Helen Hanks

[6] In recognition of her contributions and by this time promoted to Ward Sister, she was awarded in 1919 the Royal Red Cross medal, second class – ARRC.

As a sign of the esteem in which she was held, she was invited to attend a reception at St James's Palace for Princess Marina of Greece on the eve of her wedding to the Duke, on 29 November 1934.

[14] Hanks was awarded the Royal Red Cross medal, second class – ARRC,[7] announced on 31 July 1919 in the 4th Supplement to the London Gazette.

[8] Contemporary accounts suggest that whilst she was shy, she was a firm and an occasionally intimidating leader, whom nurses held in high regard.

However, it is clear that she had great passion for her profession, caring deeply about nurses' training and development, offering them sage advice.

As Matron, she would have led a large staff, supported nurses' recruitment, training and development laying down strategic direction, rules and procedures for the profession.