More than 60 years after the end of the Second World War, 87-year-old Ocean Road veteran Margaret Wilson's heroism, courage and commitment will be formally recognised by the British Government next week (22 Sept 09) with the presentation of a special award acknowledging those who have played a unique part in the history of medical healthcare.

Mrs Wilson, who served with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as a leading aircraftwoman from 1943 to 1945, will receive a special Lifetime Achievement Award as part of Britain's Military and Civilian Health Partnership program. Presenting the award will be Colonel Mark Hainge, the UK's Military and Air Adviser based at the British High Commission in Canberra.

As part of a small team of nursing orderlies operating out of RAF Down Ampney in Gloucestershire, Mrs Wilson would accompany wounded service personnel back from war-torn Europe on special DC-3 'Dakota'  transport aircraft. Each plane could accommodate 20 stretchers and many more wounded. The sole nurse on board  cared for the men as best she could, with the knowledge that as the aircraft was technically engaged on war duties, it was not allowed to display a Red Cross. Hence they were fair game for German fighter aircraft.

Nurses were issued with parachutes, but under strict orders not to use them if the plane was shot down in case of survivors. Mrs Wilson and her colleagues displayed remarkable courage and strength of character as they cared for so many injured under such trying and dangerous circumstances.

Generally, these nursing orderlies managed to get the injured men to operating tables in the UK in less than three hours, so becoming the pioneers of modern day casevacs.

Altogether, Mrs Wilson and her colleagues brought back more than 100,000 casualties, many of whom would not have survived but for the bravery and courage of their escorts.

"As a professional soldier I have always had the greatest admiration and respect for those members of the medical profession who look after us so well.  It is a real privilege to hand over this award," said Colonel Mark Hainge.

 

 

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the unique role Mrs Wilson and her fellow nursing orderlies played in the history of military healthcare.  Seven individuals in the UK were originally nominated by the Down Ampney Association and received awards from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, at a ceremony in London late last year. It is Mrs Wilson's turn to be honoured on 22 September 2009.

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Notes for Editors

Media are very welcome to attend the ceremony.

Date:  22 September 2009

Time: 11:30am

Place: The Councillors' Lounge, 1st Floor, Civic Chambers, 90 Boas Avenue, Joondalup.  

Event: Col Mark Hainge of the British High Commission will present the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Military and Civilian Health Partnership to Mrs Margaret Wilson, attended  by the Mayor of Joondalup, Mayor Troy Pickard and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Garry Hunt.

RSVP: Mark McCrory
Media Advisor
City of Joondalup
Tel: 08 9400 4485

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