Updated on VWMA
CULLEN, Mary Editha
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Staff Nurse
AANS – No1 Section Sea Transport Staff Born 29 March 1883 at Mount Gambier, SA Daughter of Patrick CULLEN and Mary Agnes nee McNAMARA Age 32 years Training North Adelaide Hospital Enlisted 09 July 1915 Embarked 17 July 1915 per “Orsova” Transport duty England/Australia/Suez on “Karoola” “Demosthenes” Themistocles” “Ajana” and “Ulysses” Service also in England and France Promoted Sister 01 October 1918 Attended Massage Course in UK 19.6.19 to 19.9.19 Returned to Australia 29 March 1920 per “Zealandic” Appointment terminated 08 August 1920 Did not marry Died 21 September 1943 at Payneham, SA Resided Launceston, Tas. Aged 61 years Buried Catholic Cemetery, Willaston |
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CUMMING, Elaine Medley Herbert
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Sister
AANS Born 1887 at Armadale, NSW Daughter of Andrew De Clifford CUMMING and Elizabeth nee WILLIAMS Age 26 years Training Melbourne Hospital Enlisted 05 May 1915 Embarked 18 May 1915 per “Mooltan” Service England and France Returned to Australia 11 August 1918 per “Malta” Developed Acute Gastric Ulcer January 1917 Promoted to Sister 01 September 1917 Discharged as medically unfit (Nephritis)18 March 1919 Did not marry Died 02 January 1955 at home 16 Payne Street, Glen Iris, Vic. Buried Springvale Botanical Cemetery Pittosporum Wall 3AA Niche 122 Photograph Table Talk Thursday 27 May 1915 page 19 |
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CUMMING, Kathleen May
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born Kate Myrtle May CUMMING 1888 in Wentworth, NSW
Daughter of William CUMMING and Anne nee SENIOR
Age 28 years
Training Port Pirie Hospital
Enlisted 18 April 1917 at Keswick
Embarked 21 April 1917 in Melbourne per ”Karoola”
Service France
Contracted Influenza May 1918
Returned to Australia 21 March 1919 per “Kildonian Castle” On Duty
Appointment terminated 05 July 1919
Married Ira Peter RIDLEY (Dentist)
Died 28 March 1987 (possibly Vic.)
Aged 98 years
AANS
Born Kate Myrtle May CUMMING 1888 in Wentworth, NSW
Daughter of William CUMMING and Anne nee SENIOR
Age 28 years
Training Port Pirie Hospital
Enlisted 18 April 1917 at Keswick
Embarked 21 April 1917 in Melbourne per ”Karoola”
Service France
Contracted Influenza May 1918
Returned to Australia 21 March 1919 per “Kildonian Castle” On Duty
Appointment terminated 05 July 1919
Married Ira Peter RIDLEY (Dentist)
Died 28 March 1987 (possibly Vic.)
Aged 98 years
CUMMING, Margaret
Nurse
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
Born 1871 at Meredith, Vic.
Daughter of John CUMMING and Marion nee McMILLAN
Did not marry
Died 1962 in Heidelberg, Vic.
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
Born 1871 at Meredith, Vic.
Daughter of John CUMMING and Marion nee McMILLAN
Did not marry
Died 1962 in Heidelberg, Vic.
Mentioned in Despatches
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 6 April 1916
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 859, position 15
Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1916
Location in London Gazette: Page 69, position 2
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 6 April 1916
Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 859, position 15
Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1916
Location in London Gazette: Page 69, position 2
Miss Margaret Cumming, whose name also appears in the honour list, trained at the Melbourne Hospital. She went to France as a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Weekly Times Vic. Saturday 08 January 1916 page 10
Weekly Times Vic. Saturday 08 January 1916 page 10
CUMMINS, Gertrude Charlotte
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1878 in Cressy, Tas.
Daughter of George CUMMINS and Emily Jane nee DAVIS
Enlisted 25 September 1916
Embarked 21 March 1917
Appointment terminated 11 September 1919
Did not marry
Died 16 March 1963
Buried Beaconsfied General Cemetery
AANS
Born 1878 in Cressy, Tas.
Daughter of George CUMMINS and Emily Jane nee DAVIS
Enlisted 25 September 1916
Embarked 21 March 1917
Appointment terminated 11 September 1919
Did not marry
Died 16 March 1963
Buried Beaconsfied General Cemetery
CUNNEEN, Henrietta
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 19 September 1892 at Bourke, NSW
Daughter of Peter CUNNEEN and Henrietta Mary nee LONGFORD
Of 179 Victoria Street, Ashfield, Sydney, NSW
Trained at Coast Hospital
Occupation prior to enlistment Nurse
Enlisted 16 June 1919 in Sydney, NSW
Served at Randwick Hospital, NSW during 1918 and 1919
Embarked 08 July 1919 from Sydney per 'Tras-Os-Montes'
Went overseas to England with German POW after Armistice signed
Returned to Australia 27 March 1920 per 'Zealandic'
Discharged 30 May 1920
Did not marry
Died 07 June 1976 at Lady Gowrie Hospital, Gordon, NSW
AANS
Born 19 September 1892 at Bourke, NSW
Daughter of Peter CUNNEEN and Henrietta Mary nee LONGFORD
Of 179 Victoria Street, Ashfield, Sydney, NSW
Trained at Coast Hospital
Occupation prior to enlistment Nurse
Enlisted 16 June 1919 in Sydney, NSW
Served at Randwick Hospital, NSW during 1918 and 1919
Embarked 08 July 1919 from Sydney per 'Tras-Os-Montes'
Went overseas to England with German POW after Armistice signed
Returned to Australia 27 March 1920 per 'Zealandic'
Discharged 30 May 1920
Did not marry
Died 07 June 1976 at Lady Gowrie Hospital, Gordon, NSW
NURSE SERVED IN TWO WARS
An Australian nursing sister who served in the A.A.N.S. during the 1914-1918 war and with the Q.A.I.M.N.S.R. in the 1939-1945 war, returned to Sydney in the Arawa yesterday.
She is Miss H. Cunneen, who was mentioned in despatches during the Egypt campaign in World War II.
Miss Cunneen, who trained at the Prince Henry Hospital, went to England eleven years ago for a holiday and was caught there by the war. She served in England, France, the Middle East, and for 18 months in hospital ships in the Mediterranean and in Japanese waters.
Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 10 May 1949 page 9
An Australian nursing sister who served in the A.A.N.S. during the 1914-1918 war and with the Q.A.I.M.N.S.R. in the 1939-1945 war, returned to Sydney in the Arawa yesterday.
She is Miss H. Cunneen, who was mentioned in despatches during the Egypt campaign in World War II.
Miss Cunneen, who trained at the Prince Henry Hospital, went to England eleven years ago for a holiday and was caught there by the war. She served in England, France, the Middle East, and for 18 months in hospital ships in the Mediterranean and in Japanese waters.
Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 10 May 1949 page 9
CUNNINGHAM, Annie Veronica
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Sister
AANS Born c1878 Daughter of Terrence and Mary CUNNINGHAM Enlisted 21 November 1914 Embarked 27 November 1914 per “Kyarra” Service England and France Promoted to Head Sister 01 March 1917 Returned to Australia 01 February 1918 per “Balmoral Castle” Discharged as medically unfit (Rothelm Colitis) 10 May 1918 Did not marry Died 03 January 1958 at Myrtle Bank, SA Aged 77 years Buried West Terrace Cemetery Kendrew Oval |
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CURNOW, Isobel Kathleen
Sister
AANS
3rd AGH
Born 1881 in Ballarat, Vic.
Daughter of Thomas CURNOW and Jean Isabella nee MORTIMER
Age 34 years
Training Ballarat District Hospital
Enlisted 10 May 1915
Embarked 18 May 1915
Service in Lemnos, Egypt, England and France with extensive service on the field
Promoted to Sister 05 May 1917
Returned to Australia 02 January 1919 per “Berrima” On Duty
Appointment terminated 12 April 1919
Married William Laurence BURCH (of New Zealand) 1922 in Ballarat, Vic.
Died 26 October 1934 in Brisbane Qld. - late of New Zealand
Aged 42 years
Buried Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens Bed No 0152 Plot 1 Interment 1 Memorial Plot Area 5
AANS
3rd AGH
Born 1881 in Ballarat, Vic.
Daughter of Thomas CURNOW and Jean Isabella nee MORTIMER
Age 34 years
Training Ballarat District Hospital
Enlisted 10 May 1915
Embarked 18 May 1915
Service in Lemnos, Egypt, England and France with extensive service on the field
Promoted to Sister 05 May 1917
Returned to Australia 02 January 1919 per “Berrima” On Duty
Appointment terminated 12 April 1919
Married William Laurence BURCH (of New Zealand) 1922 in Ballarat, Vic.
Died 26 October 1934 in Brisbane Qld. - late of New Zealand
Aged 42 years
Buried Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens Bed No 0152 Plot 1 Interment 1 Memorial Plot Area 5
CURRIE, Jean Bissland
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Staff Nurse
AANS Born Jane Bessland CURRIE Joyce's Creek, Vic. Daughter of Thomas Russell CURRIE and Marjorie nee KAY Sister of Mrs. J CANE Age 33 years Enlisted 27 November 1916 Embarked 06 December 1916 in Melbourne per “Orsova” Service England, France and on the field Returned to Australia 07 February 1919 per “Lancashire” On Duty Appointment terminated 03 May 1919 Died Jane Bissland CURRIE 06 May 1954 in Perth, WA Buried Karrakatta Cemetery Crematorium Rose Gardens 3E 0017 Photograph Courtesy of Faye Threlfall WW1 Australian and New Zealand Nurses |
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CAULFIELD NURSE RETIRES
After being at Caulfield Military Hospital since May, 1919, Sister Jean Currie has now reached retiring age, and will leave the hospital. Yesterday patients presented her with an easy chair and a vase, and the doctors gave her a silver tea service. The presentations were made at an informal sherry party. Sister Currie was an Army nurse in the last war, and served in France and Italy.
The Argus Friday 11 December 1942 page 6
After being at Caulfield Military Hospital since May, 1919, Sister Jean Currie has now reached retiring age, and will leave the hospital. Yesterday patients presented her with an easy chair and a vase, and the doctors gave her a silver tea service. The presentations were made at an informal sherry party. Sister Currie was an Army nurse in the last war, and served in France and Italy.
The Argus Friday 11 December 1942 page 6
CURTAIN, Hannah Maria (Nance)
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1880 at Elderslie, Tas.
Daughter of David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE
Age 34 years
Enlisted 13 September 1915
Embarked 09 May 1917 in Sydney per “Ulysses”
Service England and France
Returned to Australia 17 March 1919 per “Plassy” On Duty
Appointment terminated 14 June 1919
Married David Main KEITH in 1923
Died 06 June 1966 in Sydney, NSW
AANS
Born 1880 at Elderslie, Tas.
Daughter of David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE
Age 34 years
Enlisted 13 September 1915
Embarked 09 May 1917 in Sydney per “Ulysses”
Service England and France
Returned to Australia 17 March 1919 per “Plassy” On Duty
Appointment terminated 14 June 1919
Married David Main KEITH in 1923
Died 06 June 1966 in Sydney, NSW
CURTAIN, Harriette Honorah
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 15 August 1888 at Brighton, Tas.
Daughter of J David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE
Of Meelin, Elderslie, Tas.
Age 27 years
Queenstown District Hospital
Enlisted 12 June 1915
Embarked 17 July 1915
Service Egypt
Contracted Influenza March 1916
Returned to Australia 11 April 1916 per “Runic”
Resigned appointment due to marriage 18 April 1916
Married Dr. Aldous Campbell ARNOLD
Died 06 June 1974 in NSW
Late of Woollahara, NSW
AANS
Born 15 August 1888 at Brighton, Tas.
Daughter of J David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE
Of Meelin, Elderslie, Tas.
Age 27 years
Queenstown District Hospital
Enlisted 12 June 1915
Embarked 17 July 1915
Service Egypt
Contracted Influenza March 1916
Returned to Australia 11 April 1916 per “Runic”
Resigned appointment due to marriage 18 April 1916
Married Dr. Aldous Campbell ARNOLD
Died 06 June 1974 in NSW
Late of Woollahara, NSW
A welcome home was given at Elderslie last week to Sister H.H. Curtain (now Mrs. Arnold). Prominent amongst beautiful floral decorations was the Red Cross, placed in position by lifelong neighbours and friends. Mr. Eddington, Warden, was asked by the district ladies to present Mrs. Arnold with a memento of her part in the great war. This took the form of a beautiful gold badge, suitably inscribed. Mr. J Swan expressed for Mrs. Arnold - much that was pleasant to hear, and Captain Storey gave an interesting address, speaking of the work of the British Red Cross in the great war. Mrs. Arnold, as Sister Curtain, was the youngest of four sisters who enlisted at the outbreak of war, and all of them served in Egypt, when Gallipoli held the eyes of the world. Her marriage with Major Arnold AMC, took place at Cairo in 1916 after which Mrs. Arnold returned to Australia, but shortly afterwards left for England, where she became attached to Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton. Her services were recognised by the Royal Patroness, to whom she was presented and who pinned on her breast a beautiful badge in white enamel bearing the Queen's initials in gold, under the Royal Arms. Mrs. Arnold left next day for Sydney to join her husband, who is at present on the staff of the Military Hospital, Randwick.
Tasmanian Mail December 18 1919 page 34 col 4
Tasmanian Mail December 18 1919 page 34 col 4
CURTAIN, Louisa Marcella
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Staff Nurse/Sister
AANS – No3 Section Sea Transport Staff Born 14 September 1879 at Elderslie, Tas. Daughter of David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE Age 35 years Enlisted 16 July 1915 Embarked 17 July 1915 Special Transport Duty No1 Hospital Ship “Karoola” Re-enlisted at Sea per “Kyarra” 03 June 1916 Ships “Euripides” “Marathon” “Runic” “Feldmarschall” Service in England between transports Promoted to Sister 27 November 1917 Returned to Australia 26 November 1918 per “Runic” Appointment Terminated 06 January 1919 Did not marry Died 17 April 1962 in St. Kilda, Vic. Resided St. Kilda, Vic. |
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Nurse L. M. Curtain, formerly a valued and popular member of the staff of the Zeehan District Hospital, has just returned to Tasmania after another long round of transport duty and other war work. Nurse Curtain, whose experiences have been varied and exciting, will probably remain, in the service right to the conclusion of the demobilisation and incidental transport period. She is one of the greatest favourites in the service, and has shown a special devotion to the sick and wounded soldiers under her care,
Zeehan and Dundas Herald Tuesday 03 December 1918 page 2
Zeehan and Dundas Herald Tuesday 03 December 1918 page 2
CURTAIN, Mary Kate aka Katherine
Sister
AANS
Born 1876 at Elderslie, Tas.
Daughter of David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE
Age 38 years
Enlisted 05 May 1915
Service in Egypt, France and England and no26 Ambulance Train in France
Returned to Australia 20 July 1917 pr “Nestor”
Re-embarked 31 December 1920 “Marsina”
Service in Namanula Hospital, Rabaul, New Guinea
Appointment Terminated 30 December 1921
Married Ronald Hamilton SUMNER
Lived at Terrigal near Gosford, Sydney
Died 03 November 1932
AANS
Born 1876 at Elderslie, Tas.
Daughter of David CURTAIN and Maria nee McGUIRE
Age 38 years
Enlisted 05 May 1915
Service in Egypt, France and England and no26 Ambulance Train in France
Returned to Australia 20 July 1917 pr “Nestor”
Re-embarked 31 December 1920 “Marsina”
Service in Namanula Hospital, Rabaul, New Guinea
Appointment Terminated 30 December 1921
Married Ronald Hamilton SUMNER
Lived at Terrigal near Gosford, Sydney
Died 03 November 1932
Well-known Nurse Transferred
Nurse Kate Curtain (formerly a member of the staff of the Queenstown District Hospital, and subsequently matron at the Campbell Town Hospital) has just been transferred to the Naval and Military Hospital, Rabaul, New Guinea. Nurse Curtain saw much and strenuous war work in Egypt and France, and after her return she was at the Base Hospital, Hobart, for a considerable period. She has not only an exceptional qualification as a nurse, but she is a splendid administrator and a very fine woman into the bargain. Nurse Curtain is a native of Elderslie (Tas.) and is one of a large family which has rendered quite remarkable war services in various spheres of activity.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald Friday 21 January 1921 page 2
Nurse Kate Curtain (formerly a member of the staff of the Queenstown District Hospital, and subsequently matron at the Campbell Town Hospital) has just been transferred to the Naval and Military Hospital, Rabaul, New Guinea. Nurse Curtain saw much and strenuous war work in Egypt and France, and after her return she was at the Base Hospital, Hobart, for a considerable period. She has not only an exceptional qualification as a nurse, but she is a splendid administrator and a very fine woman into the bargain. Nurse Curtain is a native of Elderslie (Tas.) and is one of a large family which has rendered quite remarkable war services in various spheres of activity.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald Friday 21 January 1921 page 2
CAMPBELL TOWN
The matron of the Hospital, Nurse K. B. Curtain has received word from the military authorities that her services have been accepted as a nurse for the seat of war. Nurse Curtain sent her name in immediately after the declaration of war, and as it is such a long while since, she thought she had been overlooked. She received word on Thursday, and she is to report herself to headquarters on May 1. Her place as matron of the Hospital will be hard to fill. She is also the untiring secretary of the local branch of the Red Cross Society, to whose effort such a splendid response is due.
Daily Telegraph Wednesday 28 April 1915 page 8
The matron of the Hospital, Nurse K. B. Curtain has received word from the military authorities that her services have been accepted as a nurse for the seat of war. Nurse Curtain sent her name in immediately after the declaration of war, and as it is such a long while since, she thought she had been overlooked. She received word on Thursday, and she is to report herself to headquarters on May 1. Her place as matron of the Hospital will be hard to fill. She is also the untiring secretary of the local branch of the Red Cross Society, to whose effort such a splendid response is due.
Daily Telegraph Wednesday 28 April 1915 page 8
Miss K B Curtain, matron Campbell Town Hospital, has been chosen for service with the Australian Imperial Forces and leaves early in May.
Tasmanian Mail 29 April 1915 page 26 col 1
Tasmanian Mail 29 April 1915 page 26 col 1
MRS. MARY SUMNER
USEFUL WAR WORK.
The death, in Gosford (N.S.W.), of Mrs. Mary Katherine ("Kit'') Sumner, formerly Sister Curtain, brings to a close not only a useful life, but one that was intimately associated with the Great War. Sister Mary Curtain was one of four sisters who enlisted for service with the Australian Army Nursing Service overseas. She sailed from Tasmania early in 1915, and was attached to the First Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis, Egypt, being later attached to the British Base Hospital at Rouen, France. She returned to Australia in 1918, and was appointed matron of the T.B. Soldiers' Sanatorium, Launceston.
From there she was appointed to a post on the nursing staff at Namanula Hospital, Rabaul, where she remained till 1926, becoming acting-matron, which appointment she resigned on her marriage with Mr. R. Sumner. The funeral, in Gosford, was one of the largest seen for a long time. Members of the Returned Soldiers' League formed a guard of honour at the church and followed the coffin to the grave. Rev. Father Donovan conducted the ceremonies, and at the conclusion of the service "The Last Post" was sounded. The mourners included the widower, Mr.
Ron Sumner, and three sisters of the deceased, Mrs. Arnold Mayfield (Newcastle), Mrs. J. Keith (Sydney), and Miss L. Curtain (Melbourne).
An impressive ceremony was carried out in the evening, when a number of members of the Gosford sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League stood to attention, facing the West, while the "Retreat" was sounded in token of a fallen comrade. Two sisters of the late Mrs. Sumner are resident in Hobart, Mrs. Tyler, Short Street, Glebe, and Mrs. Dalco, 87 Argyle Street.
The Mercury Friday 02 December 1932 page 6
USEFUL WAR WORK.
The death, in Gosford (N.S.W.), of Mrs. Mary Katherine ("Kit'') Sumner, formerly Sister Curtain, brings to a close not only a useful life, but one that was intimately associated with the Great War. Sister Mary Curtain was one of four sisters who enlisted for service with the Australian Army Nursing Service overseas. She sailed from Tasmania early in 1915, and was attached to the First Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis, Egypt, being later attached to the British Base Hospital at Rouen, France. She returned to Australia in 1918, and was appointed matron of the T.B. Soldiers' Sanatorium, Launceston.
From there she was appointed to a post on the nursing staff at Namanula Hospital, Rabaul, where she remained till 1926, becoming acting-matron, which appointment she resigned on her marriage with Mr. R. Sumner. The funeral, in Gosford, was one of the largest seen for a long time. Members of the Returned Soldiers' League formed a guard of honour at the church and followed the coffin to the grave. Rev. Father Donovan conducted the ceremonies, and at the conclusion of the service "The Last Post" was sounded. The mourners included the widower, Mr.
Ron Sumner, and three sisters of the deceased, Mrs. Arnold Mayfield (Newcastle), Mrs. J. Keith (Sydney), and Miss L. Curtain (Melbourne).
An impressive ceremony was carried out in the evening, when a number of members of the Gosford sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League stood to attention, facing the West, while the "Retreat" was sounded in token of a fallen comrade. Two sisters of the late Mrs. Sumner are resident in Hobart, Mrs. Tyler, Short Street, Glebe, and Mrs. Dalco, 87 Argyle Street.
The Mercury Friday 02 December 1932 page 6
CURTIS aka FIASCHI, Amy
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Sister
AANS Born 1889 at Bundaberg, Qld. Daughter of William Edward and Mary nee BOREHAM Married 1914 in Qld. Wife of Col. Thomas Henry FIASCHI (Second Marriage at the age of 71 years) http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fiaschi-thomas-henry-6165 Age 29 years Enlisted 26 April 1915 Embarked 15 May 1915 in Sydney per “Mooltan” Resigned appointment in Egypt 09 October 1915 Mrs Fiaschi was advised by Colonel Fetherstone to enlist as Amy CURTIS, her maiden name, as married women were ineligible for o/seas service. She resigned her appointment at about the time Col Fiaschi was invalided to England with BerriBerri. Col Fiaschi temporarily resigned his appointment with the AIF in July 1916 and became surgeon of a Military Hospital in Schio, Italy where he was joined by his wife who worked for the Italian Red Cross Died 17 January 1964 in NSW Late of Sydney City, NSW Photograph Courtesy of Faye Threlfall WW1 Australian and New Zealand Nurses |
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CUSKELLY, Annie
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Sister
AANS Born 29 September 1887 in Qld. Daughter of James CUSKELLY and Annie nee KEARY Age 29 years Trained at Toowoomba General Hosptial Enlisted 30 August 1915 Duty at No6 AGH and Casino Camp Hospital prior to embarkation Embarked 29 December 1916 in Sydney per “Themistocles” Service England and on the field in France Promoted to Sister 29 December 1918 Returned to Australia 15 May 1919 per “Orontes” On Duty Appointment terminated 09 August 1919 |
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ANNIE CUSKELLY
29 September, 1887 - 7 June 1987.
Early life
Annie Cuskelly was born in the family home at “Happy Valley” later absorbed into the nearby town of Aubigny on the Darling Downs in south-east Queensland. She was the sixth child of Irish migrants who had met and married in Queensland Though not the eldest daughter she was given her mother’s name. The family of seven boys and six girls grew up harmoniously and their life-long friendship has continued down through the generations. While the young men turned to maintaining the dairy farm the girls looked for work to help the family. Annie found her vocation in nursing. Her initial training was at a private hospital in Toowoomba and when she moved on it was to be the attending nurse for one of the city’s established doctors in his private practice. When she decided to enlist early in 1915 she sought and was granted a certificate in nursing by the Toowoomba General Hospital. A formal certificate was required by the Australian Army Nursing Service. Initially she was stationed at the 6th Australian General Hospital, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane where she met George Martin. They married in 1919. Members of AANS were required to provide their own uniform and effects; so much of her initial time in Brisbane would have been taken up with acquiring these. The firm of “Finney Isles” was known to be the store to outfit the nurses. A cabin trunk was also required and a carry-all. This would have been quite an outlay for her.
She moved on then to New South Wales, to the 4th Australian General Hospital & Casino Camp Hospital based at the Show Grounds. Her enlistment dates from August 1915 but it was at the end of 1916 that she embarked on the troop ship “Themistocles”, bound for Plymouth, arriving in March 1917
Active Service.
Within days of arrival at Plymouth she was posted to 7th General Hospital France. Annie’s service records as supplied are fairly cursory, and material recording the service of the nurses would suggest that their presence and availability was considered more important than detailed records. Army Form B 103, on which such details as are available are shown, is actually designed to record the casualty history of individual soldiers.
While Annie reached France in March 1917 it is many months before any more specific location is given. After a time at a Casualty Clearing Station, she was transferred to Nurses’ Home in Boulogne. By then the terrible battle of the Somme was past and the Germans had retreated to the Hindenburg line where the effort continued for days and on different fronts. There were other postings to Casualty Clearing Stations. Annie did tell us that at times she was nursing within ear shot of “Big Bertha”. The nickname applies to a heavy mortar which the German army could move to various locations.
Once in active service, she was touched by the youth of the servicemen she saw. The memory was so painful that it was one of the few things she repeated. “They would come over from England, go up to the front line, be injured, be brought in for treatment, returned to England, if necessary - all within a week and not yet 18” She also said that for some “we would give them morphine, and put “M” in blue on their forehead”
Presuming she was living in the Nurses’ Home on 29 September, at least that ought to have been a reasonably congenial atmosphere for her to “celebrate” her 30th birthday. .
At the end of 1917 she reported to the 3rd Australian General Hospital and it is apparent from the first hand accounts in diaries kept by the nurses that they valued being able to work together. For young women coming from the informal way of life they had known in Australia, the disciplines of the English Army Nursing Service were not a comfortable fit. From then on, in places like Abbeville, Dieppe, St.Omer and Rouen I believe she was working with her compatriots.
Annie brought home with her spoons she bought in various places she was stationed, such as mentioned above. In Dunkirk - yet to assume its place in history - she did not find a spoon so bought sugar tongs instead.
A short respite
It was only in the final months of World War 1 that Annie was granted leave and she spent it in England. It is probable that she was not alone as any of the few stories she told were about what “we” did. One of the nurses she shared escapades with was “Toftie” Nurse Toft was a Salvation Army member and my mother spoke with admiration of “those girls” There were three Tofts in the AANS and two were sisters so perhaps it was those two with whom Annie nursed. It seems they had fun together but London’s Underground defeated them. Each time they alighted and went up to street level they found themselves at Trafalgar Square. “Toftie” in frustration is said to have threatened “If you lions don’t stop laughing at me, I’ll ‘frow’ mud at you”. Once on street level the traffic was daunting. The traffic islands were, to these girls, “glory be to Gods” as that was how they felt when they got safely that far.
That leave was in late Autumn and to girls from Queensland the low temperatures were hard to endure. Their solution for part of the time was to purchase a return rail ticket to and from Scotland, because the carriages were heated. Annie spoke of nursing in that terrible winter when everything froze even the liquid medications and the ink for writing. Raw eggs had to be sawed open; blankets froze when hot water bottles split. Their shelters, as we know, were canvas.
Peace
Refreshed by that leave Annie returned to duty and the day came that hostilities ended. She told us that she was in Paris when the armistice was signed. It was after the Armistice, that No 1 Australian General Hospital was transferred to Sutton Veny where it remained until the end of 1919. That provided satisfaction to the Australian Nurses to be looking after Australian Servicemen in their own hospital. It was just before Christmas that she arrived and was promoted to Sister. For the Australian nurses rank was not considered a priority. For one thing it prohibited fraternisation with lower ranks and in some cases that applied to their own family members.
While their duty was still the care and comfort of their patients, the nurses no doubt were more light hearted in general. I understand they held a garden party, perhaps to celebrate the arrival of Spring.
Repatriation
Annie left England in May, 1919 - a passenger on “Orontes” bound for Sydney. She disembarked on 1st July. According to family history, in the interval between then and discharge on 9 August 1919 she was acting Matron at “Rosemount”. Originally a home to several notable Brisbane identities, the site was transformed into a military hospital during World War I and later served as a repatriation hospital, psychiatric facility and as a centre for rehabilitation.
My parents’ wedding photo shows them both in uniform which tells me that they married soon after her return to Brisbane and before her discharge
Civilian life.
Typical of service men and women, Annie did not speak much about her experiences of those years. She married and became a mother. It was a source of pride to her that it was her war service that helped finance the purchase of their home. As long as she was able she attended Anzac Day marches in Brisbane, wearing initially her service badge and later a badge which showed she was the mother of a member of the services in WW2. She told us that sometimes one of the old diggers would recognise that she was a returned nurse from WW1 and would greet her “Oh, Sister!!”
Soon after 1940 her eldest child and only son, the apple of his parents’ eyes, had enlisted in the RAAF and was very soon serving as a bomber pilot seconded to the RAF. As well, several loved nephews were serving in other theatres of war. It would be only human for her to block recollections of what she had seen.
Annie was, albeit informally, a nurse all her life. She inspired two nieces and a granddaughter to emulate her. In those hard years of the 30’s and the 40’s people of the working class suburb where she lived knew there was a nurse at our address and it was not unknown for a stranger to arrive at our home seeking help for a sick person. She never refused those requests.
She was a friendly person but her friendship was not given lightly. Once formed, it was for good. One of those friends was Charlotte, to whom she was close right to the end. They watched each other’s children grow and prosper. It so happened that at the end of their days they were in the same ward of a palliative care hospital. Charlotte was confined to her bed but Annie was mobile with the help of a wheel chair. She was able to go and sit beside Charlotte’s bed and would enjoy the company of the families as they visited. The time came one evening when it was apparent to her that Charlotte’s condition was declining. Annie suggested that the daughter then present leave and gather up the remainder of the family. It was 11p.m. by the time the group returned. They exclaimed in surprise to find Annie awake and still with Charlotte. “Oh,” said Annie, “ I couldn’t leave her!” The veteran nurse made sure the patient would not die alone.
When Rupert Goodman’s book “Queensland Nurses; Boer War to Vietnam” was launched in 1985, she was guest of honour. She was then the oldest surviving member of AANS in Queensland.
My mother, Annie Martin (nee Cuskelly) died 2 years later, aged 99 years and 9 months. She may well then have been the oldest surviving member of AANS.
Courtesy of Marie A Nolan.
29 September, 1887 - 7 June 1987.
Early life
Annie Cuskelly was born in the family home at “Happy Valley” later absorbed into the nearby town of Aubigny on the Darling Downs in south-east Queensland. She was the sixth child of Irish migrants who had met and married in Queensland Though not the eldest daughter she was given her mother’s name. The family of seven boys and six girls grew up harmoniously and their life-long friendship has continued down through the generations. While the young men turned to maintaining the dairy farm the girls looked for work to help the family. Annie found her vocation in nursing. Her initial training was at a private hospital in Toowoomba and when she moved on it was to be the attending nurse for one of the city’s established doctors in his private practice. When she decided to enlist early in 1915 she sought and was granted a certificate in nursing by the Toowoomba General Hospital. A formal certificate was required by the Australian Army Nursing Service. Initially she was stationed at the 6th Australian General Hospital, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane where she met George Martin. They married in 1919. Members of AANS were required to provide their own uniform and effects; so much of her initial time in Brisbane would have been taken up with acquiring these. The firm of “Finney Isles” was known to be the store to outfit the nurses. A cabin trunk was also required and a carry-all. This would have been quite an outlay for her.
She moved on then to New South Wales, to the 4th Australian General Hospital & Casino Camp Hospital based at the Show Grounds. Her enlistment dates from August 1915 but it was at the end of 1916 that she embarked on the troop ship “Themistocles”, bound for Plymouth, arriving in March 1917
Active Service.
Within days of arrival at Plymouth she was posted to 7th General Hospital France. Annie’s service records as supplied are fairly cursory, and material recording the service of the nurses would suggest that their presence and availability was considered more important than detailed records. Army Form B 103, on which such details as are available are shown, is actually designed to record the casualty history of individual soldiers.
While Annie reached France in March 1917 it is many months before any more specific location is given. After a time at a Casualty Clearing Station, she was transferred to Nurses’ Home in Boulogne. By then the terrible battle of the Somme was past and the Germans had retreated to the Hindenburg line where the effort continued for days and on different fronts. There were other postings to Casualty Clearing Stations. Annie did tell us that at times she was nursing within ear shot of “Big Bertha”. The nickname applies to a heavy mortar which the German army could move to various locations.
Once in active service, she was touched by the youth of the servicemen she saw. The memory was so painful that it was one of the few things she repeated. “They would come over from England, go up to the front line, be injured, be brought in for treatment, returned to England, if necessary - all within a week and not yet 18” She also said that for some “we would give them morphine, and put “M” in blue on their forehead”
Presuming she was living in the Nurses’ Home on 29 September, at least that ought to have been a reasonably congenial atmosphere for her to “celebrate” her 30th birthday. .
At the end of 1917 she reported to the 3rd Australian General Hospital and it is apparent from the first hand accounts in diaries kept by the nurses that they valued being able to work together. For young women coming from the informal way of life they had known in Australia, the disciplines of the English Army Nursing Service were not a comfortable fit. From then on, in places like Abbeville, Dieppe, St.Omer and Rouen I believe she was working with her compatriots.
Annie brought home with her spoons she bought in various places she was stationed, such as mentioned above. In Dunkirk - yet to assume its place in history - she did not find a spoon so bought sugar tongs instead.
A short respite
It was only in the final months of World War 1 that Annie was granted leave and she spent it in England. It is probable that she was not alone as any of the few stories she told were about what “we” did. One of the nurses she shared escapades with was “Toftie” Nurse Toft was a Salvation Army member and my mother spoke with admiration of “those girls” There were three Tofts in the AANS and two were sisters so perhaps it was those two with whom Annie nursed. It seems they had fun together but London’s Underground defeated them. Each time they alighted and went up to street level they found themselves at Trafalgar Square. “Toftie” in frustration is said to have threatened “If you lions don’t stop laughing at me, I’ll ‘frow’ mud at you”. Once on street level the traffic was daunting. The traffic islands were, to these girls, “glory be to Gods” as that was how they felt when they got safely that far.
That leave was in late Autumn and to girls from Queensland the low temperatures were hard to endure. Their solution for part of the time was to purchase a return rail ticket to and from Scotland, because the carriages were heated. Annie spoke of nursing in that terrible winter when everything froze even the liquid medications and the ink for writing. Raw eggs had to be sawed open; blankets froze when hot water bottles split. Their shelters, as we know, were canvas.
Peace
Refreshed by that leave Annie returned to duty and the day came that hostilities ended. She told us that she was in Paris when the armistice was signed. It was after the Armistice, that No 1 Australian General Hospital was transferred to Sutton Veny where it remained until the end of 1919. That provided satisfaction to the Australian Nurses to be looking after Australian Servicemen in their own hospital. It was just before Christmas that she arrived and was promoted to Sister. For the Australian nurses rank was not considered a priority. For one thing it prohibited fraternisation with lower ranks and in some cases that applied to their own family members.
While their duty was still the care and comfort of their patients, the nurses no doubt were more light hearted in general. I understand they held a garden party, perhaps to celebrate the arrival of Spring.
Repatriation
Annie left England in May, 1919 - a passenger on “Orontes” bound for Sydney. She disembarked on 1st July. According to family history, in the interval between then and discharge on 9 August 1919 she was acting Matron at “Rosemount”. Originally a home to several notable Brisbane identities, the site was transformed into a military hospital during World War I and later served as a repatriation hospital, psychiatric facility and as a centre for rehabilitation.
My parents’ wedding photo shows them both in uniform which tells me that they married soon after her return to Brisbane and before her discharge
Civilian life.
Typical of service men and women, Annie did not speak much about her experiences of those years. She married and became a mother. It was a source of pride to her that it was her war service that helped finance the purchase of their home. As long as she was able she attended Anzac Day marches in Brisbane, wearing initially her service badge and later a badge which showed she was the mother of a member of the services in WW2. She told us that sometimes one of the old diggers would recognise that she was a returned nurse from WW1 and would greet her “Oh, Sister!!”
Soon after 1940 her eldest child and only son, the apple of his parents’ eyes, had enlisted in the RAAF and was very soon serving as a bomber pilot seconded to the RAF. As well, several loved nephews were serving in other theatres of war. It would be only human for her to block recollections of what she had seen.
Annie was, albeit informally, a nurse all her life. She inspired two nieces and a granddaughter to emulate her. In those hard years of the 30’s and the 40’s people of the working class suburb where she lived knew there was a nurse at our address and it was not unknown for a stranger to arrive at our home seeking help for a sick person. She never refused those requests.
She was a friendly person but her friendship was not given lightly. Once formed, it was for good. One of those friends was Charlotte, to whom she was close right to the end. They watched each other’s children grow and prosper. It so happened that at the end of their days they were in the same ward of a palliative care hospital. Charlotte was confined to her bed but Annie was mobile with the help of a wheel chair. She was able to go and sit beside Charlotte’s bed and would enjoy the company of the families as they visited. The time came one evening when it was apparent to her that Charlotte’s condition was declining. Annie suggested that the daughter then present leave and gather up the remainder of the family. It was 11p.m. by the time the group returned. They exclaimed in surprise to find Annie awake and still with Charlotte. “Oh,” said Annie, “ I couldn’t leave her!” The veteran nurse made sure the patient would not die alone.
When Rupert Goodman’s book “Queensland Nurses; Boer War to Vietnam” was launched in 1985, she was guest of honour. She was then the oldest surviving member of AANS in Queensland.
My mother, Annie Martin (nee Cuskelly) died 2 years later, aged 99 years and 9 months. She may well then have been the oldest surviving member of AANS.
Courtesy of Marie A Nolan.
CUTHBERT, Emma Argyle
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Sister / Head Sister
AANS – 3 rd AGH Born 1878 at Geelong, Vic. Daughter of Robert CUTHBERT and Emma Argyle nee CAMPBELL Age 35 years Training Children’s Hospital, Melbourne Enlisted 03 November 1914 Embarked 05 December 1914 in Melbourne per “Kyarra” Transport duty per “Themistocles” Service Egypt, England and France Promoted to Head Sister 01 March 1916 Awarded Royal Red Cross 2nd Class, valuable service France and Flanders Returned to Australia 09 March 1919 per “Kashmir” Appointment terminated 14 July 1919 Did not marry Died 07 August 1963 Resided South Yarra, Vic. Head Sister Emma Argyle Cuthbert, A.R.R.C., was born at Geelong, and left Australia In 1915, completing a long and valuable period of service before returning Iast April. |
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Diggers' Presentation to War Nurse
A friend of the Diggers at the Caulfield Repatration Hospital for more than 20 years, Sister E. A. Cuthbert, who will retire today, was yesterday presented with a silver tea and coffee service by the patients. Mr. P. W. Aspinall made the presentation. The Argus Friday 27 May 1938 page 6 
Awarded Royal Red Cross (2nd Class)
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 23 May 1919 Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 889, position 28 Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1919 Location in London Gazette: Page 33, position 3 "Particularly good work as Deputy Matron on two occasions" Punch Thursday 10 December 1914 page 18 |
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CUTHBERT, Maud Hopper
Sister
AANS
Born Red Hill, England
Daughter of Frances Ann BEDECYFELD
Age 41 years
Enlisted 27 August 1917
Embarked 13 September 1917 per “Runic”
Service Egypt and Salonika
Returned to Australia 12 July 1919 per “City of Exeter” On Duty
Appointment Terminated 07 February 1920
Married Percy WILLIAM in 1929 in Terrigal, NSW
AANS
Born Red Hill, England
Daughter of Frances Ann BEDECYFELD
Age 41 years
Enlisted 27 August 1917
Embarked 13 September 1917 per “Runic”
Service Egypt and Salonika
Returned to Australia 12 July 1919 per “City of Exeter” On Duty
Appointment Terminated 07 February 1920
Married Percy WILLIAM in 1929 in Terrigal, NSW
CUTHBERTSON, Agnes Ross
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 1872 in Newcastle, NSW
Daughter of John Reid CUTHBERTSON and Ann nee ALEXANDER
Next of kin Emily Levinia EALES
Age 41 years
Enlisted 09 October 1916
Embarked 21 March 1917 per “Kanowna”
Service in Egypt
Promoted to Sister 21 April 1919
Returned to Australia 15 November 1919 per “Ypinga”
Appointment Terminated 03 February 1920
Did not marry
Died 05 May 1936 at Summer Hill, NSW
Read more here
AANS
Born 1872 in Newcastle, NSW
Daughter of John Reid CUTHBERTSON and Ann nee ALEXANDER
Next of kin Emily Levinia EALES
Age 41 years
Enlisted 09 October 1916
Embarked 21 March 1917 per “Kanowna”
Service in Egypt
Promoted to Sister 21 April 1919
Returned to Australia 15 November 1919 per “Ypinga”
Appointment Terminated 03 February 1920
Did not marry
Died 05 May 1936 at Summer Hill, NSW
Read more here
Hospital Matron as War Nurse
Miss Agnes Ross Cuthbertson, who has been matron of the Dangar Cottage Hospital since its inception, has offered and has been accepted by the military authorities for service as a nurse. Matron Cuthbertson has been granted indefinite leave, and during her absence her position will be filled by Nurse Hepworth. Matron Cuthbert who left for Sydney on Thursday, and she will be attached to the Randwick Hospital pending further orders. Prior to the establishment of the present hospital this lady held the post of matron at the old hospital (now temple Court). At the last meeting of the hospital house committee, that body passed a resolution expressing the warmest admiration and appreciation of Nurse Cuthbertson's long services, and wishing her God speed and all success in her work among the sick and wounded troops.
The Maitland Daily Mercury Saturday 07 October 1916 page 2
Miss Agnes Ross Cuthbertson, who has been matron of the Dangar Cottage Hospital since its inception, has offered and has been accepted by the military authorities for service as a nurse. Matron Cuthbertson has been granted indefinite leave, and during her absence her position will be filled by Nurse Hepworth. Matron Cuthbert who left for Sydney on Thursday, and she will be attached to the Randwick Hospital pending further orders. Prior to the establishment of the present hospital this lady held the post of matron at the old hospital (now temple Court). At the last meeting of the hospital house committee, that body passed a resolution expressing the warmest admiration and appreciation of Nurse Cuthbertson's long services, and wishing her God speed and all success in her work among the sick and wounded troops.
The Maitland Daily Mercury Saturday 07 October 1916 page 2
CUZENS, Elsa May
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Sister
AANS Born 1884 in South Yarra, Melbourne, Vic. Daughter of Benjamin CUZENS and Matilda Jessie nee WILSON Sister to Lieutenant N. W. Cuzens, M. C. 5th Battalion awarded Military Cross Age 30 years Training Melbourne Hospital Enlisted 28 November 1914 Embarked 05 December 1914 Service England and France Appendix operation November 1915 Promoted to Sister 01 December 1915 Mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatches of 16 March 1919 Returned to Australia 09 February 1919 per “Ascanius” On Duty Appointment Terminated 13 August 1919 Married 1923 Sir Thomas George WILSON Obstetrician and Gynaecologist http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wilson-sir-thomas-george-12051 Family of 2 sons Died 23 January 1960 at home, 296 Ward Street, North Adelaide, SA Cause of death Pneumonia (15 days) and Cerebral Arteriosclerosis (years) Aged 75 years Buried Centennial Park Cemetery Acacia C Path CD Grave 323 - site expired Punch Thursday 10 December 1914 page 18 |
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Mentioned in despatches
Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 30 October 1919 Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1657, position 45 Date of London Gazette: 11 July 1919 Location in London Gazette: Page 8835, position 58 |
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