Alice Blanch ATKINSON (2)

Alice Blanch Atkinson QAIMNS

Born 5 July 1879 to Frederick John Atkinson and Mary Ann Atkinson (nee Church)
Died 9 December 1916.
At rest in Stirling District Cemetery, South Australia

Extract from South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau -

Alice Atkinson, known as Blanche, was born to Frederick John Atkinson and Mary Ann Martha Church on 5 July 1879 at Crafers, South Australia. She trained as a nurse at the Adelaide Hospital and worked for several years in Western Australia. During the First World War, Atkinson went to England to join the nursing branch of the British Army, known as Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. She embarked from Adelaide on the SS Beltana and arrived in London on 22 July 1915.
Atkinson was posted to the Brockenhurst Military hospital in August 1915 where she worked until her admittance as a patient at the hospital, in March 1916, suffering with a severe cough and chest trouble. She was found to have contracted tuberculosis. Atkinson was discharged medically unfit a week later. In June 1916 Atkinson was moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
While in hospital, Atkinson was awarded the Royal Red Cross medal for her devoted service. In August 1916 Atkinson was well enough to travel back to Australia and left England on the HT Marathon, arriving in Australia 23 September 1916.
Atkinson returned to Crafers, but did not recover from the illness. She died 9 December 1916, aged 37 years.
At rest in Stirling District Cemetery South Australia

Commemorated on Aldgate Wart Memorial, South Australian Garden of Remembrance.