The research on this website, by Christine Bramble, was first published as Sisters of the Valley: First World War Nurses from Newcastle and the Hunter Region, Royal Newcastle Hospital Graduate Nurses’ Association Inc., The Junction, with assistance from the Australian Government ‘Saluting their Service’ program. It tells the stories of the trained nurses from the region that were military nurses in Australia or overseas during the Great War. Most enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS), some in the British service – Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve (QAIMNSR), and a small number in other units.
Since publication of the book additional information has come to light about individuals. I have also identified more nurses with a connection to the region and will be adding their names gradually as I continue the research. This website and blog provides a means of updating the story and gives descendants and others the opportunity to contribute.
About the author, Christine M Bramble:
Tertiary education – BA Hons English & American Literature, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK, 1970; Litt B Australian History, University of New England NSW, 1981
Email – sistersofthevalley@gmail.com
© Christine Bramble 2013
Great War Nurses from the Hunter 
Hi Christine, “A matron’s smile”-are the photo’s actually taken at Lady Dudley’s hospital? I’m a researcher-life study of Rachel Countess of Dudley. Lady D was the great niece of the Quaker, Elizabeth Fry & Photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. She involved herself with Boer War nursing, district nursing in Ireland, England & of course Australia. There were other philanthropic works she was involved with. A workaholic, but no doubt a means to an end of filling up her time not to dwell too much on her philandering husband-but I digress!!!
Kind regards
Ruth
Captions in Ida Greaves’ handwriting indicate that the photos in the post to which you refer were taken at the AVH except for the first photo of field practice, which was taken somewhere in the vicinity of the hospital when it was at St Nazaire. Based on the sequence of photos in the album, all but the first photo would have been taken after the AVH was established at Wimereux. You have an interesting project – in researching Matron Greaves’ war service I have needless to say learnt a bit about Lady Dudley as well. I’m afraid Ida didn’t like her very much – perhaps a clash of cultures! Good luck with your research. Do you have a blog for your topic? Cheers, Christine
Hi Christine, Witley Court Society Facebook. Not all Lady Dudley’s information will be posted, my research-acquiring letters, etc. too sensative to put on site. But it ‘s helping me understand her, ‘warts & all.’ Ruth
Hi Ruth, thank you for bringing your facebook page to my attention, invaluable background on the Dudley family. I can see there is a lot of reading for me to do! I am especially interested in the existence and location of Rachel Lady Dudley’s papers, as I am researching a biography of the Matron of the Australian Voluntary Hospital. Will check your page regularly.
Regards, Christine
Nora Kathleen Fletcher was born 1st February 1880 at Woollahra, Sydney. She was the daughter of John Walter Fletcher and Annie Clarke. She was registered as Kathleen Nora but commonly known as Nora. One of 5 children. Mother made the crimson bag for the Ashes and father was the Father of Soccer in Australia and a Paddington cricketer.
Thanks, Diana – what an interesting family, I wasn’t aware of the parents’ claim to fame. Are you a descendant?