Marjorie Marion Edmonds enlisted in January 1940 and was soon on her way to the Middle East.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Trained as a nurse and then senior nurse at Tamworth Base Hospital in the 1920s, her family was from Loomberah.
Marjorie, known as Madge, was soon in charge of a sand hospital with the 2/1 Australian General Hospital based on Gaza Ridge in Palestine, to serve the Sixth Division.
They slowly established a hospital, beginning with meagre resources, but by June 8 1941, they had 484 patients.
Unlike previous conflicts, nurses were closer than ever to the front lines, so they could save more patients.
They worked under harsh conditions, making emergency decisions on the spot for severely wounded soldiers.
Madge maintained a sanitary and successful ward with talented physicians, surgeons and nurses.
One of the high-profile cases Madge nursed was Roden Cutler, later Sir Roden Cutler.
After the action which would later award him the Victoria Cross, he ended up at the 2/1st Australian General Hospital for a leg amputation in July 1941 at Gaza.
Letters to his mother reveal details of the care received.
He writes: 'I'm feeling fine in myself, all the nurses send me flowers, fruit, asparagus, eau de cologne (to use instead of methylated spirits for shaving).
"When I commented on all the kindness, I was told I was always a favourite with the girls, but they are so naturally kind that they would do it for everyone."
READ ALSO
He also noted that "a special sister used to be with me all day - perhaps Madge - and at night they would give me morphine to send me to sleep. The sister would cook dainty food and make me eat it, by feeding me."
This is likely to be Madge, as she told godson Warren Woodley she nursed Cutler during the war.
Only the sterling work done by these medical practitioners saved Cutler's life.
After 2108 days overseas and her unit's disbandment, Madge made it home.
She then spent 1028 days in active service working with the 102 General Hospital, then at Sydney's 113 Military Hospital at Concord, from where she then retired.
