• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE0576

Docker, Betty Bristow

  • RRC, QHNS, FCNA
(1920 – 2001) Commandant Janice Webb (later Hilton), Australian Red Cross (ARC), and Wing Officer Betty Docker, Matron of 4 RAAF Hospital at Butterworth, Malaysia
  • Born 1920, St Kilda Victoria Australia
  • Died 2001
  • Occupation Matron, Nurse, Servicewoman

Summary

The funeral service for former Group Officer Betty Docker, aged 81, was held at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Director of the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS) Docker trained at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. She then joined the hospital staff before enlisting with the RAAFNS in 1944. During her time in the service she fought for change so married women could continue on as nurses and women could reach the highest ranks – something not allowed previously. After 28 years with the RAAFNS Docker retired in 1975 having been awarded The Royal Red Cross (2nd Class), 1968; Royal Red Cross, 1970; the Florence Nightingale Medal, 1971 and the National Medal in 1977.

Events

  • 2068

    Awarded the Royal Red Cross (2nd Class) Medal
  • 1970

    Awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal
  • 1977

    Awarded the National Medal
  • 2039

    Commenced nursing training at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne
  • 1944

    Joined the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS)
  • 1944 - 1950

    Posted to Aeromedical Evacuation Duties and Japan Occupation Force
  • 1965 - 1967

    Assistant to the Director of Nursing Service
  • 1967 - 1969

    Matron of No 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth, Malaysia
  • 1969 - 1975

    Director of Nursing Service
  • 1971

    Awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal for distinguished service
  • 1967 - 1969

    Supervised the flight nursing staff to and from Vietnam
  • 1969

    Presented with the Queen’s Honorary Nursing Sister (QHNS) Award
  • 1975

    Retired from the RAAFNS, after 28 years of service
  • 1943 - 1944

    Staff member at the Alfred Hospital

Archival resources

  • Australian War Memorial, Research Centre
    • Commandant Janice Webb (later Hilton), Australian Red Cross (ARC) (left), and Wing Officer Betty Docker, Matron of 4 RAAF Hospital at Butterworth, Malaysia

Digital resources

Commandant Janice Webb (later Hilton), Australian Red Cross (ARC), and Wing Officer Betty Docker, Matron of 4 RAAF Hospital at Butterworth, Malaysia
  • Title: Commandant Janice Webb (later Hilton), Australian Red Cross (ARC), and Wing Officer Betty Docker, Matron of 4 RAAF Hospital at Butterworth, Malaysia
  • Type: Image
  • Description: Commandant Janice Webb (later Hilton), Australian Red Cross (ARC) (left), and Wing Officer Betty Docker, Matron of 4 RAAF Hospital at Butterworth, Malaysia, standing on the airstrip tarmac beside a United States Army refuelling truck. The two women had just supervised the pre-flight care and loading of sick patients and wounded servicemen being evacuated (medivacs) aboard an RAAF C130-E aircraft. Vung Tau, South Vietnam. 1967. (Donor M. Boyle)
  • Date: 3 May, 2023

Published resources

  • Edited Book
    • Who's Who in Australia, 1971, Legge, J S, 1971
  • Newspaper Article
    • A true Nightingale in a shining uniform, Glendinning, Lee, 2001
  • Book
    • Story of the RAAF nursing service : 1940-1990, Halstead, Gay., 1994
  • Resource
    • Trove

Related entries


  • Director
    • Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS) (1940 - )

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