Historical information

Edith Cornwell was born in 1868; she completed her nursing training at the Alfred Hospital in 1veral 896. After this she worked at several different hospitals, including qualifying as a midwife, and the role of matron at Hay, Wagga Wagga, and the Women's Hospital, Melbourne. In 1902 Edith had joined the Australian Army Nursing Service as a reserve. At the outbreak of war in 1914 Edith formally enlisted and served overseas twice. in Egypt (1915-1916) as Matron of the No2 Australian General Hospital (AGH) at Heliopolis. Returning to Australia Edith became Matron of No 5 Base Hospital, Melbourne. In February 1917 Edith was awarded the Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class. In 1918, she worked as Matron at AGHs in France and England. In 1919 Edith was awarded the Royal Red Cross, 1st Class. After the war Edith was active in the formation of the Returned Nurses Club.After leaving the army in 1922 Edith joined Victoria's Neglected Children Department as Matron of their Receiving House. Edith retired in 1932, in 1933 she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal. In 1937 Edith was chosen to represent Australian nurses at the coronation of King George V.

Significance

Biography of a significant graduate of the Alfred Hospital School of Nursing

Physical description

Comb bound book with clear plastic front cover and white cardboard back cover. Title page visible through clear plastic: - coloured photograph of Edith Corwell wearing the World War I uniform of matron in the Australian Army Nursing Service. Title printed above and below this photo. White comb binding visible at left.

Inscriptions & markings

Previous catalogue number handwritten on small white sticker at top right of front cover. On page after title page is a handwritten dedication 'Presented to the Archives of the Alfred Hospital/ Alison Cornwell/ Elaine White (nee Cornwell)/ June 1993, Melbourne