BX May 12, 1915

Annie Jane Hartley Appointed Matron of No. 4 University General Hospital

At the annual meeting of the Ladies’ Aid Society of Brant Avenue Methodist Church on Monday afternoon a resolution of appreciation was passed unanimously to Miss (Captain) Annie Jane Hartley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley, Niagara Street, who has been appointed Matron of the No. 4 University General Hospital, which will leave shortly for active service in the war zone. Miss Hartley has been for many years a member of Brant Avenue Church, and this means was taken by the ladies to express their happiness on learning of the great honor which has been conferred upon Captain Hartley in the appointment.

BX September 5, 1917

Matron Annie Jane Hartley Now in England – No. 4 Toronto University Hospital Has Left Saloniki

After two years work in Saloniki, Greece, No. 4 (University of Toronto) base hospital has been transferred. Matron Capt. Annie Hartley, R.R.C., of this city is one of the officers of this hospital. For some time this change has been expected and according to word received the movement has now been safely accomplished. The 4th University base hospital arrived at Saloniki, Greece, in the troublous times of November 1915, with Col. J.A. Roberts in command. They had excellently equipped establishment and officers and men, including some of the leading doctors of the city, alike earned a high reputation for their work. Several honors were bestowed on members of the unit for their creditable services.

BX July 18, 1919

Captain Annie Jane Hartley Has Returned Home

Brantford’s most distinguished daughter of Florence Nightingale, Captain Annie Hartley, returned to her home in the city last Saturday night and is now with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley, resting at 7 Niagara Street. Capt. Hartley is wearing her 1914 ribbon and the intervening time represents a long period of heroic work. She was matron of No. 4 General Hospital unit of the University of Toronto.

Captain Hartley went with No. 4 to Etaples and Boulogne. Later she took her nurses to Salonika in Greece, coming back to Basingstoke, England. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross for her splendid work at Salonika and was decorated personally by the King at Basingstoke. She was matron of over 2,500 beds.

Capt. Hartley was warmly praised at the welcome extended last Saturday afternoon in Convocation Hall, university of Toronto to the nurses and others of the university unit. In replying to Sir Robert Falconer’s words of welcome, Colonel Hendry expressed his appreciation of the help of the people who were at home. “The success of the hospital was due to the excellent staff of nurses,” he said, “under Miss Annie Hartley, who devoted every minute to the care of the sick, and to the doctors who have loyally supported me.”

Capt. Hartley went to Toronto this week and obtained her discharge. She is happy to be among her home surroundings once more.

BX June 25, 1925

In Memory of Heroic Nurses – Matron A.J. Hartley Takes Prominent Part in Service – Hundreds Attend

Matron A.J. Hartley of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, a nursing sister of who Brantford is proud, took a prominent part in the memorial services in memory of nursing sisters, who gave their lives in the Great War, held yesterday at Convocation Hall, Toronto, where hundreds gathered.

Three o’clock was the hour appointed by the National War Memorial committee in England for the services, which were to be held simultaneously in the various parts of the Empire.  Great Britain’s memorial to the 1,300 nurses who made the supreme sacrifice in the war, the newly restored “Five Sisters’ window in York Minster, was unveiled by the Duchess of York during an impressive service in that historic edifice.

Forty-Four From Canada

Forty-Four names adorn the oak screen which will hang beside the glorious window in York Minster in memory of the Canadian Army Nursing Service.  During the service in Convocation Hall, Matron A.J. Hartley, R.R.C. read the names while the audience stood with bowed heads.  Those from Canada who paid the supreme price were:  Matrons, Jessie Brown Jaggard and Margaret Marjory Fraser, and Nursing Sisters, Miriam Eastman Baker, Dorothy Mary Yarwood Baldwin, Grace Errol Bolton, Christina Campbell, Ainslie St. Clair Dagg, Lena Aloa Davis, Carola Josephine Douglas, Alexina Dussault, Minnie Asenath Follette, Agnes Florien Forneri, Margaret Jane Fortescue, Minnie Katherine Gallaher, Sara Ellen Garbutt, Victoria Belle Hennan, Leona Mae Jenner, Ida Lillian Kealy, Jessie Nelson King, Margaret Lowe, Henrietta Mallet, M. Frances E. Munro, Katherine Maud Macdonald, Clare MacKenzie, Agnes Macpherson, Pearl McCullough, Jessie Mabel McDiarmid, Rebecca McIntosh, Evelyn Verral McKay, Mary Agnes McKenzie, Rena McLean, Eileen Powers Peel, Eden Lyal Pringle, Ada Janet Ross, Mae Belle Sampson, Gladys Irene Sare, Etta Sparks, Anna Irene Stamers, Jean Templeman, Addie Allen Tupper, Dorothy Pearson Twist, Gladys Maude Mary Wake, Anna Elizabeth Whitely, (Mrs.) Alice Armstrong Wood.

Their Glorious Sacrifice

Canon W.C. Healey, who gave the inspiring memorial address, paid high tribute to the women who played their part in the hospital, the home, the factory, the field and many other places.  “But there was no service,” he said, “that was finer than that of our nursing sisters, and, I would add, of our Canadian nursing sisters.

“War is waste, but the work of the nursing sister is never waste “it is always reconstructive,” declared the speaker, who graphically pictured scenes in the overseas hospitals when the sisters carried out the weary routine of sickness and death with tender skill and heroic calm in face of direct danger.

“Was it worth while?  Was it worth the sacrifice of our best?” queried the speaker, “The answer to that is, it is for us to make it worthwhile by the sacrifice of our best; there is no other way.” 

An impressive silence of two minutes was observed; then the organ pealed forth the strains of the sacred hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”  Rev. N.A. McEachern offered prayer, and the audience repeated the Twenty-third Psalm in unison.  Rev. J.B. Grimshaw read the Scripture lesson, and the closing prayer and benediction was pronounced by Captain McElhinney of the Salvation Army.  Dr. F.A. Moure, who presided at the organ, brought the solemn service to a close with the Dead March in Saul, during the playing of which the audience remained standing.

BX September 14, 1929

Received Medal at Government House – Miss A.J. Hartley, R.R.C., Decorated Today by Lady Willingdon

(Special to The Expositor)

TORONTO, Sept. 14 – Her Excellency the Viscountess Willingdon, as president of the Canadian Red Cross Society, presented at Government House, Toronto, today to Miss Ann J. Hartley, R.R.C., the Florence Nightingale Medal.

Lt. Col. J.L. Biggar, national commissioner of the Canadian Red Cross Society, explained that this medal is awarded biennially by the international committee of the Red Cross at Geneva to a few nurses in various countries who have rendered conspicuous service in time of war or public calamity.

Mrs. H.P. Plumptre, chairman of the executive committee of the Canadian Red Cross Society, in presenting Miss Hartley to Her Excellency, stated that she had graduated from the Toronto General Hospital in 1903 where she remained from the date of her graduation until the outbreak of the Great War.  After attending a military course at the Quebec Military hospital she went overseas in May, 1915 as matron of No. 4 Canadian General hospital and served in France, Salonika and England.

For her services during the Great War she was awarded the Royal Red Cross, first class, in 1916 and a bar to this decoration in 1919. Since the war Miss Hartley has been matron of various government hospitals for returned soldiers and in January last she was appointed matron-in-chief for the hospitals of the department of pensions and national health.  In all these responsible positions Miss Hartley has shown a remarkable administrative and executive ability in addition to her professional attainments.  Mrs. Plumptre added that Miss Hartley’s distinguished service in the Canadian Expeditionary Force is not her only claim to honor now conferred upon her.  As matron of the Dominion Orthopedic Hospital she had the sympathetic counselor and friend of all efforts made by the Red Cross for the welfare of the patients under her care and the Canadian Red Cross Society rejoiced that, through this public recognition of her services, the society had been able to express its gratitude to Miss Hartley.

Her Excellency then presented the medal to Miss Hartley and congratulate her on being the recipient of this distinguished honor.

Mr. H.E. Mahon, chairman of the Central Council of the Canadian Red Cross Society, thanked Her Excellency for presenting the medal and his honor and Mrs. Ross for inviting representatives of the society to witness the ceremony.

Those invited to attend the presentation included representatives of the nursing profession and of the national, provincial and local organizations of the Red Cross as well as Mr. and Mrs. S.F. Hartley of Brantford, parents of the recipient.

BX September 14, 1929

Matron-in-Chief Annie Jane Hartley, R.R.C., Had Most Distinguished Career

(By E.T. Raymond)

The recent appointment of Miss Annie J. Hartley, as matron-in-chief of hospitals of pensions and national health was the cause of general gratification to overseas nurses, to other members of her profession, to ex-soldiers and to her friends, who are legion. It was no casual appointment. This newly created position, Dominion wide in its scope is one which entails much responsibility and consequently demands unusual qualifications.

Miss Hartley has held high the service lamp of Florence Nightingale, that great veteran war nurse whose healing shadow soldiers of the Crimea blessed. Miss Hartley has a proud record in peace and war. It is characterized by fidelity, sincerity thoroughness of detail and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds. But her courage, serenity and admirable administration remained invariable in all circumstances, whether she was doing duty in a Canadian mobilization camp, on service in a military camp in England; serving in a bomb shelled hospital in France, ministering to the suffering on a hospital ship, or guarding the health of troops at Salonika.

Miss Hartley was born in Brantford, Ontario where she received her early education. After being graduated from the Toronto General Hospital, she held various positions before going overseas as matron of No. 4 Canadian General Hospital University of Toronto in May 1915. Miss Hartley was for some time at Valcartier Camp, Quebec Canada’s first great mobilization camp, where soldiers first assembled before crossing to England. The health of the men was a most important war factor as experience of the Boer War had clearly pointed out. Camp sanitation, vaccinations, inoculations were all matters of safeguarding health and everything was done to keep soldiers well and fit before entering their life of endurance and hardships.

In England, Miss Hartley served at Basingstoke, and Shorncliffe. Later, she went to Etaples, France where the wounded were brought in from many battle fields to be ministered to. It was in this area, that Canada lost her first nursing sister to be killed in action, Katherine Maude Macdonald, also of Brantford. The courage of the nurses transcends the power of words to describe. Many remained calmly and courageously at their task despite continuous bombing.

In official reports it is recorded that the bombing of this hospital was deliberate and continuous and that doctors and nurses were fired upon, while attempting to rescue patients and carry them to a place of safety during the raids. 

Not only on land, but on the sea, Miss Hartley ministered to the sick and suffering. She was on hospital ship duty from Malta to Gallipoli, when ships were menaced with mines, torpedoes and aircraft and the sacred symbol of the Red Cross, hitherto recognized by the world as an insignia of mercy, reverted in its significance in the eyes of the enemy and seemed an invitation for deliberate attack rather than of protection.

In Salonika, Greece, Miss Hartley continued her war experiences as a nurse. Here, malaria was a deadly foe to the soldiers’ health and much had to be done to guard against its inroads.

For her distinguished service, Miss Hartley was awarded the Royal Red Cross, first class in 1916 and in dispatches by General Milne. The following year she was invested with the Royal Red Cross medal by His Majesty King George at Buckingham Palace. In 1917, she was awarded a bar to the Royal Red Cross.

Miss Hartley after so loyally and faithfully serving her country during the trying years of war and being honored at the hand of her Sovereign, returned to Canada for demobilization, July 1919. She spent a short holiday with her parents in Brantford, after which she was appointed matron  of the department of soldiers civil re-establishment hospital at Burlington, Ontario, October 1919-1920.

From there Miss Hartley went to Toronto, there to assume the position of matron of the Christie Street Hospital, where she is beloved by all ex soldier patients and has become most widely and favorably known. She had served our gallant Canadian soldiers before they left for overseas; safeguarded their health in distant lands; stitched wounds as they were brought in from the battlefields of France and now sought to help those whose wounds had perchance long since been healed, but were still courageously fighting the great Battle of Life.

To find a Canadian nursing sister with a prouder record than that of Miss Hartley would indeed be difficult. Her life’s experiences seem to have destined her to fill this responsible position, which will necessitate visits of hospital inspection from coast to coast. Who would better understand the details and adjustments of ex-soldier cases than Miss Hartley whose sympathy would be deeper and broader, whose judgment more just?  The many phases of her professional career under highly diversified conditions yield a harvest of rich experience and fit her soundly and thoroughly for the position of matron-in-chief of hospitals of pensions and of national health.

Miss Hartley’s most recent honor has been the award of the Florence Nightingale Medal. This award goes biennially to a few nurses in different countries who have “rendered conspicuous service in time of war and public calamity.”  With this Her Excellency Lady Willingdon decorated Miss Hartley, at noon today, at Government House, Toronto. 

At the World Congress of Nurses which attracted notable members of the nursing profession from every country in the world to Montreal in July Miss Hartley was one of the most distinguished and prominent delegates.

Miss Hartley’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Hartley, still reside in Brantford, where her brother Mr. H.J. Hartley, is assistant postmaster. She has two other brothers, Mr. Alfred Hartley in Joliet, Illinois and Mr. Arthur E. Hartley, Seattle, Washington, while a sister, Miss Ethel M. Hartley is at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.

Among the many tributes which Miss Hartley greatly prizes is one from her native city, sent on the occasion of a complimentary dinner tendered her in Toronto, when the mayor in a letter expressed the pride of citizens of Brantford that she had attained such enviable distinction in her profession and warmly extending heartiest congratulations.

It is a source of general gratification also, that Miss Hartley will retain the position of matron of Christie Street Hospital, where she is beloved by all, and where her arduous war-time experiences give her a deep sympathy and broad understanding, which finds a responsive chord in the hearts of all veterans of the Great War.

BX February 11, 1930

Miss Annie Jane Hartley, R.R.C., Addresses Women’s Canadian Club – Delighted Large Audience With Talk on “Care of the Ex-Service man” – Told of Assisting Factors in Care of Veterans – Commended Poppy Day to Public Attention – Recounted Needs and Care of Ex-Soldiers – Much Still to be Done

A happy feeling of renewed friendships pervaded the meeting of the Women’s Canadian Club yesterday afternoon, when the distinguished speaker of the occasion was Miss Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C., matron-in-chief of Hospitals, Pensions and National Health. Miss Hartley, who was wearing her Florence Nightingale medal, was most cordially welcomed by a host of friends and admirers, who were delighted to have the opportunity to express their pride and pleasure in the many well earned honors which had been bestowed upon her. Mrs. W.G. Martin, president, in an exceedingly neat speech introduced Miss Hartley as the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Hartley, one of Brantford’s most esteemed families, who had brought honor to her city. Miss Hartley was a graduate of Toronto General Hospital and went overseas with the military unit of Toronto University. She had served at Basingstoke, Shorncliffe, Etaples and Salonika and had also seen service on a hospital ship. She had been mentioned in dispatches by General Milne and had been awarded the Royal Red Cross which had been bestowed by His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace and to which a bar had been later added. Miss Hartley had been demobilized in Canada after the world war and had been appointed matron of the Soldiers’ Re-establishment hospital at Burlington in 1920. Later Miss Hartley was appointed matron-in-chief of Hospitals, Pensions and National Health. Then came the award of the distinction of the Florence Nightingale medal awarded by the International Red Cross Society, Geneva, which was formally bestowed by Her Excellency Lady Willingdon at Government House, Toronto, May 1929. In Toronto a complimentary banquet was tended to Miss Hartley, by members of her profession, when Miss E.M. McKee, superintendent of the Brantford General Hospital read an address sent by the mayor of Brantford citizens in Miss Hartley’s achievements.

Miss Hartley

Miss Hartley expressed her pleasure in being in Brantford again and in meeting old friends, her subject was “the Care of ex-Service Men,” and her hearers felt that it had a sympathetic and understanding authority presenting it. None knew better than Miss Hartley the needs of ex-soldiers and the treatment which should be meted out to them. She commended Brantford on its care of ex-service men and also the efforts of Red Cross on their behalf of the I.O.D.E. especially the Silver Cross chapter, Toronto, and many other organizations. She commended particularly to the attention of the public the interests of Poppy Day, and spoke highly on the value of occupational therapy. Miss Hartley recounted that 620,000 Canadians enlisted during the war; 60,000 died of wounds and disease; 74,000 pensioners; 195,000 dependents, who benefit by these pensions. The present department of pensions and national health, which was a recent amalgamation of the department of soldiers’ civil re-establishment and the department of public health, the former department being the outgrowth of the military hospitals commission, was because not only of its multifarious activities, the fact that it was the largest spending department in the government but chiefly because of the fact that it had to deal with disabled and returned veterans, subject to more public notice and interests than any other department in the government.

War’s Aftermath

As an aftermath of the Great War, many problems had to be considered, one of the largest of which was the rehabilitation of returned soldiers, which meant the securing of positions for those who had no positions to return to, and the suitable training of those, who could not return to their pre-war occupations. In previous wars, in all countries, any attempt at this work had been left largely to private philanthropy. The large percentage of the men of this country participating in the great war (with the unsettled occupations that it caused for many), the large number of disabilities it produced, taken together with those who had made the supreme sacrifice, so greatly reduced the man power of the country that it had become increasingly apparent that if the economic status of the country was to be maintained, and the soldiers, particularly the disabled soldiers, enabled to make a living, it would be necessary to re-train such ex-service men as were not fitted for their pre-war occupation; and it was to the credit of the Canadian government that it was the first of all the belligerent nations to introduce a definite scheme of vocational training and rehabilitation, the cost of which was borne by the public purse.

To date vocational training had extended to some 60,000 ex-service men, embracing practically every known occupation, including the trades, arts and even the professions. Some 43,000 graduated and original replacements were made for all who did. Departmental responsibility in this respect had almost ceased. There were still, however, the increased post-discharge disability and those who had undergone, or who were still undergoing protracted hospitalization, to whom vocational courses we still extended. It was difficult to say exactly what percentage of the vocationally trained were carrying on at their retrained occupations, but it was sufficient to say that the benefits had largely exceeded the anticipation of those responsible for the establishment of this work.

Adequate Pension

In addition to the subject of rehabilitation, there was also that of adequate pension. This, like all other problems in the care of ex-service men had gone through various stages of evolution, until at the present, without including any of the pernicious systems that had made pensions that bugbear of other countries, a pension system now existed that for justice and generosity was the equal of any in existence. Pension now for a single man with the rank of private for a full disability was $75 per month, and for a married man with three children $137 per month. In the provision as to whose pensions might be extended, the pension regulations were generous and in instances of doubt the applicant always received the benefit. There were now some 74,000 pensioners, with an expenditure of $40,000,000 annually on pensions, and as ex-service men were constantly accepted for pension, this amount was still growing and would continue to grow for some time. 

Treatment

With respect to treatment inspection and visits were carried out by medical and lay authorities of Canada and other lands, competent to express an opinion and in every instance it had been found that in equipment, treatment and results obtained, these hospitals had favorable comparison with other countries. Recently Christie Street hospital had been classified as grade “A.,” which was indisputable evidence of the high class of treatment administered. Throughout the Dominion the department had eight hospitals all equally well equipped and capable of giving efficient treatment to over 2,000 patients. In addition to this, the department had made arrangements with some 75 hospitals and sanatoria in the larger centres throughout the Dominion for the treatment of ex-service men. In addition to these hospitals there were medical representatives in all centres, where ex-soldiers population warranted such appointments for the immediate attention of their needs.

Just recently the honorable the minister of this department had been pleased to approve of (with certain reservations) the hospitalization of all pensioners for non-pensionable disabilities. This had been of great assistance in the relief of illness among pensioners. The act had only been in operation a short time and yet some 223 patients had been treated in this classification at Christie Street hospital and well over 1,000 in department hospitals. In addition the department conducted many other activities such as the manufacture of all artificial limbs and orthopedic appliances, including artificial eyes; returned soldiers’ insurance, loans, land settlement workshops and relief.

Future Requirements

One of the chief concerns at present was the proper care and protection of ageing veterans; in other words the creation of “Old Soldiers’ Homes.”  The minister of this department had already made certain provisions for the accommodation of such cases in hospitals. At present there were some 125 ex-service men taken care of in this way.

So far the system did not seem popular among veterans and the problem the committee had classified a great many as suitable for admission that refused to go in. The main reason was that they did not desire to leave their dependents (invariably an ageing wife) alone, and soldier like; they preferred to struggle on together. The minister, however, had this matter very much in mind and it was probable that a commission would be appointed in the near future to inquire into and make recommendations for the proper care of the needs of ageing veterans. 

The ex-service men, according to their ability to earn a living, could be divided into three classes, “A,” “B,” and “C” – “A,” the ex-service men who could and were still earning a living while in class “C,” were men, who had little or no work value, suitable for classification as veterans’ care cases, or for accommodation in “Old Soldiers’ Homes.”

In between were a great many ex-servicemen not able to compete in the general labor market, and yet not sufficiently disabled to be classified as veteran’s care cases. These men secured casual work during the summer and many who came for relief during winter, - how to take care of them was a distressing problem.

Some time ago, the department created Vetcraft shops. The original idea was to encourage the confidence and restore the work habit, so that they might graduate to independence. In the execution of this scheme, however, which was with the intent of rehabilitation it was discovered that there were a great many, who were physically not able to graduate, so the idea of the original vetcraft shops had to a certain extent been lost and had become a place for sheltered employment for disabled ex-service men. The success with which these shops had been operated had created the impression that they should be enlarged and that unemployment among ex-service men would to a great extent be solved. This would have been done but expansion meant increased production which meant increased competition for civilian manufacturers and it was doubtful as to how they might look upon a subsidized government institution capturing their business. Possibly they would sooner bear the burden in taxes. Against this was the belief that everyone had a right to earn a living. It was not the intention of this country that returned veterans should be placed in the class as paupers and if in the great war they had sacrificed that fitness which in these days is so necessary to earn a living, it was a duty to see that their pride was not crushed and that they were permitted to earn an honest living under whatever conditions seemed best.

At the Vetcraft shops were manufactured wooden toys of all descriptions, enamel top and kitchen tables; breakfast sets; playground equipment and the wreaths for Poppy Day. Attention was commended to Poppy Day, as it merited everyone’s interest under the present system of distributing funds; it was a means of assuaging distress among returned veterans. A scheme might be put into effect whereby relief for ex-service men instead of being distributed from various sources, as at present, might be distributed in each district by one central relief committee composed of representatives from the federal and provincial governments, and from the municipality and Poppy Day committee, each contributing such a sum as might be satisfactorily arrived at. It required much detail to be worked out. It had the advantage of overcoming duplication and of dividing responsibility.

Still Work to Do

In conclusion, Miss Hartley said that though much had been done for the ex-service men of Canada, which had been made possible not only by the government but by public support, there were still urgent and important things to be done. Some might be difficult, but it remained for the people of this country, whose interest in returned soldiers never waned, to assist by their co-operation and by bringing to the attention of the proper authorities in so far as they were able to discern, the further needs of those who had participated in the Great War. A vote of thanks was moved by Miss E.T. Raymond. Mrs. C.G. Royds presided at the piano.

BX February 12, 1930

Sister Annie Jane Hartley Made Member of Canadian Legion for Life – Honored by Brantford Veterans – Members of Patriotic Organizations, City Council, Nurses and Citizens Gathered to Pay Their Tribute to Distinguished Daughters of Brantford Parents

Supported by the patriotic organizations of the city, members of the City Council, city officials, and citizens, the Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion, British Empire Service League, last evening paid the highest tribute within their power to a distinguished daughter of Brantford, Nursing Sister Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C., in presenting her with life membership in the Brantford Branch of the Legion. The presentation and initiation ceremonies took place at an open meeting of the Legion held in Grace Church parish hall and attended by about 400 citizens including members of the City Council and city officials, the nine local chapters of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, the Kith and Kin, Catholic Women’s League, nurses of the Brantford General Hospital and Brant Sanatorium, the Victorian Order of Nurses, Florence Nightingale Association, Nurses’ Alumni, Local Council of Women, service clubs, Legion members and others.

Mayor Ross L. Beckett, as president of the Brantford Branch of the Legion, occupied the chair, welcoming the large gathering which by their attendance evidenced their interest in the work being carried on by the Legion in Brantford, and their appreciation of Miss Hartley’s effort on behalf of Canada’s war-scarred veterans. Speakers on the list included Robert E. Ryerson, M.P., Capt. Rev. W.G. Martin, M.L.A., and W. Ross Macdonald, Miss E.M. McKee, and Miss Hartley, who responded to the mayor’s presentation address.

Miss McKee, president of the Registered Nurses; Association of Ontario, as representative of the local nurses, thanked the Legion for their action in conferring the honor of life membership on Miss Hartley as a member of the nursing profession, and paid high tribute to Miss Hartley for her very distinguished record as a nurse.

R.E. Ryerson M.P.

R.E. Ryerson, M.P. introduced by Mayor Beckett, declared it his greatest pleasure to be able to assist in honoring one who had devoted so much of her life to the relief of suffering humanity as had Miss Hartley. He commented in particular upon her efforts in the interests of the returned men of Canada, as matron-in-chief of Canada’s military hospitals. “In honoring Miss Hartley,” he said, “you are honoring the Canadian Legion. The name of Matron-in-Chief Annie J. Hartley added to your membership will bring honor to Legion members, not only in Brantford, but throughout Canada.”  Reading a memorandum of the record of service, appointments, honors and decorations conferred upon Nursing Sister Hartley, Mr. Ryerson declared that in her record of achievement she was outstanding among Canadian women. The memorandum which he presented follows:

“Matron-in-Chief Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C.,; born in Brantford; daughter of Samuel and Mrs. Hartley, Niagara Street; educated at public and high school of this city; trained and was graduated from Toronto General hospital; was night superintendent of that institution at the outbreak of the Great War; was appointed matron No. 4 Canadian General hospital, March 1915; went overseas as matron No. 4 Canadian General hospital, University of Toronto unit, May 1915, after military training at Quebec Military hospital; served in military hospitals at Basingstoke and Shorncliffe, England, and at general base military hospital, Etaples, France; served on hospital ships operating between Malta and the Gallipoli peninsula, and in the military hospitals at Salonika.

“For her distinguished services Miss Hartley was awarded: The Royal red Cross, first class in 1916; in the same year was mentioned in dispatches by General Milne; in 1917 she was invested with the Royal Red Cross by His Majesty King George at Buckingham Palace; again in 1917 she was awarded a bar to the Royal Red Cross; returned to Canada for demobilization, July, 1919; appointed matron of the Department of Soldiers’ Civil re-Establishment hospital at Burlington, October 1919; appointed matron Christie Street hospital, Toronto, 1920; awarded Florence Nightingale medal by the International Red Cross Society at Geneva, May 1929 and decorated with the same by Her Excellency Lady Willingdon at Government House, Toronto, September 1929; Appointed matron-in-chief of hospitals under the Department of Pensions and National Health, January 1929; honored by the city of Brantford in presentation of address signed by Mayor Ross Beckett, and read by Miss McKee, superintendent of the Brantford General Hospital, at a banquet given in her honor by the nurses in Toronto.”

Capt. W.G. Martin, M.L.A.

W.G. Martin, M.L.A., brought felicitations to Miss Hartley from Capt. Rev. W.F. McConnell of Paris, who as a chaplain served in the same area with her in Gallipoli. Capt. McConnell regretted his inability to be present last evening.
Brantford has produced many great citizens, and had made tremendous contributions to the building up of Canada, Rev. Capt. Martin declared in his address, but no name was worthy of finer recognition than that of Miss Annie J. Hartley. “We in Brantford, in Ontario, and Canada are born to a great heritage,” he said. In the story of our city, or nation and Empire, was written a chapter that dealt with the knights and ladies of the Red Cross, instituted by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. The Lady of the Lamp, she had organized her nurses and gone out to the crude hospitals of that day in the battle area, bringing her message of sympathy, comfort and cheer where all was misery and suffering.

The Red Cross organized by her had ministered to and brought comfort and healing to millions since the early days of the Crimea. The Red Cross nurses did not spare themselves and dangers of the battle area and all did not return. There was no more wonderful monument than that in the heart of the Empire, at London, to a woman who followed in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale, and who was faithful unto death, Edith Cavell. Brantford particularly honored the memory of Maude Macdonald who likewise had given her life in this service during the World War. “We are expressing our thankfulness to one who came back to carry on her great work.”  Rev. Capt. Martin said, Sister Hartley was carrying on a Christie Street, where were many brave men who would never again be well and strong. She deemed it her highest reward to seize high the torch thrown to her by her sisters over there.

W. Ross Macdonald

W. Ross Macdonald paid tribute to the part played by Miss Hartley in the service of the British Empire. The Legion was a service organization and it was fitting that they should honor Miss Hartley, a native of Brantford, who had rendered such outstanding service to the Empire. The war had brought about many changes and revelations, Mr. Macdonald declared, but one of the greatest was in showing the capacity of the women of the Empire. When the men were all taken away to the war areas, the women carried on at home, in business and in the factories, taking over many of the men’s tasks and showing they could do them. Florence Nightingale in her day had the courage to tell the authorities that they could not do without the services of the women in tending the wounded in the battle areas, and in the late war as in her time the Red Cross nurse had taken her place in the hospitals, behind the fighting lines, always ready, regardless of the dangers, to minister to the wounded brought back.

“I consider it a great honor to welcome to the ranks of the Canadian Legion, Miss Annie J. Hartley, one of the Florence Nightingales of the twentieth century,” the speaker concluded.

Initiation Ceremony

At this point in the program President Beckett called the members of the Legion executive to the platform where they were introduced and the formal initiation of Miss Hartley as a member of the Branch was carried out. The emblems of the Legion, the Flag, the Flanders Poppy, and the membership badge were placed upon a table before the candidate who was presented by Sergeant-at-arms Harry Gibbons. The initiation was conducted by President Beckett assisted by Vice Presidents James F. Mellor, and Lewis Roberts, and R.L. Robbins, Lieut.-Col. C.E. Morgan and George Blathwayt. The aims and objects of the Legion as a unit of the British Empire Service League were ready by Vice President Mellor, following which President Beckett made the presentation to Miss Hartley of a life membership badge.

Miss Hartley responded, voicing her appreciation of the section of the Brantford Branch of the Legion, and her continued interest in her native Brantford. She spoke briefly of her hospital work and of Brantford men under her care at Christie Street, pledging herself to do all possible in their best interests and to make them comfortable. She also invited her Brantford friends interested to visit the hospital when in Toronto.

Miss Hartley was enthusiastically received by the large audience, who also gave hearty expression in their applause upon the introduction by President Becket of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley, of this city. Miss Hartley was the recipient also of two handsome gifts of flowers.

Much was added to the enjoyment of the program by entertainment by Miss Bernice Kitchen, soprano soloist, who also the recipient of a large bouquet of flowers. Readings by Thomas Forgie proved very popular also, and selections by the Canadian Legion band were much appreciated.

The arrangements for the meeting were carried out by a committee under the chairmanship of Ald. Walter L. Wells and including also J.F. Mellor, Reg. L. Robins and A.A. Murray. The band was under the leadership of Bandmaster W. Acland.

The most successful program was concluded with the closing words customary at all Legion meetings, and the National Anthem. Miss Hartley remained after the meeting to renew many acquaintances and receive the personal good wishes and congratulations of many of those who wished to meet her.

BX April 25, 1931

Miss Annie Jane Hartley, R.R.C., is the first life member of the Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion.

Miss Annie Jane Hartley, R.R.C., is the first life member of the Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion. Miss Hartley has a distinguished record, both as a war nurse and as a leader in her profession in Canada since the war. Upon her appointment a little over a year ago to be Matron-in-Chief of all the military hospitals in the Dominion, the returned men of her native city, Brantford, as represented by Branch 90, Canadian Legion, showed their appreciation of her work on behalf of the soldier in hospital both during and since the war, by asking her to accept life membership in their branch. At a special open meeting of the Branch, attended by many citizens, she was formally initiated into full membership by the members of the branch executive under Mayor Beckett, then president.

BX November 11, 1931

Captain A. Hartley, R.R.C., Recalls Days of War in Various Areas – Started Military Career with “God Bless You” From Commanding Officer – Nurses Who Went to Gallipoli Told They Might Not Return – Courage of Canadian Soldiers

Captain A. Hartley, R.R.C., as representative of the Military Nursing Service, recalled for The Expositor the following reminiscences on the service of units to which she was attached during the war and also her reasons for pleasure that the name Armistice Day had been officially changed to that of Remembrance Day:

First, because it is a day to honor our comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice that we might have peace for our Empire. 

Secondly, it is Remembrance Day for thousands of soldiers still in our Military hospitals in Canada, suffering the effects of war, who with their continued spirit of courage and bravery, are trying to carry on.

Thirdly, to the noble band of women, the wearers of the Silver Cross given them by the Canadian government, it is their day of remembrance.  Sad but proud that their loved ones gave their lives to their country and Empire peace.  When listening to the “Last Post,” let your hearts be lifted up, knowing your loved ones hear the bugle call in their honor.  It is a Remembrance Day for all – for those who had to remain at home and make it possible for us to go; and how the women in all ranks of life worked together for the one cause, forgetting self and looking forward to Empire peace!

My first full realization after training was felt when landing from a troop ship at Plymouth; a British Major handed me an order which stated that in half an hour I and my nursing staff should proceed to London for further orders, so with a handshake from our commanding officer and the words ‘God be with you,’ we started on our varied military nursing careers.  First we had our order of obedience and action, and I am sure each prayed for wisdom to do her very best under all conditions.  In a few days we were sent to France.  My experience was in Etaples, France, where hundreds of wounded men were brought in every day to our hospitals.  Immediately every nurse forgot self entirely in ministering to the wounded, and great was the spirit of bravery shown by our wonderful Canadian soldiers.  I was indeed thankful to be able to help relieve the suffering.  After two months in France, our next order was to return to England to Shorncliffe to take over a hospital for our Canadian men.  It was an ideal place for a hospital.  After a few months, further orders came to go to the near East.  Each nurse was told she did not have to go, also that she might never return, as conditions were very different in the East.  Every nurse was ready for the order to proceed.  We arrived at Gallipoli at Sulva bay, where so many brave Australians had been killed by Turks.  For three days we were in the fighting area on hospital ship duty, when 850 sick and dying patients were taken on board, and proceeded back to Malta or Melita, the place of Paul’s shipwreck.  We remained in Malta a month.  Nurses were detailed to British hospitals where patients were ill with malaria, typhoid and every disease.  Malta is a very historic island and hospital base for British soldiers.  We then went to Salonica, or Thessalonica, the Biblical name, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, where there were soldiers of all nations.  On our arrival, we felt we were in the land of bandits for poverty and rags seemed everywhere.  There were Rumanians, Bulgarians, Serbians, Greeks, Russians, French, Armenians and British soldiers.  It would take too long to give an account of our work in Salonica, but I will leave one picture with you of a Sunday service at our hospital, an area near the Mediterranean Sea, the hospital for Indian soldiers from India on our left, the No. 5 hospital from Vancouver and the West in front of us, the British Forty-third General behind us, the British Hospital for Serbians east of us, and militia camps and hospitals on adjacent hills.  It is the hour of sunset, and to those who have not seen a sunset near the Mediterranean, there is nothing elsewhere to equal its glory.  The sun seemed so much larger and so red, like a ball of fire, that it almost alarmed you.  Hundreds of patients and staff assembled for the service held in the open and facing the sun.  I may say we possibly remember little of the service in watching the sunset as our thoughts travelled thousands of miles back to our loved ones at home, also having service at the same time and praying for us that we would be given wisdom and strength to carry on.  When our chaplain gave out the hymn ‘Unto the Hills do I Lift up Mine eyes,’ you can imagine how, surrounded by mountains Olympus, Athos, Hortiatis and others, and watching the amazing colors spread over the tops of the mountains by the setting sun, we were literally lifted up in spirit.  It seemed that the psalm had been written especially for us there in that far-off country, and so at the setting sun each felt that God was in his Heaven and watching over us.

We finally returned to England and spent two years at Basingstoke where thousands of our Canadian soldiers were treated.  We had our Sunday services in the morning in England and France, always largely attended.  We were in quarantine for influenza, when Armistice was proclaimed, so were not allowed to see the rejoicing in London, but had a service of thanksgiving in the hospital.

We returned to Canada in 1919 and since have been carrying on with nursing service to the soldiers in our military hospitals, feeling we have the full assurance of future Empire peace.

BX August 17, 1936

Miss Annie Jane Hartley, R.R.C.

The retirement of Nursing Sister Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C. Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, and Matron-in-Chief, the Department of Pensions and National Health, will be learned with general regret throughout the Province of Ontario.  She had been decorated by His Majesty, the late King George the Fifth, with the Royal Red Cross and bar, and had received the highest award possible of achievement by her profession, in the gift of the International Red Cross Society, Geneva, that of the Florence Nightingale medal.

Miss Hartley arrived in the City yesterday, having been motored to Brantford by her brother, Postmaster H.J. Hartley, and is now at her home, 7 Niagara Street, with her mother, Mrs. S. Hartley.  Miss Hartley, who has been in ill health, retires after 37 years of nursing service, over a score of which have been given to the care of invalid soldiers.

During her long distinguished career, Miss Hartley nursed in a Gallipoli hospital ship and for nearly two months was matron at Salonica of a 2,000 bed hospital.  She was a good disciplinarian but was loved and respected by the thousands of soldiers who came under her care.  Modesty, sympathy, self-effacement are some of the many fine characteristics possessed by this noble nurse.

She was educated at the Brantford Collegiate Institute and graduated from the Toronto General Hospital, where she held several important positions.  She went overseas in May 1915, as Matron of No. 4 Canadian General Hospital.  She served in England, France, Malta, Gallipoli and Salonica.  She was twice mentioned in dispatches.  She returned to Canada, July 1919 and was appointed Matron of Burlington D.S.C.R. Hospital and in 1920 was made Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto.  She had the distinction of being made Chief Matron of the Department of Pensions and National Health Hospitals of Canada in 1927.  She was made a life member of Post 90, Canadian Legion, Brantford.  In 1935 she received the King’s Jubilee medal.

Miss Hartley is one of Canada’s most distinguished nurses.  Devotion to duty when she was physically unfit aggravated her illness.  Her name stands high on the roll of honor of her country which she served loyally in the time of peace and war.

BX August 18, 1936

Suggests Ontario Convey Some Token – Tribute Paid to Miss Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C. for Her Long, Faithful Service

(Toronto Globe)

Nursing Sister Annie Hartley, for 15 years matron of Christie Street Hospital, left Toronto on Sunday for her home in Brantford, having been forced by ill health to resign her position.

Her breakdown is attributable, in part at least, to the tirelessness with which she – herself a war hero – has pursued her work on behalf of men broken in war.

She went overseas in 1915, to become the matron of one of the most famous of Canadian hospital units.  In recognition of her services she was awarded the Florence Nightingale medal of the International Red Cross, the highest honor given to a member of the nursing profession.

For valor, King George presented her with the Royal Red Cross and bar.  She was mentioned twice in dispatches.

Miss Hartley devoted 37 years to nursing, 21 of them on behalf of war wounded.  Two years ago her own health gave way and she was forced to rest.

But not for long.  Before she had recovered fully she was back at her post, the result being that, though she struggled on bravely and without complaint, she had been compelled to give up – only temporarily, it will be hoped – her life work of sacrifice.

Acting Mayor W.D. Robbins has announced that he will recommend the granting of some sort of civic recognition to Miss Hartley.

That it will be accorded ungrudgingly can scarcely be doubted.  This lady has been honored by the British Throne; she has been honored by Geneva; that she retains the love of the veterans for whom she has spent so many years of her life goes without saying.

It would not seem too much to ask that not only Toronto, but Ontario as a whole, be asked to convey to her some token of its gratitude for her devotion.

BX November 9, 1936

Miss Annie Hartley Honored by Nurses – Gift Prompted by Affection and Appreciation of Associates Who Served Overseas

Among the many richly merited honors that have been awarded to Miss Annie Hartley, R.R.C., former Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, where she continued her heroic service for Canadian soldiers suffering as an aftermath of the World War, none will have greater significance than that of the Overseas Nursing Sisters’ Association, recently presented in the Round Room, Eaton’s Toronto.  In the deeply regretted absence, through illness of Miss Hartley, Mrs. A. Van Koughnet, Toronto, well known in this City, received the gift and expressed appreciation on behalf of Miss Hartley for the kindly thought which prompted it.  From the Overseas Nursing Sisters’ Association the gift is especially prized by Miss Hartley, whose long service and fidelity, which won for her the highest honors attainable in her chosen profession, led the way and inspired many others in the nursing filed. From her initial step she has held the highest ideals, many of which have blossomed into reality during her brilliant career.

BX August 22, 1944

Captain Annie Jane Hartley Passes at Home Here – Death Calls Great Nurse Who Gave Valiant Services in War

Captain Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C., and Bar, who served with much distinction in the First Great War, and was a former Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, died at her home, 7 Niagara Street, here today.

Miss Hartley, who was born in this city and received her early education here, was a graduate of Toronto General Hospital. She held various positions before going overseas as Matron of No. 4 Canadian General Hospital, University of Toronto, in May 1915.

No Canadian nurse more worthily emulated the spirit of Florence Nightingale than did Captain Hartley. For her distinguished services in the war she was awarded the Royal Red Cross, first class in 1916, and in the same year was Mentioned in Dispatches. The following year she was invested with the Royal Red Cross medal by King George V at Buckingham Palace. In 1917 she was awarded a Bar to the Royal Red Cross. On May 12, 1929 she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal, an award that goes biennially to a few nurses who have “rendered conspicuous service in time of war and public calamity.”  Her Excellency Lady Willingdon, wife of the Governor General of Canada at the time, decorated Captain Hartley with this coveted award, at Government House, Toronto.

Captain Hartley served in hospitals of England and France, on hospital ship duty from Malta to Gallipoli (when ships were menaced by mines and submarines torpedoes) and in Thessalonike (Salonika).

She returned to Canada and was demobilized in July, 1919. After spending a short time at her home here, she was appointed Matron of the Department of Soldiers Civil Re-establishment Hospital at Burlington, Ontario, serving there until 1920, when she accepted the position of Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, where she was much beloved by veteran soldier patients. She was also Matron-in-Chief of Hospitals, Pensions and national Health, entailing inspection of Canadian Hospitals from coast to coast.

Captain Hartley was one of the most notable figures at the World Congress of Nurses in 1930 in Montreal, a Congress which was attended by world renowned delegates.

The Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion presented her with a life membership some years ago, the first woman to receive such an honor.

Captain Hartley was the daughter of the late Samuel and Sarah Hartley. She is survived by a sister, Miss Ethel M. Hartley, City and three brothers, H.J. Hartley, Postmaster here, Alfred Hartley, Joliet, Ill., and Arthur E. Hartley, Olympia, Washington.

Captain Hartley is resting at Thorpe Bros. Funeral Home, West Street, where the funeral service will be conducted Thursday afternoon. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

BX August 23, 1944

A Notable Career

It was with profound sorrow that the community learned of the death yesterday of Captain Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C. and bar, who after a long and distinguished career breathed her last in the City where she was born.  Fidelity, efficiency and modesty characterized her life service in peace and war.  Among the many well-deserved tributes paid to Miss Hartley’s memory is that of Dr. W.B. Hendry, who commanded No. 4 Canadian General Hospital, with which Captain Hartley served with such distinction in the First Great War.  He said “Captain Hartley was one of the best Matrons in the Imperial Service.”

On her retirement in 1936, as Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, Miss Hartley was presented with a gift of silver plate and an illuminated address from the City of Toronto.

She was a life-member of Post 90, Canadian Legion, Brantford, and an Honorary Vice-President of the Brantford Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society.

Of Miss Hartley’s descriptions of various war zones in which she served, one picture, which revealed her deep spiritual nature, lingers most vividly in mind.  Hundreds of sick and wounded men of many nationalities, including Canadians, were assembled for a sunset Sunday service on the shores of the Mediterranean – and the glory of a Mediterranean sunset, she said, was indescribable.  “Possibly,” she continued, “we were thinking little of the service, watching the radiant beauty of the sun and our thoughts traveled thousands of miles to our loved ones back home, also having service, perhaps at the same time, and praying for us that we might be given wisdom to carry on, - when our Chaplain gave out the hymn, ‘Unto the Hills Do I lift up Mine Eyes.’  You may imagine how, surrounded by mountains and watching the amazing colors of the setting sun spread over the mountain tops, we were literally lifted up in spirit.  It seemed that the Psalm had been written especially for us there in that far-off country, and so at the setting of the sun, each felt that God was in His Heaven watching over us.”

And so it was and is – Editor, Women’s Page

BX August 25, 1944

Final Tribute is Paid to Captain Annie Hartley

Impressive final tribute to an outstanding Canadian nurse who had served with distinction in war and peace was paid by a large gathering of relatives and friends, military and veterans’ representatives, members of the nursing profession, and civilians in all walks of life, as Captain Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C. and bar, was accorded military honors and laid to rest Thursday afternoon in Greenwood Cemetery.

Fitting recognition of Miss Hartley’s life of service was voiced by Rev. Dr. C.M. Currie, Minister of Brant Avenue United Church, who was in charge of the service, and Rev. John Kelman, Minister of Central Presbyterian Church and Padre of Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sidney Lambert, O.B.E., Padre of Christie Street Hospital in Toronto, who had come to Brantford on Wednesday and conducted a brief service, was unable to attend the public service yesterday afternoon in Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home, but Mr. Kelman read the following message from Colonel Lambert:

Padre’s Tribute

“My humble tribute I give to my friend and comrade, Matron Anne Hartley, who served with the greatest honor and distinctive service all the period of the Great War, 1914-1918; overseas, serving as Matron with No. 4 Canadian General Army Medical Corps; returning after the war with her unit; wearing the Royal Red Cross with bar; the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal with Oak Leaves and the General Service Medal, all of which tell of her splendid service to the wounded. 

“Miss Hartley was for many years Matron of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, her service there being rewarded by one of the world’s greatest honors, the Florence Nightingale Medal.  Added to this was the King’s Jubilee Meal.  All of these she proudly wears in death.

“Her sacrificial service on earth will certainly be rewarded in Heaven, for not only was she an outstanding Army officer but also a real Christian soldier.  On behalf of the patients and staff of Christie Street Hospital, I extend sincerest sympathy to all who gather to pay their last tribute to this devoted servant of Canada.

“On the tombstone of Florence Nightingale in England are these simple words” ‘Let her works praise her. These also apply to our devoted comrade now at rest.  God bless you all and comfort you all in this great sorrow.”

Dr. Currie in a brief address said that while, from the dawn of time, men had feared death, the coming of Christ had made men look upon death in a new way.  The grave had lost its victory, death had lost its sting.  Death was a call to a higher service, for which this life was a preparation.

“The servant who we mourn today has been called to that higher service,” Dr. Currie said.  “her years of service here for her fellow men have fitted her for that higher service.

“A good life lived in the service of our fellow men will receive the favor of our Father yonder.  We commend this servant of God unto her Maker and her Father.”

The nurse’s cap nested on the Union Jack which draped the casket as the long funeral cortege left the Funeral Home headed by a military party from No. 20 Canadian Infantry Basic Training Centre and a Canadian Legion Guard of honor at slow march.
Three volleys were fired at the graveside, “Last Post,” and “Reville” were sounded and at the conclusion of the committal service, poppies of Remembrance were dropped in the grave.

The pallbearers were Thomas McKenzie, Major E. Sweet, K.C., D.T. Williamson, Major R.J. Black, Arnold G. Hitchon and Dr. F. Britten.

Groups Represented

Representing the Administrator, the Matron and staff of Christie Street Hospital, Miss Ella Drysdale, R.R.C.  Assistant Matron, was accompanied by the following Nursing Sisters: Miss Hazlett, Miss Sovereign, Miss Ross, Miss Mason, Miss Pringle, Miss Miller and Miss Henderson.  Other out-of-town nurses attending included: Miss Helen Hanna, of Westminster Hospital, London, Ont.; Miss Edna Howie, Toronto Alumni (General Hospital) Association, of which the late Nursing Sister Hartley was a member; Miss Edna Ware, Ontario Provincial Department of health; Mrs. McAvoy and Mrs. L. Augustina, New York, formerly associated with Nursing Sister Hartley; Mrs. Krasis, formerly Superintendent of Bradford Hospital, and Matron of Nursing Services, Military District No. 2, Major Christine Crawford, R.R.C.

Col. H.H. Argue, M.C. Medical Officer of Military District No. 2 attended, with Major W. T. McLean, E.D. Medical Officer of No. 20 C.I.B.T.C.

Representing the patients of Christie Street Hospital, Percy Rimmall, of the 16th Battalion, C.E.F., a legless veteran, for 25 years a patient of Christie Street Hospital, drove his own car full of Nursing Sisters from Toronto for the funeral.  He has special attachments arranged so that he controls the car with his hands only.  He took back with him a basket of flowers from Miss Hartley’s family here, to the veterans in Christie Street Hospital.

Representing the Hamilton and District Office, Department of Pensions and National Health was R.H. Mann.

Officers of the Legion attended along with other Legionnaires, many of whom were former patients of the late Nursing Sister Hartley; veterans of the C.E.F., South African veterans who also served in the C.E.F., and others who served in Gallipoli.  Women Legionnaires attending, formerly of Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps, were Mrs. Elsie Mann and Mrs. Patricia Cheevers.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sidney Lambert Padre of Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, who due to pressing duties was unable to assist at the funeral service of Captain Annie J. Hartley, Royal Red Cross and Bar, which took place Thursday afternoon, was in the City Wednesday to convey to the bereaved family the sympathy of all war veterans at Christie Street Hospital.  He also wrote the tribute to her memory read by Rev. John Kelman at Capt. Hartley’s funeral.  At the family’s request some of the funeral tributes will be sent to Christie Street Hospital, Toronto and to No. 20 C.I.B.T.C.

Among the many beautiful floral tributes were those from Doctors and Nursing Sisters of Christie Street Hospital; Overseas Nurses; Nursing Sisters of No. 4 Canadian General Hospital; Toronto General Hospital Alumnae Association School of Nursing; Brant Avenue United Church; Brantford Red Cross Branch; Brantford Letter Carriers, and Post Office Clerks; Canadian Legion Branch 90.

BX August 25, 1944

Sorrow at Death of Veteran War Nurse – R.H. Mann, President, Branch 90, Canadian Legion Pays Tribute to Capt. A.J. Hartley

R.H. Mann, President of Branch 90, Canadian Legion, pays the following tribute to the memory of Capt. Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C. and bar, Honorary Life-Member of the Legion:

As Legionnaires pause in silent tribute to the memory of our late beloved Honorary Life Member, Capt. Annie J. Hartley, R.R.C., with bar, a picture comes into our mind’s eye of a stately, gracious woman, who will live on in memory, so long as veterans of the war of 1914-1918 remain.

Those who were not privileged to have met her, heard of her great work from those who had enjoyed the experience of knowing her.

To the boys of the Old Canadian Corps, Nurse Hartley” was “the Canon Scott of the nursing profession.”  She belonged to us all, not to those alone to whom she had ministered, for her fame, so well earned, had spread throughout the ranks.

We hear of her work in field-hospitals and on hospital ships; we heard of and some of us experienced her cool, steadying courage under the fire of battle, and on through the days of peace.  “Nurse Hartley” carried on.  Through various appointments such as Matron of Christie Street Hospital and finally Matron-in-Chief of Hospitals under the Department of Pensions and National Health, “Nurse Hartley” served the old Canadian Corps with zeal and devotion.

Branch 90 conferred its highest possible honour on her – that of Honorary Life Membership.  The only other member thus honored was Past President James Shute.

In gratitude and affection, we shall always remember Legionnaire Nurse Hartley.  No one exemplified the exquisite beauty of her profession, or ministered to the relief of human suffering and the saving of lives, better than our late member.

In life, she could command respectful obedience from any of the troops under her care.  And now, as she passes from our midst, her voice will still be heard, in quiet but firm command, “Carry on.”