Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of John FLETCHER and Eliza nee BALE
Of 'The Warren' Marrickville, NSW
Educated in Australia
Trained at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney from March 1891 to May 1897
Served in the Boer War
Also worked in South Africa and Private Hospital work and was Matron at American Women's Hospital, London
Served from 22 March 1915 to 23 February 1919 B Section 51st Stationary Hospital
Arrived from Italy 26 January 1919 and resided at St. Andrew's House Club, 31a Mortimer Street, London, W.1.
Applied for clerical post in War Office 01 March 1919
Appointment terminated 23 March 1919
Remained in England and still alive in 1950
Gertrude did not marry.

THE KING'S ILLNESS. — Considerable interest on the part of Maitlander's attaches to the recent illness  of His Majesty the King by reason of the fact that one of the nurses who had charge of the illustrious patient was at one time n resident of Maitland. The lady in question is Nurse Gertrude Fletcher, only daughter of Mr. John Fletcher, who was formerly head master of the West Maitland Superior Public School, a position he occupied for a period extending over three years. Miss Fletcher was born in Auckland, New Zealand, at the Westley College, of which her father was at that time president, and she resided in West Maitland during her father's term at the Public School.  Having entered upon the profession Nurse Fletcher for seven years was connected with the Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, being for four years a Sister there. In May 1897, in company with Sister Black, of Molong, she left for England and underwent a special course of training in London and Edinburgh, being singularly successful. Subsequently she joined the Army Nursing Reserve, and when war broke out in South Africa she was one of the number chosen to journey thither to attend to the injured and minister to the dying. Before her departure for the seat of war she was presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales, now King and  Queen of the British Empire, and received from Princess Christian that lady's own badge. Nurse Fletcher served for eighteen months in South Africa, at Deelfontein, and visited all the principal towns.  Returning to England she was invested by King Edward with the South African medal. When it was decided to perform the operation upon his Majesty, Sir Frederick Troves, the Royal Surgeon, sent for Nurse Fletcher and she was present  at the operation and afterwards attended the King together with Nurse Haines. Nurse  Fletcher has seven brothers, including Mr. E. G. Fletcher, of West Maitland.  She has nursed a  number of distinguished patients, among others being Mr. Doyley Carto, the famous actor, whom 
she had charge of just before her departure for South Africa.  

The Maitland Daily 12 August 1903 page 2

Some of the wealthy American women in England have established a base hospital in Devonshire, and have put into commission an ambulance ship for conveying wounded soldiers and sailors across the English Channel. Lady Randolph Churchill, Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain, and Mrs. J. Pierpont Morganare amongst the organisers, and an Australian nurse, Miss Gertrude Fletcher, has been appointed matron of the base hospital. Miss Fletcher is a daughter of Mr. John Fletcher, of Mosman, and a sister of Mr, H. J. Fletcher, who years ago was well known hereabouts.

Forbes Times Tuesday 13 October 1914 page 2

Daughter of the late Mr. John Fletcher of Sydney, and sister of Rev. Scott Fletcher, Master of Wesley College, Sydney University.  She has done splendid work ever since the beginning of the war and was recently awarded the Royal Red Cross (first class).  Miss Fletcher also rendered fine service in the South African War.  Princess Christian sent out a hospital for the Royal Yeomanary, and the Australian nurse was honoured with the Princess's special decoration.  The brooch which she is wearing at her collar in the picture was given her by princess Christian.  Earl in the present war Matron Fletcher was given charge of the Singer Hospital at Oldway House, Paignton, South Devon.

Sydney Mail Wednesday 10 October 1917 page 14