Story: South African War

Women and the war: New Zealand nurses in Natal (3rd of 3)

Women and the war: New Zealand nurses in Natal

The first four New Zealand nurses (Gertrude Littlecott, Emily Peter, Grace Webster and Annie Hiatt) are shown here outside a tent at No. 4 General Hospital of the Mooi River Camp in Natal. Like the troopers, prospective nurses had volunteered immediately, but there was little official support for them. These four, all from Christchurch Public Hospital, had their passages paid by the British government. Another seven who came from Otago and Southland were supported by public fund-raising. There were no more official groups, and the other New Zealand nurses who served travelled to London or South Africa as individuals and volunteered there. A total of about 35 New Zealand women served as nurses in the South African War.

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Canterbury Museum, Morton Collection
Reference: 14553

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'South African War - New Zealand’s contribution', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/36199/women-and-the-war-new-zealand-nurses-in-natal (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 20 Jun 2012