Alicia Mary Kelly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 16 September 1874 Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 16 April 1942 Midland, Western Australia |
| Nationality | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Other names | Alicia Mary "Loll" Chipper |
| Occupation | sister |
| Known for | bravery during WW1 |
| Spouse | Arthur Rupert Chipper |
Alicia Mary Kelly RRC became Alicia Mary "Loll" Chipper RRC (16 September 1874 – 16 April 1942) was an Australian nurse who was born in Ireland. She was exceptionally awarded the Military Medal for her bravery while serving in France. She was also awarded the Royal Red Cross.
Kelly was born in Galway and few details are known of her life there. In 1910 she was qualifying as a nurse at the (Royal) Melbourne Hospital.[1] She then went to work for three years at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. She was then at a private ear, nose and throat facility.[2]
The First World War began in 1914 and in 1915 she joined the Australian Army Nursing Service as a staff nurse. Her mother was then living in Mount Dandenong. She left for Egypt and she worked with the 1st Australian General Hospital during the disastrous Gallipoli campaign where the allies were defeated by the Ottomans. She returned to Australia twice in 1915 on board the SS Euripides as she cared for the severely wounded soldiers who were being returned to their homeland.[1] In the following April she and the 1st Australian General Hospital were sent to France. In April 1917 she was with the 29th Casualty Clearing Station when she became a Sister and in July she was posted to the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station.[1]
During an attack in France at Rouen she refused to leave her patients. She covered the heads of the patients with bedpans to give them a feeling of security and she held the hand of another patient.[1]
In 1917 the London Gazette recorded that she had been awarded the Military Medal.[3] Only seven Australian nurses had that honour as its given only for "conspicuous gallantry under fire". The award was at Buckingham Palace.[1] Kelly also received the Royal Red Cross.[4]
Kelly died in Midland on 16 April 1942[4] having returned to work despite her health issues. She died of pneumonia. Her medals are part of her display at the Army Museum of Western Australia.[2]
