26A. LINKLATER, Elma Mary ( 1879 – 1962 ).

Elma Mary Linklater was born at Wilmington, South Australia in April 1879.  She entered a life-long career in Nursing, and during the Great War 1914 – 1918, she was posted to the Australian General Hospital at Abbassia, Egypt in January 1916. One of her early roles involved the Nursing and treatment of wounded and ill Australian Soldiers on a Hospital Ship, which reached Australia in February 1916.

Shortly after her  return to Egypt in late August 1916, Sister Linklater was posted to Nursing Duties in England. In early May 1917, she was detached for duty at the No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station at Abbeville France, before appointment to a lengthy posting at the No. 3 Australian General Hospital in Abbeville.

Sister Elma Linklater was honoured with a Special Mention in Despatches from Sir Douglas Haig and awarded the Royal Red Cross Decoration ( 2nd Class ) ” For dedicated work in France and Flanders “.

Following her discharge from War Service on 26 October 1919,  Elma was also honoured with the award of the Royal Red Cross Decoration ( First Class ) ” For long service, devotion to Duty, skill, energy and cheerfullness in her work “.

Sister Elma Mary Linklater retired from Nursing Duties  to reside in Eaton, Western Australia. She spent her final 17 years as a live-in Carer for the Italiano/Butler Family, until she passed away on 3 October 1962, at the age of 83 years.