Jean Neill Erwin

Jean Neill Erwin (25 January 1890 – 24 July 1969) was a New Zealand civilian and military nurse, masseuse, and army nursing administrator.

Erwin was born in Fendalton, Christchurch, New Zealand on 25 January 1890. Her parents were the Presbyterian minister Reverend Dr Robert Erwin and Esther Erwin.

In July 1915, Erwin enlisted in the New Zealand Army Nursing Service and was posted overseas leaving on the SS Maheno. After the war had ended, she continued as a nurse in England before returning to New Zealand in 1920. and then trained as a physiotherapist (known at the time as a masseuse) in 1922. She worked at Wellington Hospital before becoming head of the physiotherapy department at Christchurch Hospital.

During World War II Erwin was District Commandant of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps as she was too old to serve overseas.