Alice Alanna Cashin

Alice Alanna Cashin, (6 March 1870 – 4 November 1939) was a decorated Australian nurse who served with Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service during the First World War.

Early life and education Alice Alanna Cashin was born on 6 March 1870 in Melbourne, the daughter of boot-maker Richard and Catherine Cashin (née Meehan). Her mother died the following year. The family moved to Sydney, where Cashin was educated at a private ladies college. Her father was later acknowledged as pioneer of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in New South Wales.

Cashin completed her nursing training at St Vincent's Hospital in Darlinghurst, before working as a private nurse. In July 1901 she joined the Australasian Trained Nurses' Association. In 1909 Cashin sailed to England to develop her skills in therapeutic massage. For this, she was awarded a bar to the Royal Red Cross. As well as the fur cape, muff and cap given by Queen Alexandra to all members of the Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, Cashin's service was acknowledged by the nursing staff of Lichfield Hospital who presented her with a gold link bracelet, inscribed with her war record.

Cashin died on 4 November 1939 at her home in Marrickville of chronic nephritis. Her funeral mass was held at St Bridget's Catholic Church, before her burial at Woronora Cemetery. She had never married. A memorial statue of Cashin was unveiled on her previously unmarked grave in 2016. Her medals and badges are held in the Anzac Memorial in Sydney.