Mary Killeen

Ballarat Trained World War One Nurses Honour Board, Ballarat Base Hospital, 2017.

History

Mary Killeen served as a nurse on the home front during World War One. In December 1917 Sister Killeen was working at the Caulfield Military Hospital. In Mid 1917 the Old Colonists' Club donated three guineas to the Avenue of Honour for tree planting and were allocated No.992 in honour of Sister Mary Killeen.

CHRISTMAS AT CAULFIELD HOSPITAL. A Christmas dinner for 1000 persons was served at the Red Cross Rest House in the Caulfield military hospital grounds, on 21st inst. It was organised by the ladies con nected with the Caulfield District Red Cross branches. The whole of the poultry 'used was given by State school children, who, considering that they donated £10,000 to the building of the hospital, naturally feel some proprietary right in the institution. The little ones of the district took a personal interest in last night's celebrations, for they clustered in- numbers about the Christmas tree in the centre of the grounds, and sang Christmas carols, afterwards taking the gifts from two representatives of Saint Nicholas and handing them to the soldier recipients. Great preparations had been made for the celebrations, which began with a dance and entertainment in the Y.M.C.A. hut, from 7 to 8; supper was served from 7.30 to 9.30, and the grand finale of the Christmas tree ended at 10 o'clock. It was no make-believe Christmas tree, either. A magnificent fir opposite the main entrance hall was one glitter of electric lights, and the effect was fine and novel. Every one of the 22 hospital wards had been lavishly decorated, and three prizes were awarded to the sisters in charge of the three deemed best. Sister Killeen, of No. 8 ward, came first, with a fairyland scene carried out in mauve, and pink. Wistaria and peach blossom predominated. The Red Cross screens and ceiling had been transformed with lattice work, the ceiling being the work of a shell-shock sufferer. Hanging baskets and groups of massed flowers and palms completed the effect. 'Sister Brown, of No. 1 ward, won the second prize, with a realistic snow scene. Leafless boughs were weighted with snow, robins sought for non-existent berries; Christmas bells were ready to chime and a snowed-up cottage had "a light burning bright in the window to-night." Father Christmas was caught in the act of descending a chimney a few sizes too small. No. 20 ward, Sister Peady's charge, came third. This was an effective Japanese riot of color, with lanterns, umbrellas, lattice, and Japanese oranges. Two boys dressed as Japanese did the honors of the ward. In other wards some very interesting novelties were introduced, such, for instance, as a running fountain, which effectively cooled the air of No. 7 ward; and a miniature dugout in 18 ward, which looked very much knocked about, but which held a striking sign, "Wanted ! Eligible Antis; Vacancies Occur Daily."

Legacy

World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

See also

World War One

World War One Nurses

Notes

The Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) consisted of two parts, the AANS AIF (which were the nurses posted overseas) and the AANS AMF (nurses on home service in Australia). Official records are generally only concerned with AANS AIF nurses and their records. The principal matrons of each state kept 'enlistment' papers for those on home service but very few are available to the public. An AANS Matron-in-Chief Australia was appointed in 1916 who kept records but these no longer exist. From late 1915, it was a requirement for all AANS AIF to have served in the AANS AMF before they went overseas; it was an induction into military life and military hospitals.

During World War One at least 2,286 women joined the AANS.

External links

https://www.facebook.com/Australiannurses

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--Beth Kicinski 11:42, 23 August 2013 (EST); --C.K.Gervasoni 17:31, 13 August 2014 (EST)