The Australian Women's Register

Before commencing her nursing training at Sydney Hospital in 1890, Bessie Pocock worked as a domestic. Upon completion she joined the hospital staff as a Sister. In 1899 Pocock became a member of the New South Wales Army Nursing Service Reserve (NSWANSR) and served in the Boer War being posted to hospitals in London, Johannesburg and Middleburg. She was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Queen’s and the King’s South Africa medals. After the war she returned to her position at the Sydney Hospital. From 1907 until 1911 Bessie became matron of the Newcastle Hospital and later (1911-1914) at Gladesville.

During World War I Pocock served with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in hospitals at Cairo and Ismailia (Egypt). She was then matron of the Hospital Ship Assaye before being stationed at Marseilles and Wimereux (France), followed by Trois Arbres (Belgium), and then Boulogne and England. On 2 May 1916 Sister Bessie Pocock was awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal (2nd class) and she had been twice mentioned in despatches.

After the war Pocock returned to Gladesville Hospital as matron. Before retiring she set up a convalescent hospital at Chatswood called ‘Ismailia.’ She remained an active member of the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association of which she became a life member as well as the Australian Army Nursing Service Reserve.

Bessie Pocock never married and was looked after by her nieces until she died on 16 July 1946.