Summary
Photograph identified as a medical ward in Abbassia, a suburb of Cairo, taken during World War I, in December 1916. During World I a hospital at Abbassia specialized in the treatment of venereal diseases - possibly the one depicted.
One of seven black and white photographs contained in a yellow envelope with two postcards and a hand-painted card featuring a poem and a desert/pyramid scene. The envelope was contained in a diary probably written by sister Alice Elizabeth Cocking, later Sister Williams.
Part of a memoir entitled 'Remembrances of War Service in the AANS - AIFC 1st World War by One of the Nursing Sisters'. The memoir records life of a nurse on transport ships, in hospitals and on leave. It is written in a school exercise book some time after the event - possibly even after World War II.
Description of Content
Group of medical staff and soldiers standing in a ward that is decorated for Christmas celebrations in Abbassia, Egypt. There is a line of hospital beds on the right side of the image, some of the beds have soldiers lying on them.
Physical Description
Black and white silver gelatin photograph.
More Information
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Collection Names
Military Memorabilia Collection, Returned and Services League (RSL) Collection
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Collecting Areas
Public Life & Institutions, Images & Image Making, Medicine & Health
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Acquisition Information
Donation & Subsequent Transfer from Victorian Branch, Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL), Sister Barbara Williams, circa 1986
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Place & Date Depicted
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Organisation Depicted
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Previous Owner
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Format
Photograph, Monochrome
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Inscriptions
Hand written in black ink on the front of the photograph; 'Sister Konos[illeg]n[?] Ward Xmas 1916 Cairo' Hand written in grey pencil on the back of the photograph; 'y 6[?] 14 a G H'
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Image Dimensions - Photograph
122 mm (Width), 170 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Military Memorabilia, Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918, Medical Workers, Medical Corps, Military Medical Care, Nurses, Doctors, Wards, Hospitals, Christmas Celebrations, Decorations, World War II, 1939-1945, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)