AWM137 2/1 - Historical information and general development of the RAAF Nursing Service - Notes of History of the RAAF Nursing Service 1940-1944 - Part 14

Conflict:

Second World War, 1939–45

Subject:

Documents and letters
Nurses

Status:

Open for review

Accession number:

AWM2018.8.296

Difficulty:

part B. Demonstration Lessons (incorporating the above principles).

Given by trained teachers of No.4 I.T.S. to trainees on the

normal syllabus of instructions for I.T.S., Course members

will observe different personalities and methods of teaching.

Part C. Preliminary to Criticism Lessons:-

(1) Lecturettes - Each course member will give at least one

lecturette of 20 minutes' duration on any subject to the

remainder of the course.

(11) Debate - At least one; all to participate. (The purpose

of this is to give the instructor some practice in thinking

logically on his feet.)

Part D. Criticism Lessons:- Each course member will deliver at least

three Criticism Lessons -

(1) To the remainder of the course (on his own particular

subject).

(11) To an I.T.S. flight in training (on the normal syllabus

of work for the subject).

(111) To a "Pool" flight, or flight almost completed I.T.S.

syllabus, (on a general topic allied to the work normally done

by the course-member - e.g. for Armament "Pyrotechnics";

for Navigation "Types of Searches used by R.A.A.F.";

for Radio "Microphones").

NOTE: Each Trainee-Instructor is to prepare at least one set of full

notes of a lecture and notes of all lessons are to be submitted to the

chief instructor.

For purposes of reducing the length of time between lectures

delivered by the trainee-instructor, the course should be divided into

at least two groups. (Assuming a course to consist normally of about

15 members). Attending each lecture will be the members of the group

and an instructor. On the completion of the lecture the instructor under

review will be required to offer criticism of his own efforts - the other

members of the group will then add constructive criticism and finally

the course instructor will give his summing up.

The basis of the criticism will be the points on the rating scale

attached hereto. It is emphasised that the trainee-instructor should

be schooled in the art of self-criticism, to enable him to analyse his

faults and suggest remedies.

It is suggested that the film "Military Training" should be used to

supplements the instruction given during the course.

Film strips have also been forwarded which should prove helpful in

demonstrating the principles taught.

RECORDS:

(a) A brief general report should be prepared by the Chief Instructor

together with the individual reports on each trainee-instructor. These

reports should be forwarded within seven days of the completion of the

course according to the following distribution list -

1 copy to R.A.A.F. Head Quarters (D.T.)

1 copy to 1 Training Group, Headquarters.

1 copy to be retained by No.4 I.T.S.

(b) The individual report referred to in para. (a) above will be made

out on the rating scale report form (copy of which is appended hereto)

and attached to a copy of Form P/T2.

NO. 2 INITIAL TRAINING SCHOOL, BRADFIELD PARK

TIME TABLE FOR LECTURE TECHNIQUE COURSE FROM TO

FIRST WEEK

DAY	HOUR	SUBJECT
M	0900-1000	Outline of Course
O	1000-1030	Address by Unit or Station Commander
N	1030-1130	Lecture 1. "The Lecturer"
D	1130-1200	Discussion of Lecture 1.
A	1300-1430	Tour of Lecture Rooms to see Instructional Aids.
Y	1430-1530	Lecture 1 "Syllabus Dissection and Time Tables."
	1530-1600	Discussion of Lecture 2.
	1600-1630	Preparation of Lecturettes.

T	0750-0900	Lecture 3 "Planning the Lecture"
U	0900-0930	Discussion of Lecture 3.
E	0930-1030	Lecturettes Nos. 1 and 2
S	1030-1130	Lecture 4 "The Learning Process"
D	1130-1200	Discussion of Lecture 4
A	1300-1400	Lecture 5 "General Principles of Lecturing"
Y	1400-1430	Discussion of Lecture 5
	1430-1600	Lecturettes 3, 4 and 5
	1600-1630	Preparation for Debate

W	0750-0900	Lecture 6 "Types of Lectures"
E	0900-0930	Discussion of Lecture 6
D	0930-1030	Lecturettes 6 and 7
N	1030-1130	Lecture 7 "Visual Aids"
E	1130-1200	Discussion of Lecture 7.
S	1300-1500	Debate- "A Service Topic"
D	1500-1630	P.T. and Recreation
A
Y

T	0750-0850	Lecture 8 "Projected Visual Aids"
H	0855-0950	Demonstration Lecture 1 "Use of a Film"
U	0950-1030	Discussion of Lecture 8 and Demonstration Lecture 1
R	1030-1130	Lecture 9 "The Art of Questioning"
S	1130-1200	Discussion of Lecture 9
D	1300-1400	Lecture 10 "Tests and Examinations"
A	1400-1430	Discussion of Lecture 10
Y	1430-1500	Preparation
	1505-1600	Demonstration Lecture 2 "Aircraft Recognition"
	1600-1630	Discussion of Demonstration Lecture 2

F	0750-0850	Lecture 11 "Some Common Problems in Teaching"
R	0855-0950	Demonstration Lecture 3. General subject
I	0950-1030	Discussion of Lecture 11 and Demonstration Lecture 3
D	1030-1100	Preparation for Film
A	1100-1200	Film "U.S.A. Army Training Methods".
Y	1300-1400	Demonstration Lecture 4. General subject.
	1400-1430	Discussion of Demonstration Lecture 4
	1430-1630	Briefing for Criticism Lessons of 2nd Week

NO. COURSE IN LECTURE TECHNIQUE

RATING SCALE FOR INSTRUCTORS

Name of Instructor _____________________

Instruction Category____________________

Unit____________________________________

	Weak 1	Av. 2	Av. 3	Av. 4	Good 5	V.G 6	Factor	Total
Skill in Preparation of Lesson							x 2 =
2. Teaching personality, forcefulness							x 1 =
3. Voice; clarity, modulation							x 1 =
4. Use of Black Board							x 1 =
5. Use of other Teaching aids							x 1 =
6. Ability to stimulate activity of trainees and to create interest							x 3 =
7. Ability to make and emphasise salient points							x 3 =
8. Ability to test and question.							x 1 =
9. Control of Class							x 1 =
10. Distribution and judgment of time							x 1 =
11. Power of Critical Comment							x 2 =

	PERCENTAGE:

REMARKS : __________________________________________________________

(a) Promise of Future Progress

_____________________________________________________________________

(b) Scope of Instructional Ability

_____________________________________________________________________

(d) General

______________________________________________________________________

(TE.41/44) _____________________________F/Lt

Chief Instructor

POST GRADUATE LECTURES - NEW SOUTH WALES

In order to enable members to keep up to date with advances in Medical

and Nursing treatments, R.A.A.F. consultants most generously undertook

to conduct a series of Post Graduate lectures once monthly commencing on

4.11.42.

These lectures were held in the evenings at Medical Section, No.2

Training Group and were greatly appreciated by members.

4.11.42 Lecture "Blood Transfusions" by F/Lt C.B.Hudson

24.11.42 ("Regional Anaesthesia" - coloured film shown 2 R.C.

Woolloomooloo)

2.12.42 Lecture "Minor Medical Procedures" by F/Lt K.Harrison

6.1.43 Lecture "Preparation of patients for X-Ray and Demonstration of

Interesting X-Ray films" by S/Ldr Shelshear

3.2.43 Lecture "Gynaecology gets its Wings" by S/Ldr Mayes. A film

also shown illustrating lecture.

3.3.43 Lecture "The Treatment of Burns" by S/Ldr B.Riley

7.4.43 Lecture "Symposium on the Heart"

lecturettes each of 10 minute duration by:

Introduction -G/Cptn G.C.Willcocks

Anatomy of the Heart - Professor Shelshear

Physical Signs, Normal - S/Ldr J. Hughes

and Abnormal

X-Ray of the Heart - S/Ldr K.E. Shelshear

Electrocardiagram - W/Cdr A.J.H. Stobo

General Treatment of - F/Lt Northcroft

Heart conditions

2.6.43 Lecture "Skins" by W/Cdr J.Witton Flynn

7.7.43 Lecture "Symposium on the Disease of the Lungs"

Lecturettes as follows:

General Introduction - W/Cdr A.J.Hood Stobo

Signs and symptoms of - S/Ldr J. Hughes

Chest Diseases

Demonstration of X-Rays - S/Ldr K.E.Shelshear

of Chest conditions

Treatment of chest conditions - G/Cptn G.C.Willcocks

4.8.43 Lecture "Care of the Feet and General Principles of

Orthopaedic Nursing" by S/Ldr Little

1.12.43 Lectures

"The preparation of patients for operations on theEar, Nose

and Throat and the treatment of minor conditions of the Ear,

Nose and Throat" by W/Cdr H.Kirkland.

"The preparation of patients for operations on the Eye and

the treatment of minor conditions of theEye" by W/Cdr

C.Blakemore.

No lectures have been arranged during 1944 to date (August 1944)

as consultants and Medical Officers have been exceedingly busy.

The R.A.A.F. Nursing Service has been invited to Lectures arranged

by the Royal Australian College of Physicians from time to time.

LECTURES GIVEN BY MEDICAL OFFICERS TO THE NURSING STAFF, NO.6 RAAF HOSPITAL

May 16th W/C Reid "Mechanics of drainage"

June 27th W/C McLean "Nephritis and associated conditions"

July 18th F/L Buckle (1) "General field covered by Psychistry -

Distribution of patients in the community"

August 1st " (2) "Basis of Psychology and Psychistric

Classification

" 22nd " (3) "Physique and personality"

Spetember 5th " (4) "Intelligence'

-----

HANDICRAFT COURSES FOR MEMBERS OF R.A.A.F. N.S. AND W.A.A.A.F. OFFICERS

Attached A.F.H.Q. Direct. Trg. P.E.O.

Conference held at "Woorigoleen" Clendon Road, TOORAK.

1st Course: 15 - 23.1.44

4 Sisters on Course Sister E.J.Mills

" B.M.Cameron

" E.L.M.Smith

" E.H.Anderson

2nd Course: 22 - 30.1.44

5 Sisters on Course Sister J.Morris

" J.Mesley

" C.J.Laws

" H.M.O.Davis

S/Sister E.Bray

3rd Course - 3 S.T.T. 18-25.3.44

2 Sisters on Course at "Oceanic" annexe, Arden Street, COOGEE.

A/S/Sister Buchanan M.J.

Sister McInnes D.M.

4th Course - 3 S.T.T. 25.3.44- 1.4.44

Sister C.C.McDonald

" G.Cairncross

5th Course - 3 S.T.T. 1- 8.4.44

2 Sisters Sister M.H.Cranswick

" J.Millor

-----

HANDICRAFT COURSES - 3 S.T.T. (N.S.W.)

Three courses were arranged for members of the R.A.A.F. Nursing Service

and W.A.A.A.F. Officers for those interested in handicrafts.

1st 18-25 March 2 Sisters

2nd 25-31 March 2 Sisters

3rd 1-8 April 2 Sisters

HONOURS AND AWARDS

R.A.A.F.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

MENTION IN DESPATCHES

MATRON MARY DOREEN DUTTON 503058

CITATION:

Matron Dutton enlisted in the R.A.A.F. N.S. on 1st March, 1941 and

on 8th May, 1942 was posted as Matron of No.1 Medical Receiving Station,

Darwin.

Since that date her unceasing devotion to duty under most trying

active service conditions has been outstanding.

Her energy and powers of organisation have been mainly responsible

for the smooth operation of the unit, and her efficiency, example and

tireless efforts have been an inspiration to the Hospital Staff.

Under primitive conditions and in an area which has been subjected

to many enemy bombing raids she has worked unceasingly for the comfort

of sick and wounded, and her unselfishness and cheerful personality have

had a splendid effect on patients and staff alike.

-----

R.A.A.F.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

ROYAL RED CROSS (Class 11)

SENIOR SISTER ALICE JEAN WHEATLEY 504092

CITATION:

Senior Sister Wheatley was posted to No.3 Medical Receiving Station,

Port Moresby on 27.11.42 and went to that Unit in charge of the first

party of members of the R.A.A.F. N.S. who served in the New Guinea Area.

Under extremely trying conditions she worked tirelessly for the

benefit of the many patients who came under her care, her professional

ability, tact and inspiring devotion to duty being largely responsible

for the efficiency of the Station.

Although in September, 1943 she might have returned for duty on the

mainland she volunteered to continue to serve in New Guinea and most

ably accomplished the extremely difficult task of establishing the

R.A.A.F. N.S. in the Milne Bay Area.

In the face of great hardships and under the most difficult conditions

Senior Sister Wheatley has at all times displayed sustained courage and

devotion to duty which have been an inspiration both to her colleagues

and patients alike.

-----

No. 501576 SISTER LILIAN SMAIRL:

Naval Awards Gazette 1941 - 1942. Royal Red Cross (Class 11)

Whilst serving in His Majesty's Naval Service, in the six months of the

war following the Evacuation at Dunkirk.

"For outstanding zeal, patience and cheerfulness and for courage and

whole hearted devotion to duty."

Appointed to Queen Alexandra's Royal Navy Nursing Service June 1939

Mobilised September 3rd, 1939 to R.N.Hospital, Chatham, Kent, England.

Requested permission to be invalided to Australia for sick leave and to

join Australian Nursing Service - Permission granted - Left R.N. Service

April 12, 1943 - Appointed R.A.A.F. N.S. 9.7.44 as Sister.

----------------------------------

1939 - 1943 STAR

The following members who served in New Guinea during the specified

period were eligible for the 1939-43 Star.

S/Sister A.J.Wheatley 504092 Posted to 3 M.R.S. 2.10.42.

arrived New Guinea 27.11.42 - 15.8.43

8 Convalescent Depot 16.8.43 - 12.9.43

2 M.R.S. 13.9.43 - 24.11.43

S/Sister in Charge New Guinea Area July 1943.

Area Matron 9 Operational Group, attached 2 M.R.S. 24.11.43 - 31.3.44

S/Sister Ward Posted 8 Convalescent Depot 15.6.43

arrived New Guinea 20.6.43

attached 3 M.R.S. 21.6.43

Duty 8 Convalescent Depot 17.8.43 - 15.4.44

Sister Lee Posted 8 Convalescent Depot 15.6.43

arrived New Guinea 20.6.43

attached 3 M.R.S. 21.6.43

duty 8 Convalescent Depot 8.43 - 27.2.44

posted 2 M.R.S. 28.2.44

Left New Guinea

Sister Weber posted 21.5.42

arrived New Guinea 27.11.42

3 M.R.S. 27.11.42 - 15.8.43

Sister Hamilton posted 3 M.R.S. 13.5.42

arrived New Guinea 27.11.42 - 15.8.43

Sister Gardner posted 3 M.R.S. 13.5.42

arrived New Guinea 27.11.42 - 12.8.43

Sister Ashbey posted 3 M.R.S. 26.9.42

arrived New Guinea 1.12.42 - 12.8.43

Sister Cleary posted 3 M.R.S. 22.9.42

arrived New Guinea 1.12.42 - 15.8.43

----------------

Tel.No. Holborn 3434

Ext. 1762

AIR MINISTRY DEPT. QJ

Adastral House,

KINGSWAY, W.C.2.

23rd October, 1941.

Dear Miss Lang,

Your kind thought in sending greetings to me and all members of the

Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service is very much appreciated.

On behalf of all members of my service, I send to you and the

members of your service my very best wishes and goodwill.

Please accept my congratulations on your appointment as first

Matron-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service, the

members of which I am sure, will uphold the traditional devotion to

duty displayed by the Empire's Services.

Yours very sincerely,

E.A.BLAIR SGD.

MATRON IN CHIEF

PM R.A.F. N.S.

Miss M.I.Lang

Matron in Chief

RAAF Nursing Service

Victoria Barracks

MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

MESSAGE FROM THE AIR BOARD TO ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

NURSING SERVICE ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF ITS INAUGURATION

(132/1/554 - 29.7.43)

The following message from the Air Board is promulgated for the

information of all concerned:-

"On the occasion of the third anniversary of the inauguration of the

R.A.A.F. Nursing Service, the Air Board desires to convey to you, as

members of the Nursing Service, its grateful appreciation of the splendid

and self-sacrificing service which you have rendered.

On all sides testimony has been received of the unremitting care

and attention you have bestowed on the sick and wounded personnel of

the Air Force wherever they may be, and you have played a valiant part

at the operational stations in Australia and New Guinea.

Your devotion, zeal and courage have been an inspiration at all

times, and have been a considerable factor in maintaining the high

standard of morale in the Royal Australian Air Force. The services

you have rendered have been in accordance with the finest traditions

of the Nursing Profession."

-------------------------

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

Albert Park Barracks,

MELBOURNE. SC3.

24th August, 1944.

Dear Matron or Sister,

In forwarding copies of letters of appreciation of the Nursing

Service received from the Chief of Air Staff, Director General of

Medical Services and Air Board, on the fourth anniversary of the Nursing

Service, I am proud and pleased to be able to inform you of the high regard

of the chief administrators of the R.A.A.F. for our Nursing Service.

I take this opportunity of expressing my very sincere appreciation

and gratitude to one and all for your loyal and unselfish devotion to

duty over the past four years, which has earned the esteem of the whole

of the R.A.A.F., and also for your loyal co-operation which has helped

so much in my work of administration.

With best wishes that you will all continue to give your best in

the interests of the Service until victory is won,

Yours sincerely,

M.I.LANG (SGD)

MATRON IN CHIEF

R.A.A.F. NURSING SERVICE

-----------

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

Air Board

Air Force Head Quarters

MELBOURNE.C1.

26th July, 1944.

Dear Matron in Chief,

It affords me infinite pleasure in extending to the Royal Australian

Air Force Nursing Service and to yourself, in particular, congratulations

and felicitations on the attainment of its fourth anniversary.

It is a Service of which you must justly feel proud and I feel

privileged that I have in some small measure been associated with you

in its development.

While recognizing and appreciating the part you have so brilliantly

displayed in the organisation of the Nursing Service, it is fitting that

on this occasion I should also acknowledge and pay tribute to the

unselfish devotion to duty of each individual member of the Nursing

Service whether engaged in the routine work of a metropolitan Services'

hospital or further afield.

Inall avenues the members of your Service have added lustre to the

name of the Air Force and to-day, under your own able guidance, they

command the respect and confidence of those for whom the Nursing Service was provided.

I ask you to accept and convey to all my heartiest congratulations

and my own personal thanks for the loyal and generous co-operation I

have had at all times.

Yours sincerely,

VICTOR HURLEY (SGD)

Air Vice Marshal

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF MEDICAL SERVICES

Miss M.I.Lang

Matron in Chief

R.A.A.F. Nursing Service

--------

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

Air Board,

Air Force Headquarters,

MELBOURNE. C1.

26th July, 1944.

Matron in Chief,

R.A.A.F.Nursing Service,

It is with very great pleasure that I write to congratulate you

and the members of the R.A.A.F. Nursing Service upon the occasion of

your fourth birthday.

The grand work which is being done by members of this vital section

of the Service is well known to me and to the whole of the R.A.A.F,

and I feel sure that all officers and other ranks join with me in

expressing gratitude for the untiring service which has invariably been

given in the past. I know I can count on you for a continuation of

your effort in the future, and I wish you every success.

G. J. JONES SGD

Air Vice Marshal,

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

--------

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

Air Board,

Air Force Headquarters,

Victoria Barracks

MELBOURNE. SC1

25th July, 1944.

Dear Matron in Chief,

Once again, on this, the Fourth Anniversary of the inauguration of

the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service, the Air Board desires

to pay tribute to the sterling work which is being performed by its

members, and extends its best wishes on this happy occasion.

With the extension of operations further north of Australia, members

of the Nursing Service have been called upon to bear impressing burdens

in the course of their many duties attending to sick and wounded personnel

of the Royal Australian Air Force. These duties have invariably been

carried out with unremitting skill and kindness and their devotion to

duty of the Nursing Service has won the grateful admiration of all ranks.

Yours sincerely,

P.J. MULROONEY SGD.

SECRETARY

AIR BOARD.

Miss M.I.Lang,

Matron in Chief

RAAF Nursing Service

D.G.M.S.

R.A.A.F. Head Quarters,

ALBERT PARK.

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Last edited on:

15 April 2025, 1:09 pm

Last updated: 15 April 2025