Elizabeth Smellie

Elizabeth Smellie

Elizabeth Smellie
Born	March 22, 1884 Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada
Died	March 5, 1968 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Nurse
Known for	First woman to become a colonel in the Canadian Army

Elizabeth Lawrie Smellie (March 22, 1884 – March 5, 1968) was a pioneering Canadian nurse who made significant contributions to the field of nursing and the Canadian military. She was the first woman to achieve the rank of colonel in the Canadian Army.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Smellie was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, now part of Thunder Bay, to parents of Scottish descent. She attended local schools before pursuing a career in nursing. Smellie graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland.

Career

Nursing

After completing her education, Smellie returned to Canada and began working as a nurse. She quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication and skill. She was instrumental in the development of public health nursing in Canada and worked with the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), an organization dedicated to providing home care and community health services.

Military Service

During World War I, Smellie served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) in Europe. Her exemplary service earned her several commendations. After the war, she continued her work with the VON and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Canadian Army Medical Corps Nursing Service.

In World War II, Smellie was appointed as the Matron-in-Chief of the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC). In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the training and deployment of female nurses and support staff. Her leadership and organizational skills were pivotal in the success of the CWAC.

Achievements

Elizabeth Smellie was the first woman to be appointed as a colonel in the Canadian Army. Her contributions to nursing and military service were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Royal Red Cross and the Order of the British Empire.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from active service, Smellie continued to be involved in nursing and public health. She passed away on March 5, 1968, in Toronto, Ontario. Her legacy lives on through the many nurses and military personnel she mentored and inspired.

See Also

• Canadian Army
• Victorian Order of Nurses
• Canadian Women's Army Corps
• Royal Red Cross
• Order of the British Empire

External Links

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