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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 329

Four: Nursing Sister L. M. Mackie, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, late British Red Cross & Order of St. John of Jerusalem, a pre-war nurse who volunteered for service in 1914 and served through the entire war, being 'mentioned' for her dedication in 1918

1914 Star (L. M. Mackie. B.R.C.S. & O.St.J.J.); British War and Victory Medals (A-Sister L. M. Mackie.), with M.I.D. oak leaves; Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Cape Badge, hallmarked for Birmingham 1915, mounted as worn, light contact wear, very fine (4)

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1918.

Louise Miriam Mackie was born at Pontypool on 5 December 1881 and received a boarding school education before training as a nurse at the North Staffordshire Infirmary between 1902-1905. She left there as a Staff Nurse, transferring to Great Northern Central Hospital as Theatre Sister in January 1906. Remaining in London she transferred to the Plaistow Hospital in May 1912.

Mackie was still working in London when the war began but soon joined the British Red Cross & Order of St. John of Jerusalem as a Nurse, entering the war in France on 1 November 1914. She transferred to Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve on 23 April 1915, serving with No. 13 General Hospital. Transferring to No.5a Stationary Hospital on 24 September she remained there until May 1916 when she was posted to No. 2 General Hospital.

Promoted Acting Sister on 1 July 1917 Mackie served with 58th Casualty Clearing Station from June-July 1917 before transferring to No. 32 Casualty Clearing Station. Over the next year she served in a variety of C.C.S.s and Hospitals before finally arriving at No. 6 Stationary Hospital on 21 December 1917 where she served for the rest of the war. It was here that she received her 'mention', continuing to service until July 1919 she was doubtless required to deal with the fallout of the Spanish Influenza Epidemic after the war.

Discharged in July 1919, she lived her address as 11 Bridge Street, Port Talbot, South Wales. A confidential report written by her commander in 1919 gives some further details into Mackie's character and career, stating:

'a/sister Mackie joined this unit- 23.2.19 & since then she has been on night duty in charge of officers & medical wards. She is a capable & reliable nurse thoroughly competent & has power of initiative. She is a good disciplinarian & is very kind to her patients.'

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Estimate

Starting price
£150