Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service

Hi Sue,

I really enjoyed the book, as you say she gets her story across simply but effectively. The book was a bit of a diversion for me, although still with some relevance to my research.
I am interested in everything to do with the 1943 Chindit operation named 'Longcloth'.

When these men came back out of the Burmese jungle they were nursed back to some health by Matron Agnes McGeary at the 19th Casualty Clearing station, Imphal. She was a marvel for them and they all improved gradually as a consequence of her work.

She was awarded the MBE for her efforts. If you come across her on your research journey, then I would be grateful for any information on her, or any of her staff. I am searching for a photograph of her at the moment, but with little success.

Best wishes.

Bamboo

Hello, we are also researching Agnes McGearey. She is infect my husbands Great Great Aunt. Her niece also named Agnes McGearey is still alive and well in Glasgow and is a good source of information. We understand she nursed Wingate and Mountbatten and is indeed Godmother to General Wingate's son. Would be happy to share any information we have.

Kind regards

 

Hi,

Great that you have made contact. She was a very special lady to all the Chindits she nursed at Imphal.

I have compiled a website about the Chindit operation in 1943, the address is under all my posts on the forum. Chindit Chasing, Operation Longcloth 1943 - Home

I have some bits and pieces in relation to Agnes, but was hoping for some more detail so she could take her rightful place within the story of 1943. Perhaps we can share some of what we have?

Best wishes

Steve

 

Just a rather pointless aside from all that, perhaps? But, this has reminded me that the Queen Alexandra Hospital, just north above Portsmouth, was originally a dedicated, Military Hospital.

I think I have an image or two of it during that era. Bit pre WW2 though, I'd imagine?

The old Queen Alexandra Hospital was indeed a military hospital.

The Queen Alexandra was built in 1904-1908 to replace an earlier military hospital which stood Portsea (old Portsouth) It was much used during both wars. The original buildings were of red brick construction, The demilitarisation of the hospital began in 1926 when it was handed to the Ministry of Pensions, to care for disabled ex-servicemen The first civilian patients were admitted during WW2, and several temporary huts added to the site to increase capacity. Following the creation of the (NHS) in 1948, all but 100 of the 640 beds were transferred to the NHS in 1951, with the remainder reserved for ex-servicemen.
The hospital was staffed by QA nurses and I can remember seeing them pushing wheelchairs to take people down the hill to Cosham, to the shops, with the patients in their hospital blues. The livelier patients used to sit on the windowsills of the upper floor windows and whistle at passing girls!

The nurses were very popular with the local population.

Edna

 

Hi,

I have now written an article about your Great Great Aunt, Agnes McGearey. I hope you come across it one day soon.

http://www.chinditslongcloth1943.com/matron-agnes-mcgearey.html