POCOCK, Mary Anne (Bessie)
Biography
Sister Mary Anne (Bessie) POCOCK was born July 20, 1863 in Dalby, Queensland. Her father was a Blacksmith.
Nursing Training
Sister Mary Anne (Bessie) POCOCK trained at Sydney Hospital, sydney, New South Wales. Trained at Sydney Hospital and stayed on there as Sister
Nursing Service in the Boer War
Sister Mary Anne (Bessie) POCOCK was sent by the Colony of New South Wales to care for the sick and wounded during the Boer War, serving from 1899.[1][2][3][4]
Sailed in the Moravian with 13 nursing sisters on 17 January 1900.
In May 1902 contracted Enteric Fever and was invalided to England before returning to Sydney.
The Queen's South Africa Medal Roll notes: Left for Middleburg August11, 1900[5]
Honours and Awards
MID (by Lord Kitchener)
After Military Service
In September 1914 she enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and served in Egypt before becoming Matron of the Hospital Ship Assaye between Gallipoli and England. She then served in France at a number of hospitals and finally took charge of the Australian convalescent hospital in Kent, England. She was awarded the RRC 2nd class and was twice mentioned in dispatches.
References
- ↑ WO 100/229 QSA Medal Roll p87 created at No15 General Hospital, Elandsfontein; dated September 23, 1901
- ↑ WO 100/289 QSA Medal Roll p198 created at Victoria Barracks, Sydney; dated September 16, 1901
- ↑ The London Gazette, July 29, 1902; p4853
- ↑ Nursing Record & Hospital World, March 3, 1900, p174
- ↑ Queen's South Africa Medal Roll
