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Edith Sheddon Robson (1887-)


Durham born woman served as a VAD nurse both in Durham and abroad


Edith Sheddon Robson was one of five children born to Edward Sheddon Robson and Edith Isabel Robson, nee Young-Jamieson. Edward and Edith married on 21 February 1882 In Kensington, London.

Edith’s birth was registered in the last few months of 1887 in Durham. At the time of the 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses Edith was living at 3 North Bailey in Durham. Edith’s father Edward was a medical practitioner, later listed as a surgeon. He died in 1910 and on the 1911 census only Edith and her older sister Amy are listed on the census records for the address on the Bailey. Although their mother is not present on this census, records show that later in 1911 she had established a school of embroidery at the premises.

Throughout the First World War Edith worked as a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurse in various places around the world. She began serving close to her family home at the 5th Durham VA hospital, located at 17th North Bailey on 1 November 1914 as a nurse and quartermaster. On 4 January 1916 she went abroad to serve at a military hospital in Malta, as part of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS). She served here until being transferred to serve in Salonika where she remained until 21 January 1918. She was then transferred again to use her nursing skills in Italy, where she remained until 4 February 1919.

Edith was awarded two scarlet efficiency stripes during her time as a VAD nurse, a recognition of the length of time she spent serving as a nurse. She was also awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for her service.

Edith’s younger sister Mary J S Robson also served as a nurse at the 5th VAD hospital during 1916 before moving down to Gifford House, Roehampton to do pantry work.

Civil Parish: Durham Castle and Precincts

Birth date: 1887

Armed force/civilian: Civilian

Residence: 3 North Bailey, Durham (1891, 1901, 1911 censuses)

Family: Parents: Edward Sheddon Robson, Edith Isabel Robson nee Young-Jamieson
Siblings: Amy Sheddon Robson, Marjory S Robson, Hugh Robson, Mary F. S. Robson

Military service:

VAD nurse

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Female

Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham

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