And that a medal was awarded to those nurses. Beautiful designs crafted in solid silver with their own ribbon and bar. Only 400 medals were ever made. Far in excess, I suspect, of the number of collectors who would like to posses one. But make no mistake, typhoid fever was, in the 1890's, a horrible disease in its day. The care of those affected placed nurses caring for those affected at immediate risk of contracting the disease and it's more serious consequences - including death, themselves. There were 2,000 cases in Maidstone, with 143 deaths. It is thought that four nurses caught typhoid, though, thankfully, none died....

Every medal was richly deserved...

That I collected (above), originated from the collection of Dr A.L.Lloyd O.B.E. K.St.J. at a Bonham's auction in London 27 Mar 2013. The sale footnotes said 'Medals were awarded to the nursing staff who served in the town during the epidemic. Many were presented by the Major of the town at a special ceremony held at the Museum and Technical School on Wednesday 8th December 1897, an account of the presentation being given in the South Eastern Gazette of 14th December 1897. Some 700 people attended the presentation, including members of the Town Council, Magistrates and Clergy and other dignitaries.'  I feel that having one of the medals, albeit as a passing custodian, is a great privilege....
 

'backman'  says - "Edith Cavell was one of a group of nurses from the London Hospital who were sent to Maidstone in Kent in 1897 to deal with a Typhoid epidemic which had resulted in many deaths. After the outbreak was contained those staff including Edith were awarded a medal for their services by the grateful citizens of the town. It was in fact the only medal awarded to her in her lifetime, the design of which was as above. I would love to know what happened to this medal and other awards after her death." I feel certain that this sentiment would be echoed by many others...

Onward. A badge which recently came to my attention was this solid silver Canterbury District Hospital School on Nursing item, which I was lucky enough to be able to acquire. We didn't seem to have one in the SoN galleries - which made this one a desirable addition.

The reverse side has suffered a little over the years - but the original owners name (M.C. Shepherd); the (original) pin fixing is somewhat crushed but fully working; the makers name (T&S); and the silver hallmarks(Anchor/Lion/?crossed torches) clearly legible. There is the crushed remainder of what must have been a loop for a safety chain....

T&S were, I believe, Turner and Simpson - a Birmingham manufacturer between 1912 and 1930.. Known to have manufactured various silver items, including fob medals and lapel badges between 1918 and 1931. A little confusingly, the badge appears to have an Edinburgh import mark. Phil, at 'silvermakersmarks' was fortunately able to clear up the date question for us, said ..'this is Turner & Simpson Ltd of Legge Lane, Birmingham with a hallmark date of 1961. The Turner & Simpson mark which I have seen for 1912-1930 is different to the mark on your badge (above). This mark was in use for a longer period and I have seen it with dates from 1929 to 1979 so 1961 is consistent'.... So there we have it - 1961. Though the badge could have been issued later - when C.M. Shepherd qualified. Perhaps we can find that date...  And I may now have to collect Canterbury items too!

Imagine, that you dreamt the whereabouts of the Maidstone typhoid epidemic medal awarded to Edith Cavell was in a London shop - unrecognised. And you only dreamt writing down the name of the shop and couldn't remember it when you awoke! Forgive yourself - you never would! Now, just how many shops are there in London...?
WB.

 Another photograph from the past - this one
from 1897

Maidstone Typhoid Epidemic Staff

*Training Hospitals/Details *Not Available

Our sincere thanks. To Ann Williams who trained at Charing Cross Hospital, London in 1968 for the superb assistance with our current PTS photograph and information. Ann lives with her family in Trinidad!! At Christmas she shared some of her time in Trinidad with Rita Gillen Brown - another Charing Cross nurse from the same group before Rita was visiting from Ireland. Originally Drogheda, Rita now lives in Bray, just south of Dublin. Jealous? Would I be blamed?

Well, that is yet another very pleasant note upon which to end the 24th Schools of Nursing Site News, if you can remember any of the missing names Ann Williams, and of course ourselves, would be delighted to hear from you. For now I will say goodbye, and wish you all well.
WB.