Defining The First World War Nurse

The next talk at the Treasure House in Beverley will explore the lives and experiences of First World War nurses.

The talk will be at 6.30pm on Tuesday 27 October at the Treasure House. The talk will be given by Dr Rosemary Wall, Lecturer in Global History at the Department of History, University of Hull.

This talk will challenge popular perceptions of the First World War nurse, which have been dominated by volunteer nurses such as Vera Brittain. Some worked in the military hospitals at home, others on the Western and Eastern fronts, in casualty clearing stations and field hospitals.

They were closer to the front-line than in any previous conflict, working in hazardous conditions for up to twenty hours a day often during heavy periods of fighting, with some dying in active service. A variety of women were involved in providing care for those who suffered from injuries and ill health as a result of the war, including nurses with professional experience, volunteers and even female motorcyclists.

The second half of the talk particularly focuses on examples of nursing care and hospital provision in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, including Margaret Strickland-Constable, whose diaries are held at the Treasure House and who was Commandant of the hospital where J.R.R. Tolkien was treated.

Tickets can be booked online at www.eastriding.gov.uk/events or from the Archives research room desk, or by phoning 01482 392699.

The Treasure House has a supporting exhibition running from 17 October to 5 December entitled ‘Everyone’s Darling: The First World War Nurse’, featuring fascinating artefacts including medals, an autograph book and even a prosthetic arm.