Historical information

The lives and service of a pair of Great War nurses have inspired a collaboration that has led to a special Anzac centennial exhibition. 'Red capes and suitcases', at Beechworth's Burke Museum, features stories and memorabilia of nineteen nurses associated with Indigo Shire. Included are Rose Carter and Elizabeth Duncan. Both trained at Wangaratta hospital before volunteering to nurse in the Great War. Wangaratta family history researcher, Heather Lane felt an important story remained untold in the nurses' home communities and encouraged the museum to apply for a Veterans' Affairs grant to fund research. Colonel Jan McCarthy, who opened the exhibition, said that seven Australian nurses in the Great War were awarded the Military Medal rather that the Military Cross, as they were volunteers and served in a honorary capacity. Questions remained at the time about srving rank, gender and value. The matron-in-chief was accorded the rank of major but paid as a captain, while nurses ranked as lieutenant were paid as soldiers.

Physical description

A large newspaper clipping consisting of a title, five columns of text and four colour photos. The first and largest photo, directly under the title, is of two older women, both wearing red. The second photo is a small headshot of a smiling woman. The third and fourth photo are both at the bottom of the page and show smiling women, three and two of, respectively.