Katherine Evelyn Luard An Essex heroine Katherine Evelyn Luard By Ryan, Jaeger, Ella and Mollie

Who was she? Katherine was a famous nurse who came from Essex. She worked in the first world war for Britain.

Childhood Kate Luard was born in 1872. Her father’s name was Rev. Bixby Garnham Luard and her mother’s name was Clara Isabella Sandford Luard. Her childhood was spent at Aveley Vicarage, Essex and Birch Rectory, near Colchester. She went to Croydon High School for girls,1887-1890.

Her nursing years On leaving school she took various jobs such as, a governess to earn money for nursing college. After a couple of years she started the Kings College Hospital. The Boer War and World War 1 were some of the wars she served in. She also served on the western front.

Awards She was awarded The Royal Red Cross. She was also awarded a bar. She was also mentioned in dispatches for brave service in the field.

Books During her time in the war she wrote letters home which soon after she died were published in two books one being Unknown Warriors. Here is an extract from her book.

Our heroes of World War One “Naught broken save this body, lost but breath. Nothing to shake the laughing heart’s long peace there, But only agony, and that has ending; And the worst friend and enemy is but Death.” This is a thought from the book that we think is important.

We will always remember those who fought in the war.