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Auction: 17002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 214

Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant

Three: Sister B. Fieldhouse, Territorial Force Nursing Service

British War and Victory Medals (Sister B. Fieldhouse); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-18 (Sister B. Fieldhouse, T.F.N.S.), together with related Territorial Force Nursing Service cape badge, silver, unnamed, in J. R. Gaunt & Son case of issue, and College of Nursing badge, silver and enamel, the reverse numbered, ‘15848’, mounted as worn where applicable, extremely fine (5)

Bessie Fieldhouse was a civilian nurse before the Great War, serving as a Night Superintendent at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds and onetime living at Clayton Bridge, Manchester. On the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, she enrolled in the Territorial Force Nursing Service, initially serving in 3rd Western General Hospital, Cardiff, during 1915. In September 1916, however, and on the recommendation of Lieutenant-Colonel H. R. Vachell, she was classed a being suitable for '... nursing duties in a military hospital'. Fieldhouse subsequently served in Salonika from 30 October 1916, her appointments comprising the 3rd, 29th and 36th General Hospitals; she contracted both dysentry and malaria in the same period. On being released from service in March 1919, she received a glowing report:

'A thoroughly reliable and efficient Sister - a well trained and experienced nurse. Beloved by her patients and most successful in the management of her staff.'

Fieldhouse, who remained on the T.F.N.S. reserve until 1935, afterwards served as Matron of the Liverpool Hospital for Consumption and Disease of the Chest.

Sold with a small steel cup, engraved '36 General Hospital. Vertikop. 1917. B. Fieldhouse', related badges (5), and a 36th General Hospital 1917 Christmas Programme, together with copied service papers.

For the recipient's miniature dress medals, please see Lot 447.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£950