Yvonne McEwen discusses the much-neglected story of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) during the First World War. Based on ground-breaking original research this talk moves away from the long-held, uncritical, and overly-romanticised views of First World War nursing and addresses the professional, personal and political consequences that arose for nurses in the pivotal years from 1914 to 1918.

The lecture will examine the complexities of care-giving and professional development and highlights the political controversies over inadequate casualty care arrangements. Also, this talk will address the relationship between trained and volunteers nurses.

Following the talk, there will be a special book signing of Yvonne’s new publication 'In the Company of Nurses: The British Army Nursing Service in the Great War (2014)

This talk will take place at Symposium Hall in Hill Square.