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Acting Matron Ellen Elizabeth BALDREY RRC

When I originally wrote this page (in September 2011 – see below) I expressed the hope that a descendant of Ellen Baldrey might get in touch so we could “bury the hatchet” over the incident which Edie descibed in her diary entry for 14 July 1918.  Here’s what Edie wrote then:

“I had a strong feeling all along that I had been sent in disgrace from Abbeville – it was so sudden and unexpected. I heard – on Friday – that it was the Matron of the Home – who had me ejected – she told Miss McCarthy that I influenced the Staff – so that she could do nothing with them. The truth is – that she tried to boss me & run the hospital when I was in charge. I would not have that – & told her so – After all – when I am in charge it is quite sufficient for me to boss the staff. She hated me for not allowing her to – & so got me thrown out! The dirty dog! Being in disgrace does not sit heavy on my chest……”

“…..Miss Baldry! the Matron of the Home – came up to me – on Friday – as if she had never been fonder of any one – but it didn’t last – as I was duly polite to her – & saw as little of her as I could – She knew she had done wrong! So did I.  Now I want to watch the Sun set – it is beautiful again – Goodnight.”

In April 2013 her great great niece, Janice Kennady (née Stone), emailed me out of the blue and I now have photos and other information about Ellen Baldrey.

Dick Robinson

The first picture of Ellen Baldrey is undated but I am guessing that it would have been taken after the First World War. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 September 2011

Ellen BALDREY. Born in Norfolk, and at the outbreak of war living at 49 Blackwater Road, Eastbourne, Sussex. Served during the Boer War with the Army Nursing Service Reserve. During the Great War an Acting Matron, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve. She died on 4 March 1940.

Miss Baldrey’s name appears just below that of Edie on the Register of Persons on whom the Decoration of Royal Red Red Cross was conferred. This can be seen on our page about Edie’s medals – click here.

It would be good to hear from any of Ellen Baldrey’s family. The reason is this. If you read Edie’s dairy for 14 July 1918 you will see that she felt she had reason to feel aggrieved about her treatment by Miss Baldrey. This must have been heartfelt as Edie was not in the habit of criticising her colleagues unnecessarily. The passage reveals strong feelings but almost 100 years later perhaps our families can meet and bury the hatchet!

See the names index for dates on which she is mentioned in Edie’s diaries.

The information above was kindly provided by Sue Light.

If you are a descendant or have more information about this colleague of Edie’s we would like to hear from you.  Please use the Visitor’s Book.

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