Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of Alexander Cumming RAFF and Nora nee MORGAN
Of Corinda, Brisbane, Qld.

WELCOME TO SISTER RAFF.

A social gathering of the members of the Sherwood Shire Red Cross Society was held at the residence of Mrs. Sturmfels, Corinda, on April 18. in honour of Sister Dorothy Raff, who has returned to Brisbane after three years on active service in Egypt and England. In voicing the appreciation of Red Cross member, and the large number of residents of the district also present, Mrs. Sturmfels presented Miss Raff with a beautiful bouquet of lillies and roses tied with Red Cross colours. She said that since the outbreak of war the district had done its duty in sending almost every eligible man, many of who now slept in heroes' graves, and the Red Cross branch had also given a good account of itself. Two of their returned heroes and one heroine were there that afternoon to be warmly welcomed by the residents.  Mrs. Stodart explained the objects of the War Nurses' Fund, which, she said, had originated with the men themselves in appreciation of the services of the nurses.  She bulk of the money was not intended for administration now, but for sisters incapacitated or for need in old age.  A certain amount was held by the A.T.N.A., which administered the fund for emergency cases. A sum of £4000 was at fixed deposit, and £525 would be invested in War Certificates, which in time would amount to £600. The first £1800 had already earned £82 in interest.  It was the desire of the returned men that every sister should have a medal inscribed "A soldier tribute to Sister—for her part in the great war." Sister Raff appropriately replied, and paid an enthusiastic tribute to the work of the Australian Red Cross.  Sister Raff wore on her breast the insignia of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Unit, to which she belonged. An enjoyable programme of music was proviided, and afternoon tea was served.

The Queenslander Saturday 27 April 1918 page 16

Married 1921 Vibert McKirdy BROWN in Qld.
Died 1980 in Qld.

Dorothy RAFF was born on the 20th of July 1889 at Cooinda, North Quay, Brisbane, Qld – the eldest daughter of Alexander Cumming RAFF and Nora MORGAN, who married on the 2/10/1888 at St Thomas’s Church, Toowong, Qld.  Alexander, a Civil Engineer, died on the 12/2/1932 in a private hospital, aged 79, and was buried in the St Matthews Anglican Cemetery, Sherwood, Brisbane.  Nora, who did valuable work during the Great War as a member of the Sherwood Red Cross Society, died on the 12/9/1934 following a short illness, and was buried with her husband.

Siblings: Marjorie b.1891; Cicely Cumming b.1893; Stephanie Alexandra b.1894; Eulalie b.1897

Religion: Church of England/Anglican
Educated at Miss Fewing’s Brisbane High School for Girls – earning a School Scholarship of one year’s free tuition during form V in 1906.

Dorothy trained in nursing at the Brisbane General Hospital, beginning as a probationer in August 1909 and completing her three-year course in October 1912. During this time, she received training in the Medical, Surgical, Gynaecological, Fever and Ophthalmic Departments of the Hospital and showed a keen interest in acquiring a thorough knowledge of her profession She passed with Honours (91 per cent), having distinguished herself with the highest number of marks for three years’ work, which won her the M’Lean Gold Medal for nursing.
In November 1912 she was appointed Staff Nurse, followed by Charge Nurse, in charge of the Ophthalmic Department in August 1913. During October 1913 she took charge of the Sandgate Convalescent Home during the Matron’s absence.

Parent’s address on enlistment Corinda, Brisbane, Qld

WW1 Service:
At the outbreak of war in August 1914 Dorothy enrolled to join the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS). But as there were more nurses wishing to serve overseas than vacancies existed, she was rejected following her medical, due to a curvature of the spine.
However, in 1915 when the British War Office called for contingents of Australian nurses to join the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve (QAIMNSR), the Commonwealth authorities organised four contingents which were sent during that year. Dorothy was called up, and passing her medical this time became a member of the third contingent to be sent, and together with her fellow nurses embarked on the Mooltan on the 15th of May 1915.
Arriving in Egypt on the 15th of June she was posted to No. 17 British General Hospital at Alexandria, where she remained until 1916. During 1916 she was sent to the 10th British Stationary Hospital on the Canal until December 1916 when she was posted to the Hospital Ship Valdivia, travelling between Southampton and Le Havre.

Whilst serving on the Valdivia she suffered from ‘debility’ and was transferred to London sick on the 1st of January 1917, where following a Medical Board at the QAIMNS Nurses Hospital, Vincent Square on the 5th she was granted sick leave until the 15th of February. On her recovery she was posted to Purfleet Military Hospital in Essex on the 2nd of March 1917.

Later that year Dorothy resigned on completion of her contract and her service was terminated on the 15th of November 1917. She eventually returned to Australia on the Euripides, embarking England on the 29th of January 1918 and arriving on the 25th of March. She then served with the AANS on home service at the 6th AGH until mid-1919, at which time she was appointed matron of the Grangehill Convalescent Home (for invalid soldiers) from June 30. The Home which had been opened in February 1918 at Toowong was operated under the auspices of the Red Cross Society. Dorothy resigned as Matron in June 1920.

Her address in July 1920: C/- Dr Murphy, New Sandgate Rd, Clayfield, Brisbane

Dorothy married Vibert McKirdy BROWN on the 18th of November 1921 at All Saints Church of England, Brisbane, Qld.
Vibert was born 14/11/1885 Durban, Natal, Sth Africa, the son of Matthew and Jessie (nee Graham) – Contractor / Farmer / Architect – WW1: Pte 4494, 31st Bn – RTA 24/8/1918 – he died of heart failure 29/12/1957 Qld
[His brother Douglas Graham Brown also served in WW1: Sgt 5122, 13th FCE]

Children: Marjorie Vibert b.8/4/1923 Atherton – WW2; Son b.19/5/1928

Residences:
1921, 1936: Everleigh, Cairns Rd, Atherton (Vibert, Farmer / Architect)
1937, 1941: 227 Lake St, Cairns (Vibert, Architect)
1943: 378 Bowen Tce, New Farm (Dorothy listed as Newsagent, Vibert listed as Shop Assistant)
1949, 1977: “Beltrees”, 121 Stanley Tce, Taringa, Qld (Vibert, Architect) [also listed Marjorie Vibert Brown – Secretary (1980 also)]

At the beginning of WW2 Dorothy helped organise the Cairns V.A.D.’s, and tutored the members in their training for the St John’s First-Aid certificate.

Dorothy died on the 19th of April 1980, at the Repatriation General Hospital, aged 90. Her ashes rest with those of her husband in Columbarium 11, Section 26 of the Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, Brisbane.

**************************

Warwick Argus (Qld), Sat 17 Aug 1889 (p.2):
BIRTH
RAFF – At Brisbane, on the 20th July, the wife of A.C. Raff, of a daughter.

The Brisbane Courier (Qld), Sat 23 Jun 1906 (p.5):
BRISBANE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19456146

The Brisbane Courier (Qld), Thur 31 Oct 1912 (p.9):
SOCIAL
Miss Dorothy Raff has secured the M’Lean Medal for nursing at the General Hospital.

The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld), Wed 6 Nov 1912 (p.2):
NURSES’ EXAMINATIONS – Three Years’ Course
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/175528377

Reference from the Medical Superintendent, Brisbane Hospital, dated 2/101913:
Miss Dorothy Raff joined the Nursing Staff of the Brisbane Hospital as a Probationer in August 1909 and passed her final examination entitling her to the certificate of the Brisbane Hospital Nursing School in October 1912. She was appointed Staff Nurse in November 1912 and Charge Nurse in August 1913.
Nurse Raff received an excellent training in the Medical Surgical, Gynaecological, Fever and Ophthalmic Departments of the Hospital and showed a keen interest in acquiring a thorough knowledge of her profession. She won the gold medal for the highest marks during her three years course.
As Charge Nurse she has had charge of the Ophthalmic Department which she has administered with ability. She has proved herself a loyal servant and a capable and experienced nurse and her influence with her patients and fellow workers has always been of the best. I regret to lose her services and wish her every success in her future career.
She is leaving today to take charge of the Convalescent Home, Sandgate for one month.

Reference from the Matron, Brisbane Hospital, dated 6/1/1914:
To those whom it may concern.
I have much pleasure in testifying to the qualities of Miss Dorothy Raff. During her training in the Brisbane Hospital Miss Raff proved herself particularly capable both in theoretical and practical work, securing the gold medal given for best work done during those three years. Since completing her training Miss Raff had over six months experience in charge of a ward, and one month in charge of our Convalescent Hospital during the Matron’s absence. Miss Raff performed her duties in a thoroughly conscientious and tactful manner. I have no hesitation in recommending her for any position of trust.

Extract of her letter from her NAA records:
“I was enlisted or enrolled at Victoria Barracks, Brisbane in Aug 1914 for nursing service. My maiden name at that time was Dorothy RAFF. I was rejected through spinal curvature. In March or April 1915, I was again called up and passed all tests and I sailed from Sydney on 15 May, 1915 with No. 3 AGH, and then I and about 40 others disembarked at Suez and I was sent to No. 17 AGH at Alexandria and we were then taken into the QAIMNSR. I remained there until 1916, then I went to a British Stationary Hospital on the Canal, until Dec 1916 when I was posted to Hospital ship “Valdivia” which travelled between Southampton and LeHavre. I was then posted to Purfleet on the Thames approx. Mar 17. I arrived back in Brisbane March 1918.
I then enlisted with the AANS and served as Sister until approx. June 1919 when I resigned.

The Brisbane Courier (Qld), Fri 19 Apr 1918 (p.9):
WOMAN’S WORLD
WELCOME TO SISTER RAFF
A social gathering of the members of the Sherwood Shire Red Cross Society was held at the residence of Mrs Sturmfels, Corinda, yesterday, in honour of Sister Dorothy Raff, who has returned to Brisbane after three years on active service in Egypt and England. In voicing the appreciation of Red Cross members and the large number of residents of the district also present, Mrs Stumfels presented Miss Raff with a beautiful bouquet of lilies and roses tied with Red Cross colours. She said that since the outbreak of war the district had done its duty in sending almost every eligible man, many of whom now slept in heroes’ grave, and the Red Cross branch had also given a good account of itself. Two of their returned heroes and one heroine were there that afternoon to be warmly welcomed by the residents. Mrs Stodart explained the objects of the War Nurses’ Fund, which she said, had originated with the men themselves in appreciation of the services of the nurses. The bulk of the money was not intended for administration now, but for sisters incapacitated or for need in old age. ………………
Sister Raff appropriately replied, and paid and enthusiastic tribute to the work of the Australian Red Cross. Sister Raff wore on her breast the insignia of Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Unit, to which she belonged. An enjoyable programme of music was provided, and afternoon tea was served.

The Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld), Tue 22 Jul 1919 (p.4):
RED CROSS SOCIETY – PEACE TIME ACTIVITIES
……………………………………..
The hon. general secretary (Miss Wassell) presented a report, in which the following items were included: – ……………….. Miss Dorothy Raff had been appointed matron of the Grangehill Convalescent Home from June 30.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220512211

The Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld), Tue 22 Jun 1920 (p.6):
RED CROSS SOCIETY – MONTHLY REPORT
…………………………..
Matron Raff had resigned her position at Grange Hill, and would be succeeded by Sister M.E. Fisher, R.R.C. For a year Matron Raff had held the position with credit to herself and the complete satisfaction of the committee.

The Week (Brisbane, Qld), Fri 25 Jun 1920 (p.6):
Ladies’ Page
Matron Raff, who has resigned her position as matron of the Grange Hill Convalescent Home, was the guest of honour at a tea party at Vaughan’s Café on Monday afternoon, given by the commandant and members of the No.2 V.A. detachment, all of whom wore their military uniforms. A dainty tea and ices were served at tables beautifully decorated with vases of mauve sweetpeas. Amongst those present were Matron Raff, Mrs F. Cumbrae Stewart (commandant), Mrs M’Laughlin, Misses Bell, Robertston (2), Lenney (2), Gore, M’Master, M. Board, H. Roche, H. Spowers, Phillips, Lobston, Roff, Hilcoate, and Jones.

The Brisbane Courier (Qld), Thur 1 Dec 1921 (p.6):
MARRIAGES
BROWN – RAFF – On the 18 November, 1921, by the Rev. F.M. Nightingale, at All Saint’s Church, Brisbane, Vibert M’Kirdy Brown, Atherton, N.Q., to Dorothy, eldest daughter of Alex. C. Raff and Mrs Raff, Edgecliffe, Corinda.

Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld), Fri 9 Dec 1921 (p.6):
GOSSIP
Mr and Mrs V.M. Brown (nee Raff), passed through to Atherton by the Wyandra last week.

The Northern Herald (Cairns, Qld), Wed 3 May 1922 (p.23):
Impressive Ceremony at Atherton
Our Atherton correspondent wires – An impressive commemoration service was held in the Shire Hall, which was crowded, at 8.30 p.m. on Anzac Day. ……………………….
The orchestra played the Dead March in Saul, and the lights gradually failed till nothing was visible save the Cenotaph, the work of Mr V.M. Brown, which was surrounded by numerous wreaths. …………………………………………………..
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/148691995

Cairns Post (Qld), Sat 15 Sept 1923 (p.10):
ATHERTON HOSPITAL
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Mr and Mrs V.M. Brown were appointed life governors, a letter of thanks to be sent for their generous donation.

Cairns Post (Qld), Tue 2 Nov 1926 (p.4):
ATHERTON NEWS
Mrs V.M. Brown and her daughter will be leaving shortly for an extended holiday in the South.

Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld), Thur 17 Feb 1927 (p.8):
Woman’s World
Mrs V.M. Brown and child, Brisbane, passed through by the Canberra on a visit to the north.

The Brisbane Courier (Qld), Thur 17 Feb 1927 (p.20):
SOCIAL
Mrs V.M. Brown (Everleigh, Atherton), who has been visiting relatives in Brisbane and Sydney, returned to the North last week by the Canberra.

The Brisbane Courier (Qld), Tue 22 May 1928 (p.12):
BIRTHS
BROWN – At Atherton, on the 19th instant, to Mr and Mrs V.M. Brown – a son.

Cairns Post (Qld), Sat 17 Jun 1939 (p.8):
VOLUNTARY AID – PROPOSED DETACHMENT FOR CITY OF CAIRNS
……………………………..
The services of Mrs V.M. Brown have been enlisted. Mrs Brown, who was a war nurse overseas, has had considerable experience in this work and her services should be of material assistance in establishing the detachment on a sound and progressive basis. …………………..
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42185832

Cairns Post (Qld), Sat 6 Apr 1940 (p.6):
Home Nursing Examination
On Thursday evening 33 young ladies of the district sat for their St John’s home nursing certificates. For some time past these young enthusiasts have been tutored in nursing by Mrs V.M. Brown, who is a returned sister. All the girls are members of the V.A. Detachment, which is training nurses for war work. Examination results are expected within a few days.

Cairns Post (Qld), Tue 18 Nov 1941 (p.7):
CAIRNS V.A.D. CONVENER’S REPORT
The convener of the V.A.D.’s in Cairns (Mrs V.M. Brown) submitted a report to the Cairns Red Cross meeting yesterday, dealing with the history of the V.A.D. in Cairns. The report read:
“Having been entrusted two years ago with the organising of the V.A. Detachments in Cairns, I would like to render you a report on the undertaking, on the eve of my departure from the city. Due largely to the splendid response of the young womanhood of Cairns, who have worked enthusiastically and hard, and to much help from sources to be mentioned later, the undertaking has been an unqualified success.
……………………………………
“In conclusion, I wish to extend my grateful thanks to all past and present officers and member who have made my task an easy and pleasant one. I am very proud of the Cairns V.A.D.’s, and wish them in the future further success and much happy and useful work together.”
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42319206