Gertrude Richards

Gertrude Mary Richards (16 September 1864 – 18 September 1944) was a British nurse and military nursing leader during the First World War. She was matron and principal matron in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service from 1904 until her retirement in 1919.

Early life Richards was born in Nottingham on 16 September 1864,

Nursing career Richards lived at home until she undertook nurse training at The London Hospital between 1891 and 1893, under Eva Luckes. In 1904 she was appointed as matron in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, and her first posting was to the Royal Herbert Military Hospital in Woolwich. In 1917 Richards became principal matron in the War Office, until her retirement in 1919.

Honours Richards was awarded the Royal Red Cross in July 1915 and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by 1941.

Personal life After her retirement in 1919, Richards moved back to Nottinghamshire and in 1939 was living with her younger sister, Lily, in West Bridgford.

Richards died on 18 September 1944, and left her estate to her sister Lily.