Gladys Corfield Hughes
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Introduction
Sister Gladys Corfield Hughes was born on the 11th June 1889 she was one of twelve children born to Mr & Mrs Tom Hughes of Cambrian House, Nantmawr. Her father was a local farmer and dealer who also ran the Sunday School for many years. She was educated at Grove Park Boarding School, Wrexham and began her 3 years Nurse training on the 2nd May 1912 at Mill Rd Infirmary, Liverpool. In June of 1915 she applied to join the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Service. She served in France at the Military Hospitals in Rouen during 1916 and 1917 On her return to work in Woolwich Military Hospital London she caught influenza and died on the 6th November 1918 just days before the war ended. She was buried with full military honours in Nantmawr Chapel graveyard and only yards form her family home on Armistice Day 1918. |
Nursing Record
The following documents are from the National Archives records and make fascinating reading.
They show Gladys's medical training history right up to the time she died and include various official forms, records and letters to her parents regarding her death and her entitlements. It would seem that Gladys had resigned in October 1918 but re-enlisted just days before her death. Her mother and brother were with her when she died and her cause of death was recorded as Influenza, Pheumonia and an abssess of the ear. It would appear from letters to her father that the Army would not pay funeral expenses despite her gallant service.
The following documents are from the National Archives records and make fascinating reading.
They show Gladys's medical training history right up to the time she died and include various official forms, records and letters to her parents regarding her death and her entitlements. It would seem that Gladys had resigned in October 1918 but re-enlisted just days before her death. Her mother and brother were with her when she died and her cause of death was recorded as Influenza, Pheumonia and an abssess of the ear. It would appear from letters to her father that the Army would not pay funeral expenses despite her gallant service.
On the ward
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Rouen Military Hospital
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Census data
The 1891 census below shows the family living at Cambrian house with 5 children and 2 servants
The 1891 census below shows the family living at Cambrian house with 5 children and 2 servants
The 1901 census shows the family with 8 children and one servant. A family photo taken around this time is shown below
Family photo
The 1911 census below shows Gladys and her sister Frances residing in Llandrindod Wells with their occupations listed as Boarding House Keepers
Photo by Chris Woods 11/11/16
Memorial and War Grave Information
Gladys Corfield Hughes was buried with full military honours in Nantmawr chapel graveyard just a few yards from her family home. Her body was transported by train from Paddington to Gobowen.
A press cutting (included further below) from the Llangollen Advertizer dated 22nd November 1918 records that her coffin was carried on a gun carriage draped with a Union Jack and escorted by a firing party and buglers from Park Hall Camp.
The order of service for her burial is also included below.
Gladys Corfield Hughes was buried with full military honours in Nantmawr chapel graveyard just a few yards from her family home. Her body was transported by train from Paddington to Gobowen.
A press cutting (included further below) from the Llangollen Advertizer dated 22nd November 1918 records that her coffin was carried on a gun carriage draped with a Union Jack and escorted by a firing party and buglers from Park Hall Camp.
The order of service for her burial is also included below.
Obituary
Sister Gladys Corfield Hughes
The death occurred after a short illness on November the 6th at the Queen Alexander Military Nursing Home, Westminster of Sister Gladys Corfield Hughes third daughter of Mr and Mrs Tom Hughes, Cambrian House, Nantmawr, Oswestry. The deceased had been a nurse for sometime and done much good service in France and only recently took the appointment in London. The news of her death came as a great shock to her many friends in land near Nantmawr where she was a general favourite.
The funeral took place at 1 Nantmawr on Monday week when full military honours were accorded.The body was received at Gobowen by the Rev. J. J. Poynter who also officiated at Nantmawr Chapel and graveside, assisted by the Rev. J. Howells.
The coffin covered with a Union Jack and conveyed on a gun carriage was accompanied by a firing party and buglers from Park Hall Camp and Sisters Rook and Cook (Red Cross Nurses) also attended. The family mourners included - Mr T Hughes (father) Messrs F, A and H Hughes (brothers) Mrs D and S Hughes (sisters) Mrs A Hughes (aunt) Messrs J Hughes and J Hay (uncles) Messrs J Hughes, W Hughes, Pte James Hay, Mrs H Hughes Misses B and N Hughes (cousins) and Miss Judson. The chapel was allied with sympathisers and a large number of wreaths were sent.
Source
Llangollen Advertizer - Friday November 22nd 1918
http://cymru1914.org/en/view/newspaper/4245015/3
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During the First and Second World Wars over 1,700 nurses gave their lives in the service of their country. This has never been properly recognised. It is intended to put this right by the installation of a National Nursing Memorial to be sited at the National Memorial Arboretum. "Lights Out Trefonen" are very proud to have agreed to sponsor Gladys's name on this memorial. If you would like to help sponsor Gladys's inscription which costs £100 please contact Chris Woods 01691 654378 or email [email protected] If you would like to know more about this National appeal please visit http://www.nursingmemorialappeal.org.uk/
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