Among the fallen, nurse Annie, the only woman, is remembered at last
Family comes together as home town pays tribute to female WWI hero
Anurse thought to be the only woman from the First World War named on a Scottish War Memorial was honoured yesterday in her home town.
Annie Campbell Reid is the only female name inscribed on Grangemouth’s war memorial, which lists those from the Stirlingshire town who were killed in the World Wars.
The staff nurse was still serving in North Africa when she died aged 32 from peritonitis in 1919, the year after the Treaty of Versailles officially brought the war to an end.
Falkirk’s Provost and representatives from the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNS) in which Annie served were joined by 11 of her descendants for the ceremony at the cenotaph in Zetland Park.
Her granddaughter Anne, 71, unveiled a plaque to honour the town’s war heroes, particularly staff nurse Annie, after whom she was named.
Wreaths were also laid as the park was officially designated a Centenary Field by the charity Fields in Trust.
Maureen Burns, historian for Grangemouth Heritage Trust, who spent several years trying to locate Annie’s descendants, said: “When I looked at Grangemouth’s Roll of Honour, Annie’s name leapt out and I’ve been intrigued by her story ever since.
“Annie is the only female listed on Grangemouth’s War Memorial and, we think, the only female from the First World War mentioned on any Scottish war memorial.
“Annie joined the QARNS and left her two daughters in the care of her mother and father. She died in service, attached to a fighting battalion, in Egypt in March 1919. We believe it was her father who saw to it that her name was rightly included on the memorial.
“Of the direct descendants present, many are or have been involved in the medical profession – a truly wonderful legacy.”
Annie was buried in the War Memorial Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt, where her grave is looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Granddaughter Anne said: “Although I never met my grandmother, I was named after her. I knew she died in Cairo and I visited the memorial with my mother when she was alive.
“My mother told us Annie wanted to nurse and to go and help in the war. I’m proud of her. She is the only woman from the First World War on a War Memorial but she represents many others.
“Her story brings their story to light.”
Jessica Paterson of Falkirk Council added: “Annie is the only woman we know of who is included on a war memorial. We are proud to honour her.”