Artificial turf laid at Brookwood Military Cemetery nurses plot
24 October 2012
Among the many headstones at Brookwood Cemetery sit 12 that
belong to nurses who lost their lives during the First World
War.
Their plot lies underneath a large pine tree which drains the
soil of water and nutrients. During the summer months the site is
also covered in heavy bracken growth.
Due to these circumstances, it has proved extremely difficult to
establish turf that conforms to the Commission's high
standards.
As a result, the decision was made to install artificial turf in
the plot. The turf is both attractive and practical. It requires
very little maintenance and will remain bright and thick all year
round.
The casualties in the nursing plot are made up of the three nursing
units that supported the British military during the First World
War.
Eight were members of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military
Nursing Service (QAIMNS), established in 1902 by Royal Warrant
under the Presidency of Queen Alexandra. The QAIMNS replaced the
Army Nursing Service and Indian Nursing Service.
Three were part of the Territorial Force Nursing Service (TFNS),
established in 1909 as a sister organisation to QAIMNS with the aim
of supplementing the regular service in times of emergency. All
members of TFNS worked as nurses in civilian life.
One casualty was part of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD),
also founded in 1909 and this provided non-professional field
nursing services.