Agnes Warner and the Nursing Sisters of the Great War

by Shawna M. Quinn

Through ear-splitting, thunderous explosions and fearful eerie flashes in the distance, the nurses of the Canadian Army Nursing Service in World War I waited for the inevitable arrival of wounded soldiers. At the Casualty Clearing Houses, they worked at a feverish pace to give emergency care for bleeding gashes, broken and missing limbs, and the devastating injuries of war. Exploring the many ways in which trained and volunteer nurses gave their time, talents, and even their lives to the First World War effort, Shawna M. Quinn considers the experiences of New Brunswick's nursing sisters — the gruelling conditions of work and the brutal realities they faced from possible attacks and bombings. Using letters, diaries, and published accounts, Quinn paints a complete picture of the adventurous young women who witnessed first-hand the horrors of the Great War. Agnes Warner and the Nursing Sisters of the Great War is volume 15 in the New Brunswick Military heritage Series.

174 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2010

Reviews

[Felicia]

A really interesting look into the lives of Canadian military nurses in the First World War - a topic that hasn't had an awful lot of light shed upon it in the past. Reading the letters that Agnes wrote during the war was fascinating, especially since it's the Centennial of the Armistice this year.

[Judy]

Excellent history for the nurse and/or WWI buff in your life.

[Adele]

As an Emergency Room nurse, I enjoy reading about nursing during wartime. This was a good look into a heroic and caring nurse's experience in WWI through letters she wrote to her family.

[Sharon]

Really enjoyed this series of honest and revealing letters.