Sister Janet: Nurse & Heroine of the Anglo-Zulu War, 1879

Brian Best · Katie Stossel

Apr 2006 · Pen and Sword

About this ebook

Janet Well's achievements make for fascinating reading. She was only 18 when decorated for her nursing service to the Russians in the 1878 Balkan War. The following year she became the only nurse to serve at the Front in the Anglo Zulu War. After a period in Northern Zululand she was sent to the garrison at Rorke' Drift very soon after the legendary action. Revered by the soldiers, she had to make do in appalling conditions with scant supplies. She overcame extreme difficulties and prejudice despite her youth. After returning to England in time for her 20th birthday, her achievements were recognized by the award of the Royal Red Cross - the highest accolade and the equivalent of the Victoria Cross. This is a gripping tale of a true heroine who refused to accept the conventions of the age and in so doing made a huge contribution to the welfare of the British Army.

Ratings and reviews

1870s, nursing, hospital-system, military-history, historical-research, historical-figures, historical-places-events, nonfiction***** This is not an unbiased review as I am a nurse and a history geek. Part 1 covers the horrible conditions awaiting the war wounded in Scutari during the Crimean War ( October 1853 to February 1856) and the Herculean work accomplished by Florence Nightingale assisted by the 125 nurses she brought with her from England. It also covers the elevation in the eyes of the populace of the profession of nurse and the establishment of the Red Cross and the tremendous changes in military hospital care. The next to influence care was Henri Dunant (Swiss humanitarian, businessman and social activist. He was the visionary, promoter and co-founder of the Red Cross) who changed conditions in Northern Italy around the Battle of Solferino in 1859 and established the hospital at Castiglione. Disease was rampant at home as well and things were changing in patient care. Part 2 covers the work and life of Nurse Janet Wells. Born in West London in 1859 into the family of a talented professor of music, she determined to become a Nursing Sister and serve at age 17. There is a good description of the education and learning process of the time. Then begins clear descriptions of the work she accomplished in the nursing service to the Russians in the 1878 Balkan War and became the only nurse to serve at the Front in the Anglo Zulu War. The due diligence into historical research and the use of her own journals is beyond impressive. I requested and received a free ebook copy from Pen & Sword Military via NetGalley. Thank you!

About the author

Brian Best has an Honours Degree in South African History and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was the founder of the Victoria Cross Society in 2002 and edits its Journal. He also lectures about the Victoria Cross and war art.