Ostrovo Unit

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Members of the Ostrovo Unit, part of the Scottish Women's Hospitals

Active
Disbanded
Country	United Kingdom
Allegiance	Allied Powers
Branch	Medical Corps
Type	Field Hospital
Role	Medical support
Size	Approximately 80 personnel
Part of
Garrison/HQ	Ostrovo, Serbian Macedonia

The Ostrovo Unit was a field hospital established by the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service during World War I. It was located in Ostrovo, in what was then Serbian Macedonia, and operated from 1916 to 1917. The unit was part of a broader effort by the Scottish Women's Hospitals to provide medical care to soldiers and civilians in war-torn areas.

History

The Ostrovo Unit was one of several field hospitals set up by the Scottish Women's Hospitals, an organization founded by Dr. Elsie Inglis in 1914. The unit was staffed entirely by women, including doctors, nurses, and orderlies, and was led by Dr. Agnes Bennett, a prominent New Zealand physician.

The unit was strategically located near the front lines to provide immediate medical care to wounded soldiers. It was equipped with operating theaters, wards, and a pharmacy, and was capable of treating hundreds of patients at a time.

Operations

The Ostrovo Unit played a crucial role in the Salonika Front, providing medical support to the Allied forces fighting in the Balkans. The unit treated a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including battle wounds, infectious diseases, and the effects of harsh weather conditions.

The staff of the Ostrovo Unit worked under challenging conditions, often facing shortages of medical supplies and equipment. Despite these difficulties, they were able to provide high-quality care to their patients, earning the respect and gratitude of the soldiers they treated.

Notable Personnel

• Dr. Agnes Bennett - Commanding Officer of the Ostrovo Unit.
• Dr. Lilian Cooper - A pioneering Australian doctor who served with the unit.
• Josephine Bedford - A nurse who worked alongside Dr. Cooper.

Legacy

The Ostrovo Unit is remembered as a significant contribution to the war effort by women in medicine. It demonstrated the capability and resilience of female medical professionals in a time when women were often excluded from such roles.

Gallery

• 

  Dr. Agnes Bennett, leader of the Ostrovo Unit.

• 

  Dr. Lilian Cooper and Josephine Bedford at Ostrovo.

• 

  Transport columns on the road to Dunje, supporting the Ostrovo Unit.

Also see

• Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service
• Elsie Inglis
• Salonika Front
• Women in World War I