Gertrude Mary WILTON SMITH was born 14 April 1872 in Folkingham, Lincolnshire, the daughter of William Wilton Smith, a clergyman, and his wife Louisa. Trained as a nurse at Bedford County Hospital between 1897 and 1900, and appointed to Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service as a Staff Nurse in July 1904. Promoted Sister in June 1906, and during the Great War served as an Acting Matron from June 1915.
She was awarded the Royal Red Cross, First Class in June 1915 and a Bar to the award in January 1919. Gertrude Wilton Smith retired from the service on 21 October 1926.
Mentioned in Despatches – London Gazette 17 February 1915, 22 June 1915 and 25 May 1918.
French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 24 October 1919.
See the names index for dates on which she is mentioned in Edie’s diaries.
The information above was kindly provided by Sue Light.
Update 18 September 2015: John Cullen, who sent in a message to Edie’s Visitor’s Book, asked that Matron Wilton Smith’s dog, Toby, be added to the list of individual names mentioned by Edie. Edie does indeed mention Toby many times in Volume 3 of the diaries (first on 3 June 1916) and clearly very much enjoyed taking him for regular walks. John, your request has been met!
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.
