Page 23 - QARANC Vol 19 No 2 2021

sacrifices made by all Army nurses, especially the ultimate sacrifice made by Anne Fletcher.
Following this, we were very kindly given a tour of some of the war graves within the cemetery. The knowledge and history shared was exceptionally fascinating and we learned about individuals from all walks of life and professions that have stepped up during war time and paid the ultimate sacrifice – just like Anne Fletcher.
It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this occasion to pay tribute to Anne Fletcher and all nurses who work so tirelessly. I am proud to be part of an outstanding organisation that acknowledges the hard work and sacrifices made by its members and is focused on maintaining the heritage of Army nurses past and present.
Corporal M Godfrey 212 Field Hospital
Note: *The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness in World War 1. It was also known as the ‘Discharge Badge,’ the ‘Wound Badge’ or the ‘Services Rendered Badge.’ It was accompanied by an official certificate of entitlement, and was worn on the recipient’s civilian clothing.
Lieutenant Colonel Baigent laying the Association wreath at Anne Fletcher’s grave in Spital Cemetery
The Gazette QARANC Association 21
Museum of Military Medicine Update
With the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in May and June 2021, the Museum of Military Medicine has gradually resumed normal service after being closed to the public since the pandemic began in March 2020. The museum is now open fully once more, albeit with a ‘rule of six’ restriction in place owing to the requirement for social distancing imposed by the barracks.
Plans for the autumn include staging temporary displays that can tour to other venues and the preparation of an exhibition to mark the fortieth anniversary of the Falklands conflict in 2022. The museum continues to receive artefacts and documentary material relating to army nursing, and encourages donations of material.
Over the summer period the museum has been focused on dealing with several of the conditions imposed with the December 2020 planning consent for the proposed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff, relating to landscaping and drainage. These are now
nearing completion. The next significant consideration is fundraising, now that trusts and foundations are beginning to look towards reinstating their normal programming after the past 16 months of emergency and resilience funding.
Becky Edginton has replaced Kim in the museum shop. The Spring 2021 price list remains current and is reproduced on the back page.
Jason Semmens, MA, AMA Director
The Museum of Military Medicine
Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants. GU12 5RQ Telephone: Civilian 01252 868820
Military: 94229 5320
Website: www.museumofmilitarymedicine.org.uk
The Museum of Military Medicine is Accredited under the Arts Council England Accreditation scheme and is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Charity No. 1171026