- Entry type: Person
- Entry ID: IMP0199
Torney, Vera Alexandra
- MBE
- Married name Berry, Vera
- Born 27 July 1916, St Arnaud, Victoria, Australia
- Died 19 June 2006
- Occupation Servicewoman
Summary
On 12 February 1942 the 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, Sister Vera A Torney and Margaret Anderson came on deck to attend to the wounded. They protected their patients by covering them with their bodies. Staff Nurse Vera Torney was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military) on 22 September 1942 for her work with the Australian Army Nursing Service. Staff Nurse Margaret Anderson received the George Medal.
Archival resources
- National Archives of Australia, Melbourne Office
- Australian War Memorial, Research Centre
Digital resources
- Title: Sister Vera Torney
- Type: Image
- Date: 3 May, 2023
Published resources
- Book
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Resource Section
- Berry, Vera Alexandra, Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2002, http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/veteran.asp?ServiceID=A&VeteranID=470771
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Site Exhibition
- Faith, Hope and Charity Australian Women and Imperial Honours: 1901-1989, Australian Women's Archives Project, 2003, http://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib/honours/honours.html
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Resource
- Trove: Torney, Vera Alexandra (1916-), http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-756077