These pictures from Sheffield Archives show that the city’s nurses took key roles going back to World War One just over a century ago. One picture shows Mary Agatha Brown, holder of the Military Medal, who served throughout that conflict. To order copies of these pictures, head to www.picturesheffield.com and search using the reference number in the caption.
1. Medal pride
Mary Agatha Brown, holder of the Military Medal and entitled to wear three blue service chevrons, pictured in 1919. She joined Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (Reserve) in 1914. She served in hospitals in Lillers, St. Omer, Le Treport and Dieppe. She was awarded the Military Medal in 1918 for bravery and devotion to duty during a bombing raid. Ref no: y02654 Photo: Picture Sheffield
2. Wartime event
Nurses at a gymkhana at the 3rd Northern General Base Hospital, Broomhall, in 1917 during World War I. Ref no: y00144 Photo: Picture Sheffield
3. Fertility team
Fertility Treatment Centre, Nether Edge Hospital, pictured on March 20, 1996. Ref no: s22766 Photo: Picture Sheffield
4. Woman in charge
Nurse, possibly matron, at Wharncliffe War Hospital (former S Y Asylum also referred to as Wadsley Asylum, later Middlewood Hospital). The picture dates from 1900-1919. Ref no: t00815 Photo: Picture Sheffield