Notice: Talk Roses of No-Man’s Land – The First World War Nurse

Published on: 4 Apr, 2017
Updated on: 4 Apr, 2017

During the First World War thousands of women served at home and overseas as nurses. An exhibition currently running at Guildford Museum reveals the essential role that they fulfilled – a role which has often gone unrecognised.

Many women worked in one of the hundreds of military hospitals at home caring for the vast numbers of injured servicemen. Others worked on the Western and Eastern fronts, in casualty clearing stations and field hospitals close to the battle lines. They were closer to the front-line than in any previous conflict, working up to 20 hours a day often during heavy periods of fighting. Conditions were hazardous and gruelling and many nurses died on active service.

The exhibition, which runs until Saturday, April 8, includes many original artefacts including a poignant autograph book which belonged to a nurse. Entry to the exhibition is free.

In contrast to the realities on the battlefield, an idealised, romantic image of the nurse was frequently used for propaganda purposes during the war. The nurse tending an injured serviceman became an iconic image of the time and a range of such prints and illustrations complete the display.

At 2.30pm this Saturday, April 8 there will be an illustrated talk entitled Roses of No-Man’s land and the Homefront by local historian Carol Brown, looking at the role of nurses during the First World War. Tickets cost £3.50 and booking is essential.

For further details call 01483 444751 or email heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk.