Mairi Chisholm
(1896-1981), Motorcycle ambulance driver, nurse and photographerSitter in 5 portraits
Chisholm joined the Women's Emergency Corps in 1914 with her friend Elsie Knocker. Chisholm was just eighteen and volunteered as a dispatch rider. Both women were recommended for the Flying Ambulance Corps which was formed to move the wounded from the front-line to field hospitals. Realising that many lives could potentially be saved if they administered basic first-aid before transporting the wounded, Chisholm and Knocker set up medical outposts near the front line. Between 1915 and 1917 they were reported to have treated and transported over 1,500 wounded soldiers. Having gained wide press coverage in the British newspapers, the pair returned to England in 1917 to use their fame to raise funds.
by Unknown photographer
bromide postcard print, circa 1915
NPG x194117
by Unknown photographer
bromide postcard print, circa 1915
NPG x194118
Elsie Knocker; Baron Harold de T'Serclaes; Mairi Chisholm
by Unknown photographer
vintage print, circa 1916
NPG x137849
by S.A. Chandler
bromide print
NPG x87249
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