An outstanding Great War R.R.C. and Bar group of seven awarded to Matron A. L. Walker, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, a veteran of the Boer War who also received two “mentions” for her services with the B.E.F. - latterly as an Acting Principal Matron

Royal Red Cross, 1st Class (R.R.C.), G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, silver-gilt, gold and enamel; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Nursing Sister A. L. Walker); King’s South Africa 1901-02, no clasp (Nursing Sister A. L. Walker); 1914 Star (Sister A. L. Walker, Q.A.I.M.N.S.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (A./Principal Matron A. L. Walker); Coronation 1911, together with her Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for Birmingham 1926, a little polished but otherwise very fine or better (8) £2000-2500

R.R.C. London Gazette 14 January 1916:

Bar to R.R.C. London Gazette 3 June 1919:

‘In recognition of valuable services with the armies in France and Flanders.’

Adelaide Louisa Walker was born near Dudley, Staffordshire, in February 1880, the daughter of a local headmaster, and was educated at the latter’s school prior to training as a nurse at Meath Hospital in Dublin. Volunteering for active duty out in South Africa, she served as a Nursing Sister in Princess Christian’s Army Nursing Service Reserve from December 1900 until April 1901, being employed on Field Force duties in Cape Colony and Orange Free State and, according to some sources, with the Irish Hospital (Queen’s Medal; King’s Medal).

Electing to join the Army Nursing Service as a regular while still out in South Africa, she remained employed there until 1904, following which she returned to the U.K. to undertake further training.

Embarked for France in mid-August 1914 as a Sister on the staff of No. 6 General Hospital, she was quickly appointed an Acting Matron of No. 83 General Hospital and, later still Acting Principal Matron of No. 13 Stationary Hospital. She was twice mentioned in despatches for gallant and distinguished services by Field Marshal Sir John French (London Gazettes 16 February 1915 and 1 January 1916, refer), in addition to being awarded the R.R.C. and Bar, and ended the War with an appointment at The Lord Derby War Hospital at Warrington.

Walker was finally placed on the Retired List in 1927, having served latterly as Matron of Cambridge Military Hospital; sold with copied research.