Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of George FINLAY

Of 73 William Road, Windsor, Vic.

Appointment terminated as medically unfit with Debility - Injury to Breast and Tumor

See biography on Australian Dictionary of Biography by Susan Kenny at http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/finlay-mary-mckenzie-6172 (adb.anu.edu.au)

Another Victorian military nurse has secured a Royal Red Cross (1st class). Matron M. Finlay, whose name figures in the New Year honour list, was one of the first band of six Victorian nurses to leave on active service. Three of them have gained the (Royal Red Cross (1st class):-Miss DE. A. Conyers, Mrs J. M. Hardie White,
and Miss Finlay.
At the time Miss Finlay offered her self for service she was matron of the Church of England Boys' Grammar School. At first she was attached to No. 1 Australian General Hospital in Egypt, and later was matron of the convalescent home at Ras-el-tin. She was given her big opportunity in France, when she organised, under the
most primitive conditions, a military hospital near Rouen. That is where she is now. Her hospital is staffed principally by Victorian nurses. Probably the distinction has been conferred upon her because of the capable manner in which she has taken charge of affairs at this centre".' Miss Finlay is a trainee of the Melbourne
Hospital, where she had charge for many years of that notable surgical ward No. 22. Some years ago a bandaging competition was organised in Melbourne, and Miss Finlay beat all competitors by her deftness.

WEEKLY TIMES Saturday 6 January 1917 page 13
NURSE GAINS DISTINCTION