Clermont nurse's war sacrifice remembered this 11 November

Little did a Clermont nurse and her soldier brother know a chance meeting during their First World War postings in France was going to be their very last.

Sister Elsie Rose Grant was stationed at the Third Australian General Hospital in France in 1917 and one day while travelling by ambulance, out of the corner of her eye, she recognised her brother’s 40th Battalion colours.

She jumped out of the fast-travelling car and found her brother Second Lieutenant Allan Herbert Grant in excitement.

He told her he would see her at his first chance. She waited but her brother never came.

Ten days following their chance meeting, Allan was killed in action in Belgium on 12 October 1917 at 28 years old.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said Sister Grant’s story and her nursing service in the Australian Army is to be remembered this 11 November.

“Having served her country in the noblest of professions, for four years abroad, Sister Grant resigned from the sixth Australian General Hospital in the Australian Army Nursing Service in April 1919,” Mayor Baker said.

“She stated it was for private reasons, but arduous service had taken its toll.  She requested and was recommended for the Reserve List of Nurses for Active Service Abroad.

“For her services Sister Grant was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.”

Mayor Baker said this Remembrance Day, stories like Sister Grant and her personal and professional sacrifice will be at the front of our minds on 11 November.

“Let’s join together in silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front after the bloodshed of the First World War,” she said.

“As proud Australians let’s pause in silence for a minute to reflect and to silently remember all those who served and died in war.”

Sister Grant enlisted on 12 August 1915 and returned to Australia on 11 March 1918. She served in Egypt, France and England with the Australian Army Nursing Service.

Returning to nursing in Australia, she held several positions in the Central Highlands and was matron of several hospitals including Emerald before settling down in Springsure. Married with four young children, she was found dead in tragic circumstances near the family property in 1927, she was aged 37.

Residents are encouraged across Isaac to gather at services in the region to honour the memory of the courageous men and women who have died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

The below services are being run by local groups:

Visit https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/remembrance-day for more information about Remembrance Day.