Page 15 - QARANC Vol 19 No 2 2021

On the 12 May 2021, the honour of marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth (and International Nurses’ Day) was given to 243 (Wessex) Field Hospital on behalf of the QARANC. A reserve unit covering the whole of the south-west of England, 243 (Wessex) Field Hospital has St. Margaret of Antioch Churchyard (East Wellow) where Florence Nightingale is buried, within its footprint.
Usually there is an annual commemorative service the Sunday closest to 12 May at East Wellow, however the pandemic times we live in meant that any ceremony would need to be small scale this year. It was a great honour for me to be chosen, alongside Major Theresa Lewis (OC D Detachment) and Lieutenant Samantha Gardiner, to carry out this duty.
Travelling individually, we met in the churchyard of St Margaret of Antioch in East Wellow, Hampshire, where Miss Nightingale was laid to rest. Although her family were offered a state burial for Florence Nightingale at Westminster Abbey, they chose St Margaret’s in line with Florence’s wishes. She was buried here close to her family’s home at Embley Park and surrounded by family members who predeceased her.
Her grave is in the family plot, along with those of her parents. The monument marking the spot also bears an inscription for Miss Nightingale’s sister Parthenope, although
she is in fact buried elsewhere. The monument itself is easy to spot, being somewhat larger than any of the other memorials present and clearly the focus of considerable care and attention over the years. It does not however dwarf or detract from its charming surroundings. Whilst Westminster Abbey might have its allure, it is not hard to see why some might opt for this modest 13th Century church and its tranquil, well-kept burial ground. Florence’s inscription is brief as she wished anonymity; “F. N. Born 1820. Died 1910”.
The church itself has some memorabilia and objects relating to Miss Nightingale. We were unable to view these as the church remains closed due to the current pandemic restrictions. I plan to return in the hopefully better days to come.
Having assembled, we laid a wreath and read the Corps Collect at the graveside on behalf of the QARANC. If not as elaborate or well attended as such events might be in more normal times, I would like to think that we marked the occasion with suitable ceremony and solemnity. It was a privilege to do so on behalf of all colleagues, be they
serving or retired, regular or reserve.
Major Steve Micklewright
D Detachment, 243 Field Hospital
The Gazette QARANC Association 13
International Nurses Day: East Wellow Commemoration 12 May 2021
Lieutenant Samantha Gardiner, Major Steve Micklewright, Major Theresa Lewis commemorate the life of Florence Nightingale on International Nurses’ Day