- Entry type: Person
- Entry ID: AWE0436
Anderson, Margaret Irene
- GM
- Born 11 December 1915, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Died 17 April 2009
- Occupation Servicewoman
Summary
Margaret Anderson enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service at Dandenong (Victoria) on 19 September 1941.
On 12 February 1942, three days before the fall of Singapore, the freighter, Empire Star sailed from Singapore Harbour. The ship which normally had an allocation of space for 20 passengers was carrying over 2100 people. While on route to Batavia the ship came under enemy fire and received three direct hits. During one of the raids two of the Australian nursing staff on board, Sisters Margaret Anderson and Vera Torney, came on deck to attend to the wounded. They protected their patients by covering them with their bodies.
Staff Nurse Margaret Anderson was awarded the George Medal on 22 September 1942 for her bravery when the ship was attacked by enemy aircraft. Staff Nurse Vera Torney was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military).
On 4 June 1946 Lieutenant Margaret Anderson was discharged from the Australian Army Nursing Service.
Archival resources
Digital resources
- Title: Sister Margaret Anderson
- Type: Image
- Description: Sister Margaret Anderson who was awarded the George Medal for bravery in action talks to Lady Mountbatten at the 115th Australian General Hospital. Left to right: Sister Margaret Anderson; Lady Mountbatten; Matron Bowe; Sister Wilkinson; Sister James (ex POW); Sister A. Syes.
- Date: 3 May, 2023
Published resources
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Resource Section
- Anderson, Margaret Irene, Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2002, http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/veteran.asp?ServiceID=A&VeteranID=470770
- Book
- Resource