Information from Val Wison, a descendant of Solomon Rawson.

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Obituary

The death of Mrs. J. O’Farrell (Sister Marianne Rawson R.R.C.) which occurred this month at her home, 12 Burrundi Road Caulfield recalls an early heroic and chapter in the annals of the Australian Nursing Service. Sister Rawson was in charge of the splendid little band of ten nursing sisters who left Melbourne on the 10th March 1900 with the 3rd Bushman’s Contingent for service in South Africa under the Imperial Government, under the special cable message from the High Commissioner of the Cape. They went to Rhodesia and served at Salisbury, Fort Charter, Bulawayo, Hillside, Mafeking, and Springfontein.

For her devoted services Sister Rawson was subsequently awarded the Royal Red Cross on the 26th June for her outstanding work and courage in the care of patients, she was also awarded the Queens South African medal. One of her companions (Sister Isobel Ivy) was mentioned in dispatches. Another nurse Sister F. E. Hines died while on active service and the entire unit received the highest possible praise for their work. The Governor of Western Australia presented her with her R.R.C. medal in Kalgoorlie in 1903.

Sister Marianne Rawson obtained her nursing training in England and at the Rotunda Hospital Dublin. On her return to Australia she was matron for two years at the Women’s Hospital Carlton, Melbourne, then left for Western Australia, where she opened a private hospital, this however was burnt and Sister Rawson was then asked to undertake the organization and control of the Government Hospital Kalgoorlie. On her return from the South African war she went back to Western Australia, she married shortly after and her home of recent years has been in Melbourne.

The Argus (Melbourne Vic.) Friday 31st August 1934.
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