Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ R.R.C. group of four awarded to Matron Miss Bertha F. Perkins, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service

Royal Red Cross, 1st Class (R.R.C.), G.V.R., silver-gilt, gold and enamel, on lady’s bow riband; 1914 Star (Sister B. F. Perkins. Q.A.I.M.N.S.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (A. Matron B. F. Perkins.); together with the recipient’s Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service cape badge, silver, generally very fine and better (5) £800-£1,200

R.R.C. London Gazette 1 January 1917.

Miss Bertha Frances Perkins was born in Snaith, Yorkshire, on 27 July 1873 and trained at Leeds General Infirmary from 18 August 1897 to 19 August 1900. After spending three years employed on the private staff of Westminster Hospital she was appointed a Staff Nurse in the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service on 4 February 1904, and was promoted Sister on 8 June 1906. She served with the Q.A.I.M.N.S. during the Great War in France and Flanders from 12 August 1914 at No. 45 Casualty Clearing Station, and held the post of Acting Matron from 5 October 1915 to 9 August 1917. Invalided home from France in early 1918, for her services during the Great War she was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 1 January 1916), and was awarded the R.R.C., being presented with her Royal Red Cross insignia by H.M. the King at Buckingham Palace on 10 July 1918.

Miss Perkins was promoted Matron on 10 July 1925, and retired on 27 July 1928, after 24 years and 173 days’ service. She died on 28 January 1954.

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