Florence Elizabeth McMillan, one of the nurses on the Greek Island of Lemnos during World War I. Photo: State Library of NSW
Florence Elizabeth McMillan. The perfect first name for a wartime nurse. She was known as Betha by her family.
Matron-in-Chief Grace Margaret Wilson, far right, at Lemnos pictured with Edward Prince of Wales. Photo: State Library of NSW
She had a colourful upbringing in Sydney as the second of four children of Sir William McMillan, who was state treasurer. Their mother was banished from the home because of an extra-marital affair and, according to historian Clare Ashton, her children had no further contact with her.
Betha’s story as one of 2000 wartime nurses who worked on a Greek island and tended to wounded soldiers evacuated from Gallipoli is part of a new collection of letters digitised by the State Library of NSW.
In a letter dated 23 August, she wrote of setting up what was called the officers’ ward.
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 