return home she was not granted her passage, but instead she had to work her way back to Australia, where she was two months on furlough without pay joining up in 1918 with the A.I.F. nursing service. In England under the Imperial contract, the sisters were attached to the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, in which they had a pretty hard spin. So far as she knew none of the 130 sisters had received anything in the way of gratuity, nor had any of them received the privileges enjoyed by their sisters in the A.I.F.
The conference unanimously decided to request the Defence Department to accord those Australian nursing sisters who served with the Imperial Government the full gratuities and privileges of the Australian nurses.
Northern Star Monday 13 October 1919 pge 2
BEER, Elsie Gertrude
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 1881 Bideford, Devon, England Daughter of George BEER and Elizabeth Hannah nee MARSLAND Sister of F G BISCOE Of Morris Street, Wooloowin, Qld. Enlisted 12 June 1915 at Brisbane, Qld. Aged 35 years Embarked 14 July 1915 per 'Orsova' from Sydney Served in at No 4 Auxilary Hospital Abbasia Returned to Australia 20 February 1919 per 'Orsova' Discharged as Medically unfit 22 November 1919 Did not marry Died 03 March 1937 at Private Hospital, Prahan, Vic. Buried Burwood Cemetery |
OBITUARY
MISS E. G. BEER
The sad news has been received in Maryborough of the death, on Wednesday last, of Miss Elsie Gertrude Beer, a former resident of Maryborough. The late Miss Beer had been undergoing treatment at a Melbourne hospital, when she suddenly collapsed and died. Miss Beer was in Egypt during the Great War as a nursing sister with the A.I.F. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. C. E. Netterfield, at present in Melbourne, and three brothers.
Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser Saturday 06 March 1937 page 9
MISS E. G. BEER
The sad news has been received in Maryborough of the death, on Wednesday last, of Miss Elsie Gertrude Beer, a former resident of Maryborough. The late Miss Beer had been undergoing treatment at a Melbourne hospital, when she suddenly collapsed and died. Miss Beer was in Egypt during the Great War as a nursing sister with the A.I.F. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. C. E. Netterfield, at present in Melbourne, and three brothers.
Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser Saturday 06 March 1937 page 9
BEETHAM, Maud Beatrice
Enlisted 04 January 1918 at Sydney, NSW
Embarked 08 May 1918 per 'Osterley' from Sydney, NSW
Served in Abbassia
Appointment terminated 14 January 1919
Married Ross Blyth JACOB from South Australia.
Died 21 April 1983
Cremated Centennial Park Cemetery
But few of them have excelled Sister Beethan for a sturdy bit of pioneering. She took unto herself a husband, and was last seen trekking into the Nullabor Plain with her household effects stacked mountains high on a camel caravan.
Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 27 January 1934 page 24
Photograph Courtesy of Army Museum of South Australia - pictured with husband Ross Blyth JACOB
Embarked 08 May 1918 per 'Osterley' from Sydney, NSW
Served in Abbassia
Appointment terminated 14 January 1919
Married Ross Blyth JACOB from South Australia.
Died 21 April 1983
Cremated Centennial Park Cemetery
But few of them have excelled Sister Beethan for a sturdy bit of pioneering. She took unto herself a husband, and was last seen trekking into the Nullabor Plain with her household effects stacked mountains high on a camel caravan.
Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 27 January 1934 page 24
Photograph Courtesy of Army Museum of South Australia - pictured with husband Ross Blyth JACOB
BEGG, Rosa Marion Elsie
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1884 in Port Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Thomas Duncan BEGG and Julia nee ROSEL
Of 'Sunnyside' Molesworth St., Kew, Vic.
Trained at Children's Hospital
Enlisted 12 June 1915
Aged 29 years
Embarked 17 June 1915 in Melbourne, Vic.
Resigned appointment due to marriage in UK 13 April 1916
Married in Abassia to Captain Bertrand COMBES
Rosa died 30 May 1967 in Vic.
Aged 82 years
Buried Springvale Botanical Cemetery Ficus Garden 6 Section N Niche 25
AANS
Born 1884 in Port Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Thomas Duncan BEGG and Julia nee ROSEL
Of 'Sunnyside' Molesworth St., Kew, Vic.
Trained at Children's Hospital
Enlisted 12 June 1915
Aged 29 years
Embarked 17 June 1915 in Melbourne, Vic.
Resigned appointment due to marriage in UK 13 April 1916
Married in Abassia to Captain Bertrand COMBES
Rosa died 30 May 1967 in Vic.
Aged 82 years
Buried Springvale Botanical Cemetery Ficus Garden 6 Section N Niche 25
A real live hero and heroine are the principals in the latest war romance. Miss Rosa Begg, the hand-some girl who bravely went to the assistance of Mr. Geoffrey Syme (one of the "Age" proprietors) in an encounter with an armed burglar at Kew three years ago, has, as might have been expected, given her heart and hand to a soldier. She has been married to an Anzac hero, Captain Bertram Combes, of the 1st Australian Light Horse Brigade Staff. Miss Begg was one of the first of many Melbourne girls to volunteer their services as a nurse when war broke out, and at an early stage in the proceedings joined the Army Nursing Staff and went to Egypt. She shared the devoted labours of our nurses till late last year, when her health broke down and she was sent to Alexandria to recuperate. Captain Combes, who was wounded on Gallipoli, was, after treatment in hospital, also ordered to Alexandria to complete his recovery. They met, and Cupid did the rest. The marriage was solemnised at the garrison chapel, Abassia, the bride being given away by Miss Conyers, head of the Australian 'nursing staff in Egypt. Captain Combes was almost immediately ordered to England with a detachment and is now at the front in France. The bride has also gone onto England, and will stay with her sister, Mrs. Fleming, whose husband is serving on the British medical staff.
Border Watch Saturday 12 August 1916 page 5
Border Watch Saturday 12 August 1916 page 5
BEGLEY, Laura Beatrice May
Sister
AANS Convalescent Depot, Harefield Park, London Born 1883 in Victoria Daughter of John Samuel BEGLEY and Mary nee JOBLING Of 22 Preston Street, Geelong, Vic. Enlisted 17 June 1917 Aged 30 years Embarked 17 July 1915 per 'Orsova' from Melbourne Served in Egypt and England Returned to Australia 14 September 1919 per 'Demosthenes' Appointment terminated 14 March 1920 Did not marry Died in Heidelberg, Vic. 30 August 1961 Cremated Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains collected Punch Thursday 29 July 1915 page 21 |
BEHRENS, Eva May (right)
Sister
AANS Born 1883 at Mans, Vic. Daughter of Dittmer BEHRENS and Jane nee JENNINGS Of 'Brightside' Waverley Road, East Malvern, Vic. Enlisted 25 August 1916 at Sydney, NSW Aged 34 years Embarked 09 December 1916 per 'Kaiser-i-Hind' from Sydney Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 19 September 1919 per 'Demosthenes' |

Appointment terminated 27 October 1919
Did not marry
Died 24 January 1949 at the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW
Formerly of the Prince of Wale Hospital, Randwick
Buried Northern Suburbs Crematorium
SOMEWHERE in South America are Sister Norris and Sister Behrens, who bought a hospital in Goulburn after their return from the war, and did so well that they booked on an American liner for a world's tour, but upon reaching Honolulu happened on Sister Bassetti with a hospital of her own, and looking for two trained assistants.
The temptation was too great, the two left the ship, cancelled their passages and settled in the tropics with their old companion for a twelve-month, and beat it for Valparaiso, and, crossing the Andes, ended up somewhere in Buenos Aires, where they were caught up in the vortex of the life of the Argentines and where they disappeared for a little while only, let us hope.
Norris, Behrens, Simpson, and"Tommy" Thomson—all of the Fourteenth—were affectionately known to the soldiery as the "Charlie Chaplin Family," and they left for the war together from Sydney Hospital.
The Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 27 January 1934 page 24
Women also Serve..
THREE LAST-WAR SISTERS still on military duty, watching old AIF. men making basket ware. L. to R.: Matron J. M. Hart, Sub matron E. J. Garvin. and Sister E. M. Behrens.
Sisters of last war still nursing soldiers
No other women in Australia could be more envious of the nurses who are going overseas with the Australian forces than thirty-two busy, cheerful women at Randwick Military Hospital.
All of them, including the matron and sub-matron, were war nurses during the last war, and many of them have been tending the illnesses and injuries of soldiers ever since.
Many of them served in advanced hospitals near the battle front and know at first hand the horrors and heart-breaks of war, but all of them say, "We'd love to be going again."
All of them are extremely reticent about their experiences. "It was all part of our job," they say,"we don't want to talk about it."
Sister E. M. Behrens superintends the occupational therapy department. Trained at Albury Hospital she became a war sister in 1916, serving in Egypt and England. She has worked and studied in America for some time and joined the staff at Randwick in 1935.
As well as members of the old A.I.F., these nurses are also looking after members of the new AIF., the Air Force, and the Navy.
"They're much the same as their fathers and uncles," said Matron Hart. "They're all very good kids, and on the whole are very well behaved patients.
"This is a very happy place. So many of ourselves and our patients have been here for a long time, and we are like a friendly family. Our old patients are so cheerful that they are a lesson to us in patience and good spirits."
The Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 07 December 1940 page 23 (Abridged)
Did not marry
Died 24 January 1949 at the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW
Formerly of the Prince of Wale Hospital, Randwick
Buried Northern Suburbs Crematorium
SOMEWHERE in South America are Sister Norris and Sister Behrens, who bought a hospital in Goulburn after their return from the war, and did so well that they booked on an American liner for a world's tour, but upon reaching Honolulu happened on Sister Bassetti with a hospital of her own, and looking for two trained assistants.
The temptation was too great, the two left the ship, cancelled their passages and settled in the tropics with their old companion for a twelve-month, and beat it for Valparaiso, and, crossing the Andes, ended up somewhere in Buenos Aires, where they were caught up in the vortex of the life of the Argentines and where they disappeared for a little while only, let us hope.
Norris, Behrens, Simpson, and"Tommy" Thomson—all of the Fourteenth—were affectionately known to the soldiery as the "Charlie Chaplin Family," and they left for the war together from Sydney Hospital.
The Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 27 January 1934 page 24
Women also Serve..
THREE LAST-WAR SISTERS still on military duty, watching old AIF. men making basket ware. L. to R.: Matron J. M. Hart, Sub matron E. J. Garvin. and Sister E. M. Behrens.
Sisters of last war still nursing soldiers
No other women in Australia could be more envious of the nurses who are going overseas with the Australian forces than thirty-two busy, cheerful women at Randwick Military Hospital.
All of them, including the matron and sub-matron, were war nurses during the last war, and many of them have been tending the illnesses and injuries of soldiers ever since.
Many of them served in advanced hospitals near the battle front and know at first hand the horrors and heart-breaks of war, but all of them say, "We'd love to be going again."
All of them are extremely reticent about their experiences. "It was all part of our job," they say,"we don't want to talk about it."
Sister E. M. Behrens superintends the occupational therapy department. Trained at Albury Hospital she became a war sister in 1916, serving in Egypt and England. She has worked and studied in America for some time and joined the staff at Randwick in 1935.
As well as members of the old A.I.F., these nurses are also looking after members of the new AIF., the Air Force, and the Navy.
"They're much the same as their fathers and uncles," said Matron Hart. "They're all very good kids, and on the whole are very well behaved patients.
"This is a very happy place. So many of ourselves and our patients have been here for a long time, and we are like a friendly family. Our old patients are so cheerful that they are a lesson to us in patience and good spirits."
The Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 07 December 1940 page 23 (Abridged)
BELL, Annie
Sister
AANS Born 1888 in NSW Daughter of Lewis BELL and Mary Ann nee ARMSTRONG Of 'Brunswick' 9 Canterbury Road, Toorka, Vic. Trained at Melbourne Hospital Enlisted 04 November 1914 Aged 26 years Embarked 28 November 1914 Served in London and France Returned to Australia 24 October 1918 per 'City of Karachi' Appointment terminated 23 December 1918 Married Dr. Harold Vernon FOXTON, a Major and doctor in the Army. She was his second wife, his first dying in 1914. They had two children. Annie died 1986 in Caloundra, Qld. Photograph Table Talk Thursday 10 December 1914 page 22 Punch Thursday 10 December 1914 page 18 |
BELL, Charlotte Davidson
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 31 July 1882 at Crystal Brook, SA Daughter of Thomas BELL and Eleanor Elizabeth nee LITHGOW Of Crystal Brook, SA Aged 29 years Appointed 18 February 1919 Reported for duty at No 7 AGH Did not proceed overseas Demobilised 11 March 1919 Married A L HARRISON who owned a rubber plantation Died 06 March 1951 in Devon, England |
YESTERDAY I renewed acquaintance with Mrs. A. L. Harrison, of Malay, who was formerly Miss L. Bell, of Clarence Park. Five years ago Mrs. Harrison left as a nurse for experience in Malay, arid is now on a visit with her baby daughter and its amah to her parents. 'Although the life out there is totally different from anything here,' Mrs. Harrison told me, 'I like it' better. For me it is mostly an open air life' as my husband is a rubber planter and I like to be with him on the estate.
Begin at 6 a.m.
'Our day 'begins 'at six o'clock, when we have fruit and tea. Then I give the orders for the day to the cook, and see that the house-boy and the water carrier are doing their work properly. 'I generally do some gardening with the gardener until breakfast time which is half past eight when my husband, comes in from the estate. After that here are various odd jobs to occupy my time until tiffin, the midday meal about 1.30.
'To Bed After Lunch'
'FROM then until half past, four everyone goes to bed, as it is dangerous to work while the. day is so hot. After-noon tea is at half past four, after which I play tennis or motor or visit my friends. 'A quaint custom among the whites out there is the fact that no one ever comes to afternoon tea. In fact,' Mrs. Harrison laughed, 'we would hate anyone if they dared to. Any visitors we have arrive between six and half past nine for 'pahit and makin ketchel' (cocktails and hors d'oeuvre). After that we have dinner. 'Most people have Chinese' or Cingalese ' servants,' Mrs. Harrison explains Her own servants are Cingalese, except the amah who is a Chinese. 'Although for a syce or chauffeur I prefer a Malayan to a Chinese,' she'said. 'Malayans won't kill, but Chinese kill as quick as a flash.' Mrs. Harrison admits that the Chinese have made Malaya by their wonderful thrift and versatility. The working Chinese can copy, anything, according to Mrs. Harrison. In fact they aro so expert at copying, that if you take a pair of shoes to a shoemaker with a patch on them, he will even copy the patch!
Indian Tailors
SOME of the women have Indian copymen or tailors who will reproduce an exact copy, of any model frock 'given to them for about three or four dollars. A dollar in Malay is 2/4. 'They all sit in a row on the floor, 'my friend said, 'and work away, embroidering or smocking, the most exquisite materials. They chew betel nut all the time and spit, but there is never a mark of any sort, on the materials.
''Tamils are employed on the plantation when an estate is fully grown,' Mrs. Harrison explained. 'They are cheaper,and are employed to tap the rubber. A man must be really versatile to be a successful planter. To begin with, he must have a thorough knowledge of surveying, road and bridge engineering, a good working knowledge of how to deal with malaria, knowledge of several languages, including Tamil, and some experience of first aid.
Panther on Main Road
'Of course, there are always the estate hospitals, which have a qualified Indian dresser in attendance, and a visiting European doctor once a week. 'Any jungles or wild beasts? Why yes. I have seen several jungles turned into rubber plantations, and once when we were motoring along a main road, we saw a panther stroll across the road in front of us!'
Ah Hong, Chinese Nurse
THE amah came in to show me the baby.' Ah Hong, as the amah was called, is a Cantonese. She spoke in a soft crooning voice, with a decidedly pretty accent. I asked her how she liked Australia, to which she replied, 'Like it ver' much. Funny climate, though. Hot, cold, all change quickly. Drier than my country. Sometimes storms every day there. 'Ah Hong has been to the seaside, and was vastly interested at seeing the women looking after their own children. ' 'Lots of children, too,' she explained.
Won't Wear Her Trousers
AH Hong refuses to wear her black silk trousers in Australia because she is afraid that people will laugh. But in China, she said, and in Malay, they all wear black trousers. 'When I go to see my own people, she explained in her pretty broken English, 'I wear all black silk baju and trousers.' Amah is more travelled than many white women. She has been to England and India as amah to different women. Mrs. Harrison says that amahs, as a classare wonderfully clean, and are most particular about dress. Ah Hong is very clever with her needle, and makes many of the baby's clothes.
The Register News Pictorial Wednesday 10 April 1929 page 14
Begin at 6 a.m.
'Our day 'begins 'at six o'clock, when we have fruit and tea. Then I give the orders for the day to the cook, and see that the house-boy and the water carrier are doing their work properly. 'I generally do some gardening with the gardener until breakfast time which is half past eight when my husband, comes in from the estate. After that here are various odd jobs to occupy my time until tiffin, the midday meal about 1.30.
'To Bed After Lunch'
'FROM then until half past, four everyone goes to bed, as it is dangerous to work while the. day is so hot. After-noon tea is at half past four, after which I play tennis or motor or visit my friends. 'A quaint custom among the whites out there is the fact that no one ever comes to afternoon tea. In fact,' Mrs. Harrison laughed, 'we would hate anyone if they dared to. Any visitors we have arrive between six and half past nine for 'pahit and makin ketchel' (cocktails and hors d'oeuvre). After that we have dinner. 'Most people have Chinese' or Cingalese ' servants,' Mrs. Harrison explains Her own servants are Cingalese, except the amah who is a Chinese. 'Although for a syce or chauffeur I prefer a Malayan to a Chinese,' she'said. 'Malayans won't kill, but Chinese kill as quick as a flash.' Mrs. Harrison admits that the Chinese have made Malaya by their wonderful thrift and versatility. The working Chinese can copy, anything, according to Mrs. Harrison. In fact they aro so expert at copying, that if you take a pair of shoes to a shoemaker with a patch on them, he will even copy the patch!
Indian Tailors
SOME of the women have Indian copymen or tailors who will reproduce an exact copy, of any model frock 'given to them for about three or four dollars. A dollar in Malay is 2/4. 'They all sit in a row on the floor, 'my friend said, 'and work away, embroidering or smocking, the most exquisite materials. They chew betel nut all the time and spit, but there is never a mark of any sort, on the materials.
''Tamils are employed on the plantation when an estate is fully grown,' Mrs. Harrison explained. 'They are cheaper,and are employed to tap the rubber. A man must be really versatile to be a successful planter. To begin with, he must have a thorough knowledge of surveying, road and bridge engineering, a good working knowledge of how to deal with malaria, knowledge of several languages, including Tamil, and some experience of first aid.
Panther on Main Road
'Of course, there are always the estate hospitals, which have a qualified Indian dresser in attendance, and a visiting European doctor once a week. 'Any jungles or wild beasts? Why yes. I have seen several jungles turned into rubber plantations, and once when we were motoring along a main road, we saw a panther stroll across the road in front of us!'
Ah Hong, Chinese Nurse
THE amah came in to show me the baby.' Ah Hong, as the amah was called, is a Cantonese. She spoke in a soft crooning voice, with a decidedly pretty accent. I asked her how she liked Australia, to which she replied, 'Like it ver' much. Funny climate, though. Hot, cold, all change quickly. Drier than my country. Sometimes storms every day there. 'Ah Hong has been to the seaside, and was vastly interested at seeing the women looking after their own children. ' 'Lots of children, too,' she explained.
Won't Wear Her Trousers
AH Hong refuses to wear her black silk trousers in Australia because she is afraid that people will laugh. But in China, she said, and in Malay, they all wear black trousers. 'When I go to see my own people, she explained in her pretty broken English, 'I wear all black silk baju and trousers.' Amah is more travelled than many white women. She has been to England and India as amah to different women. Mrs. Harrison says that amahs, as a classare wonderfully clean, and are most particular about dress. Ah Hong is very clever with her needle, and makes many of the baby's clothes.
The Register News Pictorial Wednesday 10 April 1929 page 14
BELL, Doris Frances
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 20 May 1894 at Brisbane, Qld. Daughter of Frank BELL and Ellen Louisa nee HOPKINS Of Railway Street, Laidley, Qld. Enlisted 07 October 1918 Aged 24 years Embarked 14 October 1918 per 'Wyreema' from Sydney Dis-embarked at Albany Fremantle 10 December 1918 for duty at Quarantine Station Suffered Pneumonic Influenza 17 December 1918 Appointment terminated 24 April 1919 Married 17 October 1925 t Kenneth Leslie MacFARLANE in Queensland. Died 01 June 1979 in Queensland Buried Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens Columbarium 12 Section 17 |
BELL, Edith
Sister
AANS
Born Edith LANE 18 October 1869 in Oamaru, New Zealand
Daughter of Edward George LANE and Charlotte nee BETHELL
Edith married Charles Adam BELL in 1913 in New Zealand. He was killed at Gallipoli in 1915
Sister of C R CHURCH
Of 60 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Vic.
Enlisted 18 August 1916
Aged 41 years
Embarked 26 December 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne
Served in India
Returned to Australia 12 November 1919 per 'Port Sydney'
Appointment terminated 28 February 1920
Among the latest arrivals in Oamaru from service abroad is Sister Edith Bell, who has been with the Australian Army Nursing Service for nearly four years. She left Melbourne in 1916 for India with 50 other military nursing sisters, and was appointed to the Victoria War Hospital, Bombay. After a few weeks work there she joined the hospital ship Ellora, and for eleven months nursed English Tommies, Indians and Turkish prisoners, who were being brought down from Mesopotamia to Bombay. The heat in the Persian Gulf was a times almost unbearable and the ship had to be turned round and round in an effort to get a little air down to the wards below. The summer of 1917 was exceptionally hot in Mesopotamia, and the Tommies died in hundreds of heatstroke. After leaving the Ellora Sister Bell was sent to a 3000 bed hospital at Deolali, about 150 miles from Bombay. Nine months later she joined the famous hospital ship Madras (the first hospital ship to reach Mesopotamia and the one in which General Townshend travelled to England while he was on parole when still a prisoner of war of Turkey). Her duties on this ship took her to many foreign parts, including Ceylon, Singapore, china, Japan, Canada and Siberia. The Madras had to plough her way through a sea of ice 10 to 12 inches thick to reach the port of Vladivostok, which is now in the hands of the Bolsheviks. After a stay of two weeks in this place the Madras sailed with 300 English Tommy patients and 350 Czecho-Slovaks, many of whom had been prisoners of war in Russia. The latter were disembarked at Alexandria, and the ship sailed for England with 1000 sick and wounded Tommies. Sister Bell is a daughter of the late Mr. E.G. Lane of this town and her husband was reported 'missing, afterwards believed killed' at Gallipoli.
The Omaru Mail Thursday 18 March 1920
AANS
Born Edith LANE 18 October 1869 in Oamaru, New Zealand
Daughter of Edward George LANE and Charlotte nee BETHELL
Edith married Charles Adam BELL in 1913 in New Zealand. He was killed at Gallipoli in 1915
Sister of C R CHURCH
Of 60 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Vic.
Enlisted 18 August 1916
Aged 41 years
Embarked 26 December 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne
Served in India
Returned to Australia 12 November 1919 per 'Port Sydney'
Appointment terminated 28 February 1920
Among the latest arrivals in Oamaru from service abroad is Sister Edith Bell, who has been with the Australian Army Nursing Service for nearly four years. She left Melbourne in 1916 for India with 50 other military nursing sisters, and was appointed to the Victoria War Hospital, Bombay. After a few weeks work there she joined the hospital ship Ellora, and for eleven months nursed English Tommies, Indians and Turkish prisoners, who were being brought down from Mesopotamia to Bombay. The heat in the Persian Gulf was a times almost unbearable and the ship had to be turned round and round in an effort to get a little air down to the wards below. The summer of 1917 was exceptionally hot in Mesopotamia, and the Tommies died in hundreds of heatstroke. After leaving the Ellora Sister Bell was sent to a 3000 bed hospital at Deolali, about 150 miles from Bombay. Nine months later she joined the famous hospital ship Madras (the first hospital ship to reach Mesopotamia and the one in which General Townshend travelled to England while he was on parole when still a prisoner of war of Turkey). Her duties on this ship took her to many foreign parts, including Ceylon, Singapore, china, Japan, Canada and Siberia. The Madras had to plough her way through a sea of ice 10 to 12 inches thick to reach the port of Vladivostok, which is now in the hands of the Bolsheviks. After a stay of two weeks in this place the Madras sailed with 300 English Tommy patients and 350 Czecho-Slovaks, many of whom had been prisoners of war in Russia. The latter were disembarked at Alexandria, and the ship sailed for England with 1000 sick and wounded Tommies. Sister Bell is a daughter of the late Mr. E.G. Lane of this town and her husband was reported 'missing, afterwards believed killed' at Gallipoli.
The Omaru Mail Thursday 18 March 1920
BELL, Jane
Matron in Chief
AANS No 1 AGH Born 16 March 1873 in Middlebie, Dumfrieshire, Scotland Daughter of William BELLE and Helen nee JOHNSTONE Sister of J M STEINDL Of 'Coona Brae' Bundaberg, Qld. Trained at Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Enlisted 09 November 1914 at Melbourne, Vic. Aged 41 years Embarked 05 December 1914 per 'Kyarra' Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 01 October 1915 per 'Euripides' Appointment terminated 15 October 1915 Died 06 August 1959 in Melbourne, Vic. |
Jane Bell was born in Scotland in 1873. Following the death of both her parents and four of her siblings from tuberculosis in 1886, she and her three remaining siblings migrated to Australia with the help of their local Presbyterian Congregation. She commenced nurse training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney in 1898, rising to the position of Night Superintendent. Following this, she was Matron of the Bundaberg Hospital in Queensland in 1903, and from 1904, Matron of the Brisbane General Hospital. In 1906, she went to London to undertake obstetrical training at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, followed by a period as Assistant Lady Superintendent at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In November 1910, she was appointed Lady Superintendent of the Melbourne Hospital, a position she held until her retirement in June 1934 . During her tenure, she created the position of Theatre Sister in 1912, appointed the first ‘Sister Tutor’ in an Australian hospital in 1921, established the Nurses’ Preliminary Training School in 1927, and created the first Special Diet Kitchen in an Australian hospital in 1929. In addition, she was involved in the formation of the RMH Past Trainees’ Association in 1917 (now the RMH Graduate Nurses’ Association) and was instrumental in the introduction of State registration for nurses in 1924. |
She was very active in professional nursing affairs. She was a foundation member of the Nurses’ Board of Victoria from 1924-1950; a member of the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses’Association from 1911, including its President in 1931-34 and 1938-46; helped to form the Australasian Nursing Federation in 1899 and the Royal Australian Nursing Federation in 1924.
For a period in 1914-15, she was Principal Matron of the First Australian General Hospital during World War One, based in Egypt and treating Gallipoli casualties. At the time the position, status, authority and working conditions of army nurses were undefined. Miss Bell waged an incessant battle with the Army Medical Service, seeking to clarify the position and responsibilities of the nursing service and to place its control and discipline in the hands of its own members. A later inquiry vindicated her views and implemented her recommendations.
In 1937, she represented Australia at the meeting of the International Council of Nurses in London. Miss Bell’s interests were in nursing education and the promotion of post-graduate nursing qualifications, salaries and working conditions and the raising of nursing standards. She was appointed an Order of the British Empire in 1944 and died in 1959 as a patient at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Sources: UNA, Nursing Journal, October 1959; The Australian Dictionary of Biography; Jennifer A. Williams and Rupert D. Goodman: Jane Bell, OBE (1873-1959), RMH Graduate Nurses’ Association, 1988; Alan Gregory: The Ever Open Door: A History of The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Hyland House, 1998. http://www.mh.org.au/2011-nursing-great-jane-bell-s-memorabilia-donated/w1/i1016709/ |
BELL, Lila/Leila Catherine
Staff Nurse
AANS 14th AGH Born Eliza Catherine BELL 24 March 1888 in Braidwood, NSW Daughter of George Nugent BELL and Eliza nee BURKE Of Mundy St., Guldburn, NSW Enlisted 09 September 1916 in Sydney NSW Aged 28 years Embarked 09 December 1916 per 'Kaiser-i-Hind' from Sydney Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 12 July 1918 per 'Port Darwin' Resigned appointment 01 September 1918 Married James Iver CHIRNSIDE in Sydney in 1919 Died 18 September 1975 at Geelong, Vic. Buried Geelong Eastern Cemetery EAS-PRES-01-807-122 Photographs courtesy of Cheryl Baulch |
BELL, Linda
Nurses Farewell Miss Linda Bell
To say farewell to Miss Linda Bell, who will shortly leave for England, her friends in the nursing profession held an afternoon party at the Brisbane Women's Club yesterday. Zinnias formed the table decorations. Miss Bell, who trained at the Brisbane General Hospital, served in Africa with the British forces and afterwards with the A.I.F. during the Great War. She was the only Australian nurse whose troopship was torpedoed. On her return to Australia Miss Bell became matron of the Anzac Hostel, at Kangaroo Point. Those present at the party included Mrs. M. Spooner, Misses F. Chatfield,O.B.E., C. Sorensen, E. M. Paten, L. G. Perry-Andrews, K. H.Cowen, E. Scanlan, D. Bardsley, A. England, K. Heaven, G. A.Harkness, V. R. Hoskins, and J. Bell. At the monthlymeeting of the Returned Sisters'Sub-branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. Miss Bell was presented with a bolster travelling bag. She will leave on November 25 in the Moreton Bay, The president(Miss Sadie Mac-Donald) presided.
The Courier Mail Friday 18 November 1938 page 1S
To say farewell to Miss Linda Bell, who will shortly leave for England, her friends in the nursing profession held an afternoon party at the Brisbane Women's Club yesterday. Zinnias formed the table decorations. Miss Bell, who trained at the Brisbane General Hospital, served in Africa with the British forces and afterwards with the A.I.F. during the Great War. She was the only Australian nurse whose troopship was torpedoed. On her return to Australia Miss Bell became matron of the Anzac Hostel, at Kangaroo Point. Those present at the party included Mrs. M. Spooner, Misses F. Chatfield,O.B.E., C. Sorensen, E. M. Paten, L. G. Perry-Andrews, K. H.Cowen, E. Scanlan, D. Bardsley, A. England, K. Heaven, G. A.Harkness, V. R. Hoskins, and J. Bell. At the monthlymeeting of the Returned Sisters'Sub-branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. Miss Bell was presented with a bolster travelling bag. She will leave on November 25 in the Moreton Bay, The president(Miss Sadie Mac-Donald) presided.
The Courier Mail Friday 18 November 1938 page 1S
BELL, Sarah
Sister
AANS Born 23 June 1874 at Scarsdale, Vic. Daughter of Robert BELL and Mary nee ALLEN Of Corner of Sturt and Ripon Streets, Ballarat, Vic. Trained at Ballarat District Hospital Enlisted 20 July 1915 Aged 41 years (33 years stated on some papers) Embarked 04 August 1915 per "Orontes" from Melbourne Served in England Returned to Australia 18 December 1915 per 'Wandilla' Re-embarked 01 March 1916 per 'Ulysses' Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 28 August 1917 per 'New Zealand' Enlisted 07 February 1918 Embarked from Australian 28 February 1918 per 'Nestor' Served in England Returned to Australia 05 July 1918 per 'Gaika' Appointment terminated 28 January 1919 Did not marry. Died 11 December 1943 in Ballarat, Vic. Late of Sturt Street, Ballarat, Vic. Aged 69 years Buried Ballarat Old Cemetery JABD J Border A Row 1 Grave 53 Photograph Table Talk Thursday 16 September 1915 page 26 |
BELSTEAD, Briseis
Enlisted 05 May 1915
Embarked 18 May 1915
Served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France
Returned to Australia per 'Ormonde' 01 August 1919
Discharged as Medically unfit 26 December 1919
Did not marry
Died 05 April 1949 in Vic.
Late of 404 Punt Road, South Yarra, Vic.
Cremated Springvale Botanical Cemetery Tristania Wall 2BB Niche 718
Embarked 18 May 1915
Served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France
Returned to Australia per 'Ormonde' 01 August 1919
Discharged as Medically unfit 26 December 1919
Did not marry
Died 05 April 1949 in Vic.
Late of 404 Punt Road, South Yarra, Vic.
Cremated Springvale Botanical Cemetery Tristania Wall 2BB Niche 718
BEMBRICK, Amy Glenthora
Sister
AANS Born 26 October 1893 at Grenfell, NSW Daughter of Alfred BEMBRICK and Elizabeth nee FOWLER Of Sutherland Road, Epping, NSW Enlisted 10 May 1917 at Sydney, NSW Aged 23 years Embarked 09 June 1917 per 'Mooltan' from Sydney Served in Salonika Returned to Australia 23 July 1919 per 'Canberra' Appointment terminated 15 October 1919 Married in 1922 to Charles William James GUMBLEY Died 13 June 1949 at her residence All Saints Recotry, Hunters Hill, NSW Buried Northern Suburbs Crematorium |
Mrs. C. W. J. Gumbley, who died in Sydney last night after a long illness, was the wife of Mr. Gumbley, rector of St. Luke's Church of England, Whitmore square, from 1939 to 1945.
During her stay in Adelaide she endeared herself to hundreds of children from needy families. She acted as"camp mother" for children attending the annual boys' camp sponsored by "The News," and helped to provide a hot lunch daily for 200 children from the city's west end during the winter months. Mrs. Gumbley, who was Miss Amy Glenthora Bembrick before her marriage, was born in New South Wales. She trained as a nurse at the Western Suburbs Hospital, served as an Army nurse in World War I., and met her husband while she was nursing in Salonika. Her three daughters-Mrs.R. W. L. Crosby, of Blair Athol, Millicent, and Alison-were all trained as nurses. A son. Tony, is at school in Sydney. Mr. Gumley went to Sydney in 1945 as rector of All Saints'Church, Hunter's Hill.
News Tuesday 14 June 1949 page 3
During her stay in Adelaide she endeared herself to hundreds of children from needy families. She acted as"camp mother" for children attending the annual boys' camp sponsored by "The News," and helped to provide a hot lunch daily for 200 children from the city's west end during the winter months. Mrs. Gumbley, who was Miss Amy Glenthora Bembrick before her marriage, was born in New South Wales. She trained as a nurse at the Western Suburbs Hospital, served as an Army nurse in World War I., and met her husband while she was nursing in Salonika. Her three daughters-Mrs.R. W. L. Crosby, of Blair Athol, Millicent, and Alison-were all trained as nurses. A son. Tony, is at school in Sydney. Mr. Gumley went to Sydney in 1945 as rector of All Saints'Church, Hunter's Hill.
News Tuesday 14 June 1949 page 3
BENALLACK, Mary Ann
Sister
Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Born 24 August, 1876 at Colac, Vic. Daughter of Stephen Staton BENALLACK and Mary Ann nee ROCK Educated at Geelong, Vic. Trained at Maryborough District Hospital 1902-1905 Sister 1905 -1906 Matron 1906 - 1910 Resigned Maryborough District Hospital 1910 Joined staff of the France Australian Voluntary Hospital 10 November 1914 Applied to QAIMNSR 22 June 1916 in Wimereux, France Joined QAIMNSR 07 July 1916 |
Transferred from staff of Australian Voluntary Hospital 01 July 1916 to 32nd Stationary Hospital until 14 September 1916
Joined 5th General Hospital 29 November 1916 Wounded 22 July 1917 on duty during an enemy's bombardment. Joined Marsailles Stationary Hospital 14 November 1917 Resigned appointment 09 July 1918 Sent to England per 'Gloucester Castle' Applied for passage to Australia 29 July 1918 Resided 'Rothesay' Grant Street, Colac, Vic. September, 1919 Died 16 May 1937 Buried Geelong Western Public Cemetery WST-COE-1-807-1657 The death occurred in a private hospital in Melbourne on Tuesday of Sister Mary Ann Benallack, of Colac. Sister Benallack was in England when the Great War broke out, and she left for the front almost immediately with the staff of the Lady Dudley Hospital. Cemetery photograph courtesy of Cheryl Baulch |

While on duty in France she was severely wounded during an air raid. Sister Benallack was awarded the Royal Red Cross.
A THRILLING STORY
Sister Mary Benallack, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service, who has been on duty behind the lines in France since November 1914, is a sister of Mrs T W Johnstone, of Colac. Whilst in London, where she was suffering from the effects of wounds and shell shock, she graphically described some of her experiences in the war zone in the following article which appeared in the “Glasgow Weekly News””:
“Before referring to my own little adventures in that grim area of titanic combat – termed the Western Front – I desire to avail myself of the privilege of adding my tribute of admiration for the dauntless valour and splendid fortitude of the men now fighting on defence of righteousness and justice.The courage of the heroic lads of the Empire in the field is only matched by their calm, unmurmuring endurance under physical pain in the hospitals. I write of that which I know. For nearly three years I have had the honour lending the sick, the wounded, and the dying, and, looking back I cannot recall a single instance of a British warrior whose agony made him that he donned the uniform or whose glazing eyes showed a trace of fear as he approached the dark valley of the shadow of death.
A MEMORABLE DAY
My most exciting day in France - from a strictly personal viewpoint – was Sunday, 22nd July, 1917, for it was then that I obtained a practical lesson of what it means to be wounded.
It happened in this fashion. I was on board a barge which had been converted into a hospital. The flotilla comprised four of these barges, which were proceeding along a canal “somewhere in France” for the purpose of bringing back wounded men from the Front.
About eight o’clock on that lovely summer morning we reached a small town fully a dozen miles to the rear of the firing line. The bells were ringing for church service, and but for the booming of guns in the distance one would have found it difficult to believe that the scene of the world’s most fearful conflict was near at hand. There were three other nurses besides myself on board, and after breakfast we went up on deck to enjoy the fresh air, and probably, to pass under review the Sunday attire of the French women of the provincial town. That, alas, was not a difficult task. The great majority of the women in France are in mourning.
The four of us – representing England, Scotland, Ireland and Australia – were seated on one of the hatches chatting away about nothing in particular when the peacefulness of the picture was rudely shattered by the arrival in a neighbouring field of a great German howitzer shell.
One of the town’s officials informed us of the character of the unwelcome visitor, and added that the place had frequently been under the fire of the Kaiser’s most powerful guns. “They are trying to smash up that foundry,” he said, “but they haven’t registered a hit so far.”
During the next two hours over a score of monster shells landed in and about the town and the bombardment had the disturbing effect of making one ponder over the uncertainty of life.
Shortly after ten o’clock the unforgettable event occurred. A shell collided with a potato field bordering the canal and at a point not more than twenty yards distant from our barge.
The concussion treated us in a most undignified manner. We were hurled off the hatch and thrown violently to the deck. “What next?” was the question that flashed through my brain as I struck the boards. I had not long to wait for an answer. The atmosphere suddenly became filled with earth and stones – and potatoes! My recollections of what took place within the next few seconds is of the vaguest description. In fact, there are blanks in the film.
FRIGHTENED THE DOCTOR
For instance, I was informed by one of the doctors that I gave him the fright of his life. It appears that I was completely buried beneath the debris created by the bursting of the shell. Subconsciously I must have fought and struggled against this premature burial, for the medical man informed me that my head suddenly emerged from the mass.
“And you were a pretty sight, I assure you,” he said. “Your face was covered with blood, and just at that stage you wouldn’t have run the ghost of a chance in a beauty show. I didn’t know you at first. It was only when you spoke that I became sure of your identity.”
“What did I say, doctor? “That was the funny part of the business,” he laughingly replied. “You looked round you dazedly, and then remarked – “ We are all right, aren’t we? Is anybody hurt?”
Later in hospital I learned that I had got the worst of the deal. My real features were concealed behind a discouraging mask of cuts, bruises, and abrasions, whilst I suffered rather severely from shell shock.
One man in the barge next to ours was struck by a bit of shrapnel as he lay in bed down below and a few of the nurses on that same barge met with quite a number of hair-raising adventures while crawling about beneath the beds in search of shelter.
The cook on our barge, who escaped without a scratch, afterwards quoted the old proverb, which announces something about its being “an ill wind that blows nobody good”. The reason for his joy was the discovery of a quantity of potatoes on the deck of the barge, sufficient to supply the whole outfit for fully a week.
And I still cherish the opinion that it was a potato that presented me with one of the most radiant black eyes that ever adorned a human countenance. Verily, I looked a most disreputable creature.
MISTAKEN FOR A MAN
Just how many yards of bandages they wrapped around my devoted head I shall never know. One thing is certain – they tied me up so voluminously that at one stage of my journey I was actually mistaken for a man!
It was after leaving the Channel steamer at Dover that this horrible “tragedy” occurred. Hundreds of wounded Tommies had crossed in the same boat with men, and also a number of sick nurses.
I was a stretcher case, neatly enfolded in the regulation blanket, and my head and hair concealed from view beneath the aforementioned bandages. My destination was London, while the wounded soldiers were en route for Bournemouth.
Dusk was falling on the stretcher on which I lay rested on the Dover platform. My stretcher was on the right flank of those of the sick sisters, and next to those of the Tommies.
In due course two stretcher bearers suddenly materialized, and without speaking a word they carried me into the ambulance train and deposited me in a lower berth. My mind was not particularly active at the moment. I was feeling faint and tired with the journey and my injuries, and longing for the peace and rest of a hospital bed.
Then it gradually dawned upon me that there was an extraordinarily large number of male voices sounding in the carriage. I failed to understand why there should be so many male orderlies to look after a few sick nurses, and I decided to investigate. Raising myself on my elbow, I glanced around with the solitary eye that had been left uncovered and was still capable of active service. On the other side of the carriage I beheld to my great astonishment several wounded Tommies. They glanced in my direction and one of them smiled and said, “Well, old fellow, and how are you getting along? That’s a fine bunch of linen they’ve tied round your cranium.”
Merciful goodness! The bold warriors regarded me as being of the male gender. This was a serious matter indeed, and when an orderly passed along the corridor I hailed him and asked, “Are you sure I am on the right train for London?”
I shall always remember the look of amazement that crept over the features of that orderly. He recognized my voice as being that of a women and he was not the only one in the carriage to do so. The Tommy who had referred to my “bunch of linen” sat up in his cot and gasped, “That fellow over there must be a woman, boys. At least, he’s got a woman’s voice.” Immediately I became the cynosure of all eyes. Every man who was able sat up and had a look at me, and the fellow in the cot above almost tumbled out in his anxiety to catch sight of the novelty – a woman returning from the war zone with a very dilapidated head.
Fortunately the train had not started and I was hurriedly removed from my cot and carried over to my proper quarters in the midst of the wounded sisters. And, would you believe it, they had never missed me! But when they learned of my mischance they teased my most unmercifully, the chief and most unfounded allegation being that even when wounded I could not keep away from the boys.
GAY GORDON’S PHILOSOPHY
One of my most poignant memories centres round the death of a handsome young Glasgow lad, a member of the Gordons. I shall call him Jack MacDonald, although that was not his real name. Jack was brought to us at Wimereux in the summer of 1916, and it was apparent form the first that his hours on earth were numbered.
“I have not long to live,” he said to me as I stood by the side of his cot.
“You are very ill” was the reply I made, adding “but one should never despair of recovery.”
“But there’s no hope for me, nurse, and I know it,” continued the wounded soldier. “I am not afraid of death. There is peace and rest in the grave.”
I was at a loss for words, and remained silent. I had seen many men die but had never stood by the deathbed of one who spoke so stoically of his passing into the Great Beyond.
From his speech I judged him to be a man of considerable education and this impression was strengthened when he said “Like Lucretius, I believe in the everlasting death. And it is that belief which has helped to do my duty as a soldier.”
This confession of faith took me by surprise. I was aware that many soldiers gave but little thought to religion, being content to leave their future state in the hands of a just Omnipotence. But never before had I heard a dying man express in words that death was the end of all things. I tried to persuade him not to talk any more, so that he might conserve his strength.
“I want to talk as long as I am able,” MacDonald declared. “I want to tell you of the hope that has sustained me to play the man in moments of grave danger, when otherwise my courage might have faltered.”
“PEACE IS THERE BELOW”
I decided to humor the poor lad, and the following is a summary of what – with occasional pauses – he told me:-
“Shortly after joining the army I became the servant of an officer, and it was while acting in this capacity that I renewed my acquaintance with the writings of Lucretius. This officer had two little paper covered volumes of “The Bibelot”, an American publication. The contents consisted of a translation of Lucretius on “Life and Death” in the metre of Omar Khayam, the author being W.H.Mallock. I obtained permission to read the poem, and it comforted me. It removed from my mind any lurking fear I ever had of death. I wrote down some of the verse in my notebook, but I remember them even now. Listen, nurse, and I will repeat the verse I love best of all.”
And then in a voice that trembled a little Jack MacDonald recited the following lines:-
“Oh forms of fear, oh sights and sounds of woes
Thy shadowy road down which we all must go
Leads not to these, but from them.
Hell is here.
Here in the broad day. Peace is there below.
Jack MacDonald passed away that night. He took me by the hand and whispered, “Goodbye. It is growing dark – so dark.”
From his notebook I copied the verse which I have quoted. Jack was a philosopher and his philosophy, right or wrong, stood him in good stead. He died the death of a hero, and can any man travel into the unknown with a finer deed to his credit?
Three years in France! So dark with sorrow and suffering, and at times illumined with a glory unknown in the days of peace. I shall be going back soon, and I am pleased to go. But I trust that the end of the strife may not be far distant, and that the happy day may dawn when the brave and noble sons of the British Empire shall return to their homes with the light of a great and decisive victory shining in their eyes.
The Register Tuesday 04 December 1917 page 8
Sister Mary Benallack, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service, who has been on duty behind the lines in France since November 1914, is a sister of Mrs T W Johnstone, of Colac. Whilst in London, where she was suffering from the effects of wounds and shell shock, she graphically described some of her experiences in the war zone in the following article which appeared in the “Glasgow Weekly News””:
“Before referring to my own little adventures in that grim area of titanic combat – termed the Western Front – I desire to avail myself of the privilege of adding my tribute of admiration for the dauntless valour and splendid fortitude of the men now fighting on defence of righteousness and justice.The courage of the heroic lads of the Empire in the field is only matched by their calm, unmurmuring endurance under physical pain in the hospitals. I write of that which I know. For nearly three years I have had the honour lending the sick, the wounded, and the dying, and, looking back I cannot recall a single instance of a British warrior whose agony made him that he donned the uniform or whose glazing eyes showed a trace of fear as he approached the dark valley of the shadow of death.
A MEMORABLE DAY
My most exciting day in France - from a strictly personal viewpoint – was Sunday, 22nd July, 1917, for it was then that I obtained a practical lesson of what it means to be wounded.
It happened in this fashion. I was on board a barge which had been converted into a hospital. The flotilla comprised four of these barges, which were proceeding along a canal “somewhere in France” for the purpose of bringing back wounded men from the Front.
About eight o’clock on that lovely summer morning we reached a small town fully a dozen miles to the rear of the firing line. The bells were ringing for church service, and but for the booming of guns in the distance one would have found it difficult to believe that the scene of the world’s most fearful conflict was near at hand. There were three other nurses besides myself on board, and after breakfast we went up on deck to enjoy the fresh air, and probably, to pass under review the Sunday attire of the French women of the provincial town. That, alas, was not a difficult task. The great majority of the women in France are in mourning.
The four of us – representing England, Scotland, Ireland and Australia – were seated on one of the hatches chatting away about nothing in particular when the peacefulness of the picture was rudely shattered by the arrival in a neighbouring field of a great German howitzer shell.
One of the town’s officials informed us of the character of the unwelcome visitor, and added that the place had frequently been under the fire of the Kaiser’s most powerful guns. “They are trying to smash up that foundry,” he said, “but they haven’t registered a hit so far.”
During the next two hours over a score of monster shells landed in and about the town and the bombardment had the disturbing effect of making one ponder over the uncertainty of life.
Shortly after ten o’clock the unforgettable event occurred. A shell collided with a potato field bordering the canal and at a point not more than twenty yards distant from our barge.
The concussion treated us in a most undignified manner. We were hurled off the hatch and thrown violently to the deck. “What next?” was the question that flashed through my brain as I struck the boards. I had not long to wait for an answer. The atmosphere suddenly became filled with earth and stones – and potatoes! My recollections of what took place within the next few seconds is of the vaguest description. In fact, there are blanks in the film.
FRIGHTENED THE DOCTOR
For instance, I was informed by one of the doctors that I gave him the fright of his life. It appears that I was completely buried beneath the debris created by the bursting of the shell. Subconsciously I must have fought and struggled against this premature burial, for the medical man informed me that my head suddenly emerged from the mass.
“And you were a pretty sight, I assure you,” he said. “Your face was covered with blood, and just at that stage you wouldn’t have run the ghost of a chance in a beauty show. I didn’t know you at first. It was only when you spoke that I became sure of your identity.”
“What did I say, doctor? “That was the funny part of the business,” he laughingly replied. “You looked round you dazedly, and then remarked – “ We are all right, aren’t we? Is anybody hurt?”
Later in hospital I learned that I had got the worst of the deal. My real features were concealed behind a discouraging mask of cuts, bruises, and abrasions, whilst I suffered rather severely from shell shock.
One man in the barge next to ours was struck by a bit of shrapnel as he lay in bed down below and a few of the nurses on that same barge met with quite a number of hair-raising adventures while crawling about beneath the beds in search of shelter.
The cook on our barge, who escaped without a scratch, afterwards quoted the old proverb, which announces something about its being “an ill wind that blows nobody good”. The reason for his joy was the discovery of a quantity of potatoes on the deck of the barge, sufficient to supply the whole outfit for fully a week.
And I still cherish the opinion that it was a potato that presented me with one of the most radiant black eyes that ever adorned a human countenance. Verily, I looked a most disreputable creature.
MISTAKEN FOR A MAN
Just how many yards of bandages they wrapped around my devoted head I shall never know. One thing is certain – they tied me up so voluminously that at one stage of my journey I was actually mistaken for a man!
It was after leaving the Channel steamer at Dover that this horrible “tragedy” occurred. Hundreds of wounded Tommies had crossed in the same boat with men, and also a number of sick nurses.
I was a stretcher case, neatly enfolded in the regulation blanket, and my head and hair concealed from view beneath the aforementioned bandages. My destination was London, while the wounded soldiers were en route for Bournemouth.
Dusk was falling on the stretcher on which I lay rested on the Dover platform. My stretcher was on the right flank of those of the sick sisters, and next to those of the Tommies.
In due course two stretcher bearers suddenly materialized, and without speaking a word they carried me into the ambulance train and deposited me in a lower berth. My mind was not particularly active at the moment. I was feeling faint and tired with the journey and my injuries, and longing for the peace and rest of a hospital bed.
Then it gradually dawned upon me that there was an extraordinarily large number of male voices sounding in the carriage. I failed to understand why there should be so many male orderlies to look after a few sick nurses, and I decided to investigate. Raising myself on my elbow, I glanced around with the solitary eye that had been left uncovered and was still capable of active service. On the other side of the carriage I beheld to my great astonishment several wounded Tommies. They glanced in my direction and one of them smiled and said, “Well, old fellow, and how are you getting along? That’s a fine bunch of linen they’ve tied round your cranium.”
Merciful goodness! The bold warriors regarded me as being of the male gender. This was a serious matter indeed, and when an orderly passed along the corridor I hailed him and asked, “Are you sure I am on the right train for London?”
I shall always remember the look of amazement that crept over the features of that orderly. He recognized my voice as being that of a women and he was not the only one in the carriage to do so. The Tommy who had referred to my “bunch of linen” sat up in his cot and gasped, “That fellow over there must be a woman, boys. At least, he’s got a woman’s voice.” Immediately I became the cynosure of all eyes. Every man who was able sat up and had a look at me, and the fellow in the cot above almost tumbled out in his anxiety to catch sight of the novelty – a woman returning from the war zone with a very dilapidated head.
Fortunately the train had not started and I was hurriedly removed from my cot and carried over to my proper quarters in the midst of the wounded sisters. And, would you believe it, they had never missed me! But when they learned of my mischance they teased my most unmercifully, the chief and most unfounded allegation being that even when wounded I could not keep away from the boys.
GAY GORDON’S PHILOSOPHY
One of my most poignant memories centres round the death of a handsome young Glasgow lad, a member of the Gordons. I shall call him Jack MacDonald, although that was not his real name. Jack was brought to us at Wimereux in the summer of 1916, and it was apparent form the first that his hours on earth were numbered.
“I have not long to live,” he said to me as I stood by the side of his cot.
“You are very ill” was the reply I made, adding “but one should never despair of recovery.”
“But there’s no hope for me, nurse, and I know it,” continued the wounded soldier. “I am not afraid of death. There is peace and rest in the grave.”
I was at a loss for words, and remained silent. I had seen many men die but had never stood by the deathbed of one who spoke so stoically of his passing into the Great Beyond.
From his speech I judged him to be a man of considerable education and this impression was strengthened when he said “Like Lucretius, I believe in the everlasting death. And it is that belief which has helped to do my duty as a soldier.”
This confession of faith took me by surprise. I was aware that many soldiers gave but little thought to religion, being content to leave their future state in the hands of a just Omnipotence. But never before had I heard a dying man express in words that death was the end of all things. I tried to persuade him not to talk any more, so that he might conserve his strength.
“I want to talk as long as I am able,” MacDonald declared. “I want to tell you of the hope that has sustained me to play the man in moments of grave danger, when otherwise my courage might have faltered.”
“PEACE IS THERE BELOW”
I decided to humor the poor lad, and the following is a summary of what – with occasional pauses – he told me:-
“Shortly after joining the army I became the servant of an officer, and it was while acting in this capacity that I renewed my acquaintance with the writings of Lucretius. This officer had two little paper covered volumes of “The Bibelot”, an American publication. The contents consisted of a translation of Lucretius on “Life and Death” in the metre of Omar Khayam, the author being W.H.Mallock. I obtained permission to read the poem, and it comforted me. It removed from my mind any lurking fear I ever had of death. I wrote down some of the verse in my notebook, but I remember them even now. Listen, nurse, and I will repeat the verse I love best of all.”
And then in a voice that trembled a little Jack MacDonald recited the following lines:-
“Oh forms of fear, oh sights and sounds of woes
Thy shadowy road down which we all must go
Leads not to these, but from them.
Hell is here.
Here in the broad day. Peace is there below.
Jack MacDonald passed away that night. He took me by the hand and whispered, “Goodbye. It is growing dark – so dark.”
From his notebook I copied the verse which I have quoted. Jack was a philosopher and his philosophy, right or wrong, stood him in good stead. He died the death of a hero, and can any man travel into the unknown with a finer deed to his credit?
Three years in France! So dark with sorrow and suffering, and at times illumined with a glory unknown in the days of peace. I shall be going back soon, and I am pleased to go. But I trust that the end of the strife may not be far distant, and that the happy day may dawn when the brave and noble sons of the British Empire shall return to their homes with the light of a great and decisive victory shining in their eyes.
The Register Tuesday 04 December 1917 page 8
BENNETT, Alma Louisa
Sister
AANS Born 1877 at Beechworth, Vic. Daughter of George BENNETT and Mary nee SLOCOMBE Sister of Alfred George BENNETT Of 'Highfield', Everton, Vic. Enlisted 06 July 1915 Aged 38 years Embarked 22 August 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne Disembarked Bombay Served in India and England Returned to Australia 05 February 1920 per 'Themistocles' Appointment terminated 30 May 1920 Died 07 September 1922 at East Melbourne, Vic. Buried Tarrawingee Cemetery, Vic. |

Awarded Royal Red Cross (1st Class)
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 14 March 1919
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 422, position 13
Date of London Gazette: 16 November 1918
Location in London Gazette: Page 13565, position 1
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 14 March 1919
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 422, position 13
Date of London Gazette: 16 November 1918
Location in London Gazette: Page 13565, position 1
After two weeks' illness the death occurred on Thursday of Miss Alma Louisa Bennett, at St. Ives Private hospital, East Melbourne. The cause was an internal trouble, for which she underwent an operation. The late Miss Bennett was well known in the Everton district, where she was born, being a daughter of the late Mr.and Mrs. Geo. Bennett, of that place. She lived there until 17 years ago, when, with her parents, she removed to Melbourne,and after their deaths she trained in the Melbourne Hospital for the nursing profession. She qualified, and when war broke out offered her services to the Defence Department. They were accepted,and she went to England and then to India, where she was made matron of a military hospital. She displayed exceptional ability for the position, and her record of successful work was such that the department awarded her the distinction of Royal Red Cross. In 1919 she returned to Australia, and took up private nursing.
Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 15 September 1922 page 27 Photograph Table Talk Thursday 25 November 1909 page 22 |
BENNETT, Dorothea (Dorothy) Sarah

Staff Nurse
AANS
Born Dorothea Sarah BENNETT 26 February 1878 at Williamstown, SA
Daughter of Thomas Henry George BENNETT and Mary Jane nee PATTERSON
Of Williamstown, SA
Trained at Port Pirie Public Hospital 3 years
Enlisted 10 December 1917 at Keswick, SA
Aged 36 years
Embarked 14 October 1918 per 'Wyreema' from Sydney
Reached Capetown but was returned to Australia on account of the war ending
Returned to Australia 20 December 1918 per 'Wyreema'
Appointment terminated 05 June 1919
Married Sydney Arthur Ashley LANGBERG
Died 20 April 1939 at Naracoorte, SA
Aged 61 years
Resided Conmurra
Buried Lucindale Cemetery
AANS
Born Dorothea Sarah BENNETT 26 February 1878 at Williamstown, SA
Daughter of Thomas Henry George BENNETT and Mary Jane nee PATTERSON
Of Williamstown, SA
Trained at Port Pirie Public Hospital 3 years
Enlisted 10 December 1917 at Keswick, SA
Aged 36 years
Embarked 14 October 1918 per 'Wyreema' from Sydney
Reached Capetown but was returned to Australia on account of the war ending
Returned to Australia 20 December 1918 per 'Wyreema'
Appointment terminated 05 June 1919
Married Sydney Arthur Ashley LANGBERG
Died 20 April 1939 at Naracoorte, SA
Aged 61 years
Resided Conmurra
Buried Lucindale Cemetery
Death of a Well Known Conmurra Resident.
Mrs. Dorothy S. Langberg (wife of Mr. S. A Langberg, of Conmurra), who died on April 20, after a brief illness, was a "well known and highly esteemed resident. She was of a bright and genial disposition, and her death is regretted by a large circle of friends. She was quite well and cheerful, till within a few days previous to heir demise. The remains were interred in the Lucindale cemetery, a large number of relatives and friends joining in the cortege and attending the service at the graveside. The Rev. R. H. Pearman conducted the service, and Messrs. Platt Bros., of Narracoorte, carried out the funeral arrangements.
The Narracoorte Herald Tuesday 16 May 1939 page 4
Mrs. Dorothy S. Langberg (wife of Mr. S. A Langberg, of Conmurra), who died on April 20, after a brief illness, was a "well known and highly esteemed resident. She was of a bright and genial disposition, and her death is regretted by a large circle of friends. She was quite well and cheerful, till within a few days previous to heir demise. The remains were interred in the Lucindale cemetery, a large number of relatives and friends joining in the cortege and attending the service at the graveside. The Rev. R. H. Pearman conducted the service, and Messrs. Platt Bros., of Narracoorte, carried out the funeral arrangements.
The Narracoorte Herald Tuesday 16 May 1939 page 4
BENNETT, E M
Sister
AANS
Mentioned in despatches
AANS
Mentioned in despatches
BENNETT, Frances Agnes
Acting Sister
Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service Born 04 September 1864 in Sydney, NSW Daughter of William C and Agnes BENNETT Educated at Cheltenham College, England and Dulwich High School for Girls, London Trained at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney from December 1889 to February 1894 Sister 13 years in Children's Hospital, Sydney Matron 1 year in Children's Hospital, Sydney Sister 8 years in North Shore Hospital, Sydney Embarked 1915 per 'Maloja' Enlisted with QAIMNSR 24 June 1915 at 15th General Hospital, Alexandria Served in Egypt, Hospital Ships ('Mauretania' and 'Aquitania') and France 'Miss Bennett is a concientious, reliable Nurse, hardworking, good to her patients. Keeps excellent discipline. Slow and gets worried with the work in a heavy busy ward. She has been sister in charge of this light case wards. She has managed excellently. I think Miss Bennett would make an excellent Matron of a small hospital. She is a good sailor and has been on a hospital ship 6 months.' Suffered from Influenza 20 February 1918 in France Appointment terminated 08 April 1919 Returned to Australia 07 August 1919 per 'Katoomba' Died 1933 at Teignmouth, Devon Read more here |
BENNETT, Gladys Charlotte
Sister
AANS
Born 1890 in Ballarat, Vic.
Daughter of William BENNETT and Alice Mary nee BRACE
Of 'Alwyl', 6 Talbot Street, Ballarat, Vic.
Enlisted 22 June 1915
Aged 26 years
Embarked 22 August 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne
Served in Salonika
Returned to Australia 29 April 1918 per 'Tofua'
Discharged as Medically unfit 25 November 1918
In 1924 she married John Rees Porter, a doctor. He was a Medical Officer during the war-rank Captain.
He was born in 1891 Victoria, the son of Jesse Porter and Elizabeth Ann, nee Rees. He died in 1969, Victoria.
Gladys died 21 August 1968 in Victoria.
Aged 77 years
Cremated Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains Scattered within the cemetery
AANS
Born 1890 in Ballarat, Vic.
Daughter of William BENNETT and Alice Mary nee BRACE
Of 'Alwyl', 6 Talbot Street, Ballarat, Vic.
Enlisted 22 June 1915
Aged 26 years
Embarked 22 August 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne
Served in Salonika
Returned to Australia 29 April 1918 per 'Tofua'
Discharged as Medically unfit 25 November 1918
In 1924 she married John Rees Porter, a doctor. He was a Medical Officer during the war-rank Captain.
He was born in 1891 Victoria, the son of Jesse Porter and Elizabeth Ann, nee Rees. He died in 1969, Victoria.
Gladys died 21 August 1968 in Victoria.
Aged 77 years
Cremated Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains Scattered within the cemetery
BENNETT, Miriam Adelaide (Mab)
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 04 July 1881 at Adelaide, SA Daughter of Henry BENNETT and Rebecca nee FREDMAN Of Barton Terrace, North Adelaide, SA Occupation prior to enlistment Nurse Enlisted 18 April, 1917 at Kewsick, SA Aged 35 years Embarked 12 May 1917 per 'Benalla' from Melbourne Served in England and France Resigned appointment due to marriage in UK 06 December 1918 Returned to Australia 14 January 1919 per 'Karmala' Discharged 06 December 1918 Married Rex Oldham Died in 06 February 1974 at Centennial House, Vic. Cremated 08 February 1974 at Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains scattered Photograph - The Chronicle Saturday 19 May 1917 page 25 |
BENNETT, Muriel Mary (May)
Sister
AANS
Born 1880 at South Yarra, Vic.
Daughter of Arthur William Henry BENNETT and May Elizabeth nee LANG
Of Sale, Vic.
Enlisted 16 August 1916
Aged 36 years
Embarked 22 August 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne
Served British India Service in Bombay
Suffered Measles
Returned to Australia 23 June 1919 per 'Davanha'
Appointment terminated 14 August 1919
She met well known singer and actor Alexander Howett-Worster while she was in India.
They were married in Australia 12 September 1919.
They divorced in 1925 on the grounds of misconduct by her husband with Miss Kitty Reidy. There were no children.
She died 07 November 1958 in Malvern, Victoria
AANS
Born 1880 at South Yarra, Vic.
Daughter of Arthur William Henry BENNETT and May Elizabeth nee LANG
Of Sale, Vic.
Enlisted 16 August 1916
Aged 36 years
Embarked 22 August 1916 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne
Served British India Service in Bombay
Suffered Measles
Returned to Australia 23 June 1919 per 'Davanha'
Appointment terminated 14 August 1919
She met well known singer and actor Alexander Howett-Worster while she was in India.
They were married in Australia 12 September 1919.
They divorced in 1925 on the grounds of misconduct by her husband with Miss Kitty Reidy. There were no children.
She died 07 November 1958 in Malvern, Victoria
BENNETT, Ruby Olive
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1888 at Sandhurst, Vic.
Daughter of James and Annie BENNETT
Of 34 St. Leonards Avenue, West Leederville, WA
Enlisted 16 November 1917 at Perth, WA
Aged 29 years
Embarked 23 November 1917 per 'Canberra' from Fremantle, WA
Served in Egypt
Returned to Australia 16 July 1919 per 'Essex'
Appointment terminated 22 August 1919
Did not marry
Died in 1960 in Western Australia
AANS
Born 1888 at Sandhurst, Vic.
Daughter of James and Annie BENNETT
Of 34 St. Leonards Avenue, West Leederville, WA
Enlisted 16 November 1917 at Perth, WA
Aged 29 years
Embarked 23 November 1917 per 'Canberra' from Fremantle, WA
Served in Egypt
Returned to Australia 16 July 1919 per 'Essex'
Appointment terminated 22 August 1919
Did not marry
Died in 1960 in Western Australia
BENTLEY, Lena Jessamine Laurence
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 1884 at Ballarat, Vic. Daughter of William Rae Bu BENTLEY and Angelina nee LAURENCE Sister of Violet STONE Of 'Colinston' Watson's Ave., Rose Park, SA Enlisted 28 August 1917 Aged 30 years Embarked 16 November 1917 per 'Canberra' from Sydney Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 30 August 1919 per 'Dunluce Cstle' Appointment terminated 22 September 1919 Married Goldberg Died 13 March 1974 in NSW Aged 86 years Late of Gordon, NSW Buried Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens Bushland Section 6 |
BENTLEY, May Lawrence
Sister
AASN No 1 Australian General Hospital Born 1881 at Melbourne, Vic. Daughter of William Rae Bu BENTLEY and Angelina nee LAURENCE In care of Sister - Violet STONE Of 'Colinston' Watson's Ave., Rose Park, SA Trained at Ballarat District Hospital and Women's Hospital, Melbourne Enlisted 21 November 1914 Aged 33 years Embarked 04 August 1915 per 'Orontes' from Melbourne Served in Egypt, Lemnos & France Returned to Australia 18 February 1919 per 'City of York' Nursing Staff Appointment terminated 11 July 1919 in Melbourne Returned soldiers Badge no 112079 Resided 'Englimere' Shellcote Ave., Neutral Bay, Sydney, NSW in 1921 Did not marry Died 06 May 1956 |
BERESFORD, Ruby Evelyn
Staff Nurse
AANS Born 26 February 1886 at Emu Bay, Tas. Daughter of Henry Aldolphus BERESFORD and Rosalie nee DE-BONELLI Of Latrobe, Tasmania Enlisted 29 May 1917 at Hobart, Tas. Aged 28 years Embarked 12 June 1917 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne Served in Salonika Returned to Australia 04 September 1918 per 'Kanowna' Appointment terminated 09 March 1919 Married Richard GEE Died 26 September 1984 at Launceston, Tas. Buried Carr Villa General Cemetery Rose Garden A 19.00 A 8 |
Staff Nurse Evelyn Beresford, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Beresford, of Latrobe, arrived home last week from active service abroad. Nurse Beresford received an enthusiastic welcome at the Latrobe station, which was be-flagged in her honour.
The Tasmanian Mail September 12 1918 page 10 Col 1
The Tasmanian Mail September 12 1918 page 10 Col 1
BERRIE, Charlotte
Sister
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Born 14 April 1885 in Gympie, Queensland Daughter of Peter McGregor BERRIE and Agnes Matilda nee O'LOGHLIN Sister of Mrs. Gladys Magdalene MacGREGOR Of 12 Brightmore St., Neutral Bay, NSW Resided Brisbane, Qld. Embarked form Australia 05 April 1915 Disembarked Egypt 15 June 1915 Arrived Millbank 06 December 1916 Duty 'Dunluce Castle' 18 December 1916 Joined for duty ex H S Dunluce Castle at Alexandria 08 April 1917 19th General Hospital Joined for duty at Cairo 12 September 1917 79th General Hospital Joined for duty 18 General Hospital EEF 18 June 1918 'It is observed that the above names Nurse died from Pneumonia on 08 January 1919, having been admitted to the American Red Cross Hospital, Jerusalem whilst on local leave on the 3rd January 1919.' Died 08 January 1919 at American Red Cross Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine Aged 32 years Buried Jerusalem War Cemetery Q 107 |

Effects of nurse returned listed as 'Metal Box: Gold Watch & Chain, Silver Match Box: 3 Brooches: QAIMNSR Badge: Keys on ring.'
Further effects returned per 'Cooee' 09 October 1919 - One Cabin Trunk (sealed) containing :-
1 Camera (No 1 Junior) in leather case, 1 tennis racquet in case. 6 tennis balls in string bag, 1 sunshade, 4 pairs shoes, 1 pair bathing slippers, 27 books, 2 packs cards, 3 scarves, 1 leather bag purse, 1 rubber water bottle, 1 bundle flags, 1 teapot, 1 milk jug, 22 pairs stockings, 2 bathing suits, 2 saucers, 1 cup, 1 spoon, 2 fans, 1 printing frame with negative (broken), 1 blotting pad, 1 ruler, 6 coat hangers, 1 neck fur, 2 pairs gloves, 1 pair corsets, 1 brown tweed costume, 1 silk sports coat, 1 haversack containing - 3 surgical appliances and medicine glass, 5 nurses shoulder capes, 2 brushes, 1 pair gaiters, 3 grey nurses dresses, 1 fancy light stand, 1 bundle charts, 3 white petticoats, 1 pair white knickers, r white cloths, 2 serviettes, 1 white towel, handkerchiefs in case, bloomers, 1 woollen vest, 2 coudoir caps, 9 camisoles, 1 work bag (miscellaneous), 1 felt hat, 1 sponge bag, 1 black skirt, 2 blouses, 1 dress lining, 5 dresses, 1 testimonial (framed).
Further effects received 09 October 1919
One valise (ex sack kit) sealed containing :-
1 grey nurses' coat, 1 writing pad, 1 dressing gown, 1 vest, 1 travelling rug, 1 cushion, 2 bath towels, 1 white pyjama coat, 2 petticoats, 3 books, 1 linen bag containing: 4 head squares, linen lengths, and 2 small miscellaneous bags, 2 cotton dresses, 2 grey aprons, 14 white aprons, 9 white overalls.
Further effects
One Hessian package (sealed) containing:-
1 small presentation attache case with letters and photos enclosed. 1 large brown attache case (unlocked) containing quantity brass ware (souvenir), photos, 1 ladies handbag, 1 purse, 1 autograph album, 2 white metal trinket boxes, 1 gift chocolate box (empty), 1 pair goggles, 1 button hook, wooden souvenir (Jerusalem), 1 hypodermic syringe, 1 sharks tooth (silver mounted), 3 books of views, books assorted. 1 small brown attache case, containing quantity negatives, 1 armlet purse, 1 metal box and hypdermic syringe, 1 nail polisher, 1 silver belt buckle, 1 pair pincenex in case, books.
Further effects
1 stretcher
Sydney Mail Wednesday 10 September 1919 page 23
Further effects returned per 'Cooee' 09 October 1919 - One Cabin Trunk (sealed) containing :-
1 Camera (No 1 Junior) in leather case, 1 tennis racquet in case. 6 tennis balls in string bag, 1 sunshade, 4 pairs shoes, 1 pair bathing slippers, 27 books, 2 packs cards, 3 scarves, 1 leather bag purse, 1 rubber water bottle, 1 bundle flags, 1 teapot, 1 milk jug, 22 pairs stockings, 2 bathing suits, 2 saucers, 1 cup, 1 spoon, 2 fans, 1 printing frame with negative (broken), 1 blotting pad, 1 ruler, 6 coat hangers, 1 neck fur, 2 pairs gloves, 1 pair corsets, 1 brown tweed costume, 1 silk sports coat, 1 haversack containing - 3 surgical appliances and medicine glass, 5 nurses shoulder capes, 2 brushes, 1 pair gaiters, 3 grey nurses dresses, 1 fancy light stand, 1 bundle charts, 3 white petticoats, 1 pair white knickers, r white cloths, 2 serviettes, 1 white towel, handkerchiefs in case, bloomers, 1 woollen vest, 2 coudoir caps, 9 camisoles, 1 work bag (miscellaneous), 1 felt hat, 1 sponge bag, 1 black skirt, 2 blouses, 1 dress lining, 5 dresses, 1 testimonial (framed).
Further effects received 09 October 1919
One valise (ex sack kit) sealed containing :-
1 grey nurses' coat, 1 writing pad, 1 dressing gown, 1 vest, 1 travelling rug, 1 cushion, 2 bath towels, 1 white pyjama coat, 2 petticoats, 3 books, 1 linen bag containing: 4 head squares, linen lengths, and 2 small miscellaneous bags, 2 cotton dresses, 2 grey aprons, 14 white aprons, 9 white overalls.
Further effects
One Hessian package (sealed) containing:-
1 small presentation attache case with letters and photos enclosed. 1 large brown attache case (unlocked) containing quantity brass ware (souvenir), photos, 1 ladies handbag, 1 purse, 1 autograph album, 2 white metal trinket boxes, 1 gift chocolate box (empty), 1 pair goggles, 1 button hook, wooden souvenir (Jerusalem), 1 hypodermic syringe, 1 sharks tooth (silver mounted), 3 books of views, books assorted. 1 small brown attache case, containing quantity negatives, 1 armlet purse, 1 metal box and hypdermic syringe, 1 nail polisher, 1 silver belt buckle, 1 pair pincenex in case, books.
Further effects
1 stretcher
Sydney Mail Wednesday 10 September 1919 page 23
Death of Nurse Berry
The sad news has been received in Cairns of the death of Nurse Charlotte ("Chas") Berry, in England. Nurse Berry was well known in the hinterland of Cairns, and was connected with the local hospital when the Huns started out to enslave the world. She offered her services at the outbreak of war, was accepted, and tended the wounded in Egypt and France, only to return to England and succumb to influenza, Nurse Berry had a kind and lovable disposition, and endeared herself to all whom she came in contact. The Northern Herald Thursday 20 February 1919 page 4 |
BERRIMAN, Evelyn Rosamond Alberta
Sister
AANS
Born 10 April 1880 at Hillcrest near Moonta, SA
Daughter of Thomas BERRIMAN and Elizabeth Jane nee WILLIAMS
Of P.O. Bakara, River Murray, SA
Enlisted 03 November 1915
Aged 35 years
Embarked 10 November 1915 per 'Orsova' from Sydney
Served in Egypt, England and France
Returned to Australia 07 February 1920 per 'Konigin Luise'
Discharged as Medically unfit 09 April 1920
Married John Harris COBBY, a Commander in the Royal Navy
Died 19 April 1948 at Bradfield, NSW
Also resided Pymble, NSW
AANS
Born 10 April 1880 at Hillcrest near Moonta, SA
Daughter of Thomas BERRIMAN and Elizabeth Jane nee WILLIAMS
Of P.O. Bakara, River Murray, SA
Enlisted 03 November 1915
Aged 35 years
Embarked 10 November 1915 per 'Orsova' from Sydney
Served in Egypt, England and France
Returned to Australia 07 February 1920 per 'Konigin Luise'
Discharged as Medically unfit 09 April 1920
Married John Harris COBBY, a Commander in the Royal Navy
Died 19 April 1948 at Bradfield, NSW
Also resided Pymble, NSW
BEST, Edith Henrietta
Sister
AANS Born 1883 at Nowra, NSW Daughter of Reverend Joseph and Henrietta A BEST Of St. James Rectory, Croydon, NSW Enlisted 29 September 1916 at Sydney, NSW Aged 35 years Embarked 09 December 1916 per 'Kaiser-i-Hind' from Sydney Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 12 November 1919 per 'Port Sydney' Appointment terminated 28 November 1919 Did not marry Died 04 August 1962 in NSW Late of Chatswood, NSW Buried Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens East Terrace Area 2 Wall 22 |
BETHERAS, Alice Margaret
Staff Nurse
AANS
40940
Born 1887 at Castlemaine, Vic.
Daughter of John Henry BETHERAS and Helen Mary nee TATHER
Of 'Alma' Alma Road, Camberwell, Vic.
Trained at Alfred Hospital 3 years
Enlisted 05 November 1915
Embarked 12 November 1915
Served in Egypt and France
Returned to Australia 30 December 1917 per 'Berrima'
Discharged as Medically unfit 27 June 1918
Died 19 May 1972 at iama Private Hospital, Malvern, Vic.
Aged 85 years
Resided Malvern, Vic.
Cremated at Springvale Necropolis Cemetery 22 May 1972 and cremated remains scattered within the cemetery
AANS
40940
Born 1887 at Castlemaine, Vic.
Daughter of John Henry BETHERAS and Helen Mary nee TATHER
Of 'Alma' Alma Road, Camberwell, Vic.
Trained at Alfred Hospital 3 years
Enlisted 05 November 1915
Embarked 12 November 1915
Served in Egypt and France
Returned to Australia 30 December 1917 per 'Berrima'
Discharged as Medically unfit 27 June 1918
Died 19 May 1972 at iama Private Hospital, Malvern, Vic.
Aged 85 years
Resided Malvern, Vic.
Cremated at Springvale Necropolis Cemetery 22 May 1972 and cremated remains scattered within the cemetery
BETT, Mary Ann Latto
Sister
AANS Born 1881 in Dundee, Scotland Daughter of William Cunningham BETT and Rollo Robertson nee PROUDFOOT Of 51 Walter Street, Footscray, Vic. Enlisted 10 May 1915 Aged 34 years Embarked 18 May 1915 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne Served in Egypt and England Resigned appointment due to marriage in UK 02 October 1918 Married William Paul BOLAND 02 October 1918 in England Photograph Table Talk Thursday 27 May 1915 page 19 |
Although a nursing service commenced in Oodnadatta in 1907, a hospital wasn't opened there until 1911. It came under the gamet of Australian Inland Mission activities and was the organisation's first bush hospital. The first nursing sisters to serve there were also both Deaconesses trained at the Presbyterian training institute in Melbourne
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Only five foot tall and seven stone (45 kg) ringing wet, 'Little Sister' Mary Ann 'Latto' Bett arrived in Oodnadatta in March of 1910. Her arrival was keenly awaited by the local doctor, who had a number of sick men in outback communities to attend to. Known as 'The little angel of the north', she worked there for four years, as a nurse, preacher, teacher, Sunday School mistress. Perhaps her greatest attribute was her ability to relate with ease to the rough and ready people she encountered in the outback.
She left Oodnadatta to serve as an Army nurse in the Great War. She was discharged from the service in 1918 upon marriage.
http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE4263b.htm
THE LITTLE BUSH NURSE.
THEIR BEST "PAL."
A correspondent to the "Argus" writing from Oodnadatta sent the following:
"Well, Jack, we are losing one o fthe best 'pals' we ever had." "Yes, Charley, you're right." There was more underlying these words than words themselves can express. Theywere uttered by two bushmen just prior to a ceremony which has never before had a parallel in Central Australia. The occasion was the night before Deaconess-Nurse Bett's departure from Oonadatta, where for the past four years she has been carrying on the work, which combines the duties of deaconess, minister, nurse and at times doctor, carried on by the Presbyterian Church of Australia. About 40 bushmen, gathered from an area of country almost as great as the whole of Victoria, quietly assembled at the hosnital of which Deaconess-Nurse Betthas - had charge, and in true bushfashion said "Good-bye." Among the 40 were many men to whom Nurse Bett had ministered in minor accidents and illnesses. They with their fellow bushmen had subscribed to a purse of 32 sovereigns, and in a few words they made known their deep regard. But there was a stillness charged with great meaning when a tall,; the busman stepped forward to make the presentation. He of all men knew, the worth of the: nurse to whom they were saying goodbye. For four days and nights he had lain with crushed ribs where his horse had fallen on him, while his black boy with characteristic slowness, rode off to Oodnadatta for assistance. He arrived after sun down, of a hot, still night. But though a thunderstorm was brewing, and the night was intensely dark, the "Little Nurse" had secured a buggy and a pair of horses and set off with a driver to render assistance. Before they left, the township one of the horses had kicked "the swingle-bar to pieces. Repairs were effected, and a fresh start made, and after seven hours' driving on a track that few townsmen could follow in broad daylight, they, reached the wounded man. Late on the fifth day after the accident he was made as comfortable as might be in the bright little ward of the hospital. For six weeks a hard battle was fought.-: not only tor that man's restoration to health, but for his very life. And the "Little. Nurse"had to battle alone, there being no doctor in Oodnadatta all that time. Those who heard the tremor in that man's voice as he spoke a few words of appreciation and farewell knew what these two had been through together, and as a result the silence wa smore eloquent.
These men knew that, their "Little Nurse" had worn out all her strength in her work, and so they added as they, made their, presentation remarks, "We .want you to take a real good holiday." Nurse Bett used few words in expressing her gratitude; but her concluding remarks were characteristic of her attitude to all the men, women and children with whom she has been working: "Whether, you are sixteen or sixty, I love you all."
Kyneton Guardian Thursday 14 May 1914 page 4
PRAISE FOR RED CROSS.
Good Cheer at Lemnos.
Nurse Bett, who was trained in the Austin Hospital, at Heidelberg, writes to the Rev. Alexander and Mrs. Hardie, Heidelberg, from No. 3 Australian General Hospital,Lemnos, as follows:
"The work here is rather heavy, for everything has to be made. There are no roads, only tracks from our tents to the wards.The ground is very stony, and full of thistles, and on wet days we sink to our ankles. The earth is rather loose, and on windy days with rain all the pegs of our tents loosen, and down comes the tent, sometimes in the middle of the night. At present I have three marquees with enteric patients. They are all convalescent, but when they first came in they would try to get out of bed as soon as my back was turned. I have two orderlies to help, fine fellows, but they cannot be everywhere at once. There is a lot of outdoor work for them, such as carrying water, and every time we want hot water the poor orderlies have to go to the kitchen about 400 yards away, and our hot water is only warm when it reaches the ward. They say the winter is very severe here. I do not like the cold, yet I am glad we were sent here. There were two Australian hospitals here before us with only orderlies to look after our brave, sick lads. I think it requires a woman to look after sick folk. At any rate, without praising ourselves, I can say it is better for them that we are here. We have English bakers to bake our bread. They have never been accustomed to hot climates; therefore, we have our bread most of the time, which is very bad for the patients. The Red Cross Society has proved a great blessing here, for they sent us tins of biscuits, which really took the place of bread, for most of the patients. What a beautiful selection of everything the Red Cross has sent. All the articles are so suitable and so well made ,the choice of eatables being always just what we require. We get no vegetables here, except dried and compressed beans, so you can imagine tins of peeled tomatoes, gooseberries, and peaches coming into the ward. The clothing also was so suitable for the climate the thinnest of pyjamas for the summer, and now they are made of flannel. Then we have thick blue suits lined with swanskin for the convalescents. They also send cards, games, tobacco, cigarettes, matches, and chocolates packed in the corners. Really, the Red Cross keeps us happy and cheerful."
The Argus Tuesday 11 January 1916 page 5
She left Oodnadatta to serve as an Army nurse in the Great War. She was discharged from the service in 1918 upon marriage.
http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE4263b.htm
THE LITTLE BUSH NURSE.
THEIR BEST "PAL."
A correspondent to the "Argus" writing from Oodnadatta sent the following:
"Well, Jack, we are losing one o fthe best 'pals' we ever had." "Yes, Charley, you're right." There was more underlying these words than words themselves can express. Theywere uttered by two bushmen just prior to a ceremony which has never before had a parallel in Central Australia. The occasion was the night before Deaconess-Nurse Bett's departure from Oonadatta, where for the past four years she has been carrying on the work, which combines the duties of deaconess, minister, nurse and at times doctor, carried on by the Presbyterian Church of Australia. About 40 bushmen, gathered from an area of country almost as great as the whole of Victoria, quietly assembled at the hosnital of which Deaconess-Nurse Betthas - had charge, and in true bushfashion said "Good-bye." Among the 40 were many men to whom Nurse Bett had ministered in minor accidents and illnesses. They with their fellow bushmen had subscribed to a purse of 32 sovereigns, and in a few words they made known their deep regard. But there was a stillness charged with great meaning when a tall,; the busman stepped forward to make the presentation. He of all men knew, the worth of the: nurse to whom they were saying goodbye. For four days and nights he had lain with crushed ribs where his horse had fallen on him, while his black boy with characteristic slowness, rode off to Oodnadatta for assistance. He arrived after sun down, of a hot, still night. But though a thunderstorm was brewing, and the night was intensely dark, the "Little Nurse" had secured a buggy and a pair of horses and set off with a driver to render assistance. Before they left, the township one of the horses had kicked "the swingle-bar to pieces. Repairs were effected, and a fresh start made, and after seven hours' driving on a track that few townsmen could follow in broad daylight, they, reached the wounded man. Late on the fifth day after the accident he was made as comfortable as might be in the bright little ward of the hospital. For six weeks a hard battle was fought.-: not only tor that man's restoration to health, but for his very life. And the "Little. Nurse"had to battle alone, there being no doctor in Oodnadatta all that time. Those who heard the tremor in that man's voice as he spoke a few words of appreciation and farewell knew what these two had been through together, and as a result the silence wa smore eloquent.
These men knew that, their "Little Nurse" had worn out all her strength in her work, and so they added as they, made their, presentation remarks, "We .want you to take a real good holiday." Nurse Bett used few words in expressing her gratitude; but her concluding remarks were characteristic of her attitude to all the men, women and children with whom she has been working: "Whether, you are sixteen or sixty, I love you all."
Kyneton Guardian Thursday 14 May 1914 page 4
PRAISE FOR RED CROSS.
Good Cheer at Lemnos.
Nurse Bett, who was trained in the Austin Hospital, at Heidelberg, writes to the Rev. Alexander and Mrs. Hardie, Heidelberg, from No. 3 Australian General Hospital,Lemnos, as follows:
"The work here is rather heavy, for everything has to be made. There are no roads, only tracks from our tents to the wards.The ground is very stony, and full of thistles, and on wet days we sink to our ankles. The earth is rather loose, and on windy days with rain all the pegs of our tents loosen, and down comes the tent, sometimes in the middle of the night. At present I have three marquees with enteric patients. They are all convalescent, but when they first came in they would try to get out of bed as soon as my back was turned. I have two orderlies to help, fine fellows, but they cannot be everywhere at once. There is a lot of outdoor work for them, such as carrying water, and every time we want hot water the poor orderlies have to go to the kitchen about 400 yards away, and our hot water is only warm when it reaches the ward. They say the winter is very severe here. I do not like the cold, yet I am glad we were sent here. There were two Australian hospitals here before us with only orderlies to look after our brave, sick lads. I think it requires a woman to look after sick folk. At any rate, without praising ourselves, I can say it is better for them that we are here. We have English bakers to bake our bread. They have never been accustomed to hot climates; therefore, we have our bread most of the time, which is very bad for the patients. The Red Cross Society has proved a great blessing here, for they sent us tins of biscuits, which really took the place of bread, for most of the patients. What a beautiful selection of everything the Red Cross has sent. All the articles are so suitable and so well made ,the choice of eatables being always just what we require. We get no vegetables here, except dried and compressed beans, so you can imagine tins of peeled tomatoes, gooseberries, and peaches coming into the ward. The clothing also was so suitable for the climate the thinnest of pyjamas for the summer, and now they are made of flannel. Then we have thick blue suits lined with swanskin for the convalescents. They also send cards, games, tobacco, cigarettes, matches, and chocolates packed in the corners. Really, the Red Cross keeps us happy and cheerful."
The Argus Tuesday 11 January 1916 page 5
BETTS, Annie Elizabeth
Sister
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
Born 26 March 1877 in Vic.
Daughter of Frederick Vincent BETTS and Anne nee EVANS
Her Mother died shortly after her birth.
Resided Hobart, Tas.
Parents both deceased at time of enlistment
Next of kin Mrs. D BETTS
Of 94 Macaulay Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW
Trained at General Hospital Hobart July 1900 to July 1903
Sister at Children's Hospital Queensland 1908 - 1910 and 1911 - 1913
Sister at Royal Alexander Hospital, Sydney to Jan 1914
Embarked 18 February 1914 from Sydney per 'Ceramic'
Arrived at Tilbury Dock, London 15 April 1914
Sister at British Medical Hosp Netley October 1914 - April 1915
Joined QAIMNSR 03 June 1915
Served in Gibraltar
'Sister Betts has worked under me for 18 months, and I have found her a most capable Sister and War Manager. She is most reliable, punctual and take a keen interest in all she undertakes. She is most tactful with her orderlies and trains them well. Her administrative capacity is very good. She has not acted in a higher grade, but I can recommend her for promotion in due course.'
Renewed contract for 6 months 17 November 1917
Awarded Royal Red Cross 2nd Class 03 June 1919
Working at General Military Hospital, Colchester in September 1919
Demobilized 14 July 1919
Embarked for Australia 26 December 1919 - repatriated under 'Overseas Settlement' Scheme
Returned to Australia 20 February 1920 per 'Ulysses'
Married Michael John BARRY 02 July 1930 in NSW
Died 1964 at the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home, Hobart, Tas.
Aged 87 years
Cremated 29 July 1964 as Annie Elizabeth BARRY-BETTS
Resided Dynnryne, Tas.
Buried Cornelian Bay Cemetery Derwent Gardens Niche Wall I Number 4 Row G
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
Born 26 March 1877 in Vic.
Daughter of Frederick Vincent BETTS and Anne nee EVANS
Her Mother died shortly after her birth.
Resided Hobart, Tas.
Parents both deceased at time of enlistment
Next of kin Mrs. D BETTS
Of 94 Macaulay Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW
Trained at General Hospital Hobart July 1900 to July 1903
Sister at Children's Hospital Queensland 1908 - 1910 and 1911 - 1913
Sister at Royal Alexander Hospital, Sydney to Jan 1914
Embarked 18 February 1914 from Sydney per 'Ceramic'
Arrived at Tilbury Dock, London 15 April 1914
Sister at British Medical Hosp Netley October 1914 - April 1915
Joined QAIMNSR 03 June 1915
Served in Gibraltar
'Sister Betts has worked under me for 18 months, and I have found her a most capable Sister and War Manager. She is most reliable, punctual and take a keen interest in all she undertakes. She is most tactful with her orderlies and trains them well. Her administrative capacity is very good. She has not acted in a higher grade, but I can recommend her for promotion in due course.'
Renewed contract for 6 months 17 November 1917
Awarded Royal Red Cross 2nd Class 03 June 1919
Working at General Military Hospital, Colchester in September 1919
Demobilized 14 July 1919
Embarked for Australia 26 December 1919 - repatriated under 'Overseas Settlement' Scheme
Returned to Australia 20 February 1920 per 'Ulysses'
Married Michael John BARRY 02 July 1930 in NSW
Died 1964 at the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home, Hobart, Tas.
Aged 87 years
Cremated 29 July 1964 as Annie Elizabeth BARRY-BETTS
Resided Dynnryne, Tas.
Buried Cornelian Bay Cemetery Derwent Gardens Niche Wall I Number 4 Row G

Awarded Royal Red Cross 2nd Class
03 June 1919
03 June 1919
The friends of Miss A.E. Betts, who trained in the Hobart General Hospital, and has been one of the nursing sisters at the Military Hospital, Gibraltar, for the last four years, will be pleased to learn that she has been mentioned among the Birthday Honours, and been awarded the Royal Red Cross, which will be presented to her upon her return to England with the military nursing staff to be disbanded. After finishing her training at the Hobart General Hospital, Sister Betts took up private nursing for a while in Victoria, and from there went to the Brisbane Children;s Hospital. She was there two or three years, and went from there to the Children's Hospital in Sydney. While there she and Sister Hall decided to take a trip to England. They left Australian in February 1914, travelled through England, part of Scotland, France and Switzerland etc. When the war started they applied for positions as nursing sisters with the Australians. They were at Netley Huts for six months, and from there they went with QAIMNSR to Gibraltar, where she has been ever since. While there she has often been into Spain, across to Algiers, etc. seen many places and people, taken many snapshots, and written many interesting letters. She is a niece of the late Mr. J.R. Betts, and a grand-daughter of the late Richard Allwright, Sydney Cottage, Broadmarsh.
The Tasmanian Mail 21 August 1919 page 33 col 5
The Tasmanian Mail 21 August 1919 page 33 col 5