War Decorations for Nurses

On their website, The Canadian Great War Project has reprinted an article from the Toronto World of Wednesday, September 25, 1918, entitled Six Nurses Win Military Medal. I'd like to reprint an excerpt of that article here as a reminder of the kinds of bravery exhibited by many Canadian nurses during the First World War.


Six Nurses Win Military Medal
Decorated for Conspicuous Bravery During Air Raids of the Enemy
Other Honors Given
Officers Gain Bar to Military Cross for Exceptional Gallantry in Field

London, Sept. 24. Six Canadian nurses were tonight gazetted as having won the military medal for bravery during enemy raids. Matron Edith Campbell of Point Claire attended wounded sisters regardless of personal danger; Lenora Herrington of Napanee, remained on duty the entire night and her personal example of courage was largely responsible for the maintenance of discipline and efficiency. Lottie Urquhart , New Glasgow, N.S., when four bombs fell on her wards, attended the wounded with a courage and devotion which was an inspiring example. Janet Mary Williamson of Grenville, Quebec displayed exceptional coolness in a badly damaged ward, sustaining the patients and ensuring their evacuation. Meta Hodge of Hamilton and Eleanor Jean Thompson of Valleyfield, Quebec, although both injured by a falling beam, extinguished with great presence of mind, overturned oil stoves, later helping to remove the patients.