Fallen nurses honoured

A plaque honouring nurses who lost their lives in the First World War is to be unveiled during this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations.

It is the first memorial to bring together more than 500 names of British, Irish and Dominion Force nurses who died in service or as a direct consequence of their role in the conflict.

Partnership project

The memorial, in Edinburgh’s Central Library, is the result of research carried out at the University by historian, Yvonne McEwen.

Now in her role as Director of the University’s Scotland’s War engagement project, she has collaborated with a number of partner institutions to produce this fitting tribute.

The Deaconess Nurses Association, Lothian Health Service Fellowship and the Royal Naval Association in Ireland are among the organisations that have worked to support the memorial. Donations have also been made by members of the public.

Nursing service remembered

A number of events focussing on the history of nursing in the First World War have also been programmed by Scotland’s War at the Central Library throughout the Remembrance Week.

A display of rare photographs and documents highlighting the role women played at the frontline will go on show alongside the memorial plaque, The Scarlett, Grey and Tartan exhibition runs from 10 - 16 November

On the evening of Wednesday 11 November, student nurses from Napier and Queen Margaret Universities will perform the short drama, God’s Waiting Room.

A public lecture delivered by Yvonne McEwen will follow.

Nurses in the First World War were often casualties in just the same way soldiers were – with mothers, fathers and siblings waiting anxiously at home. It is with the support of our partners that we have been able to create the memorial plaque, helping to share their narrative and reveal some of the hidden histories of these remarkable women.