Kathleen (k/a Katie) BOLGER

Kathleen (k/a Katie) BOLGER. Sister 2/Res/B/1257 QAIMNSR.

Born 06 November 1872 to Edward and Margret Bolger, of Tullow, County Carlow, Ireland.

Died at 08-25 p.m. of pneumonia in Wiltshire 5 March 1916 aged 30 in Sutton Veny Military Hospital.

At rest in St John Churchyard, Sutton Veny, Wiltshire.
Commemorated on the Nurses Memorial, St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Some notes from her service records -
Joined up 27 November 1916
Trained at St Vincents Hospital Dublin for 9 years from January 1907.

Her service records show no postings or when she was admitted to hospital etc. The records that are shown, all relate to her affairs after she passed away.

Extract from Freeman's Journal - Monday 13 March 1916 -

Death of an Irish Nursing Sister.
The death and funeral of an Irish Nursing Sister Catherine Bolger of Tullow, Co Carlow, came to Sutton Veny Military Hospital, Wiltshire about four months ago to take up duties of Sister. Her bright and happy disposition soon made her a favourite, not only with the matron and staff but particularly with the patients and her loss is greatly felt by all. She contracted pneumonia only a week ago and although she received every care and attention, she passed away on Sunday week last, fortified with all the rites of Holy Church. As she expressed a wish to be buried in the local churchyard her request was acceded to. The funeral procession fell at 10 o’clock on Tuesday, March 7th in the hospital grounds, to proceed to Sutton Veny Church. As she had the military status pf an officer, an officer of the 15th London Regiment was in command of the firing party which headed the procession with reversed arms. Next came the coffin covered with the Union Jack and flag of the R.A.M.C. hidden with wreaths and carried on a gun-carriage drawn by black horses of the 12th London F.A. (Field Artillery). Immediately behind were Mr Bolger, brother of the deceased and the Rev. Father Corcoran, S.C.F., London Irish Rifles. The bearer party, furnished by sergeants of the R.A.M.C., walked on either side of the gun-carriage. The band of the R.A.M.C., kingly lent by Col. Begie, Sailsbury Training Centre played the “Dead March” on the way to the churchyard and the procession was complete by 250 men of the R.A.M.C., under the command of Lieut. J.D. Ryan. R.A.M.C. When the funeral party arrived at the church the body was met and blessed by Father Corcoran and carried to the graveside. Here the hospital staff, firing party, buglers, and men were formed up and listened most attentively to the solemn words of the funeral service. When the priest concluded his duties the firing party discharged three rounds and the buglers sounded the “Last Post”, a sad and mournful note, heard by the soldier every evening and sounded finally over his grave. Thus was laid to rest with full military honours, the body of Sister Bolger. She died as a soldier; she was buried as a soldier; she was buried as a soldier. All along the line of march were officers and men of all nationalities standing to attention as she passed on her last journey. May God rest her soul!