Margaret Janson BIRKETT

Margaret Janson BIRKETT. Nurse VAD 60 Chislehurst District, Kent.
Born 1890 at Chislehurst, Kent to Louis and Agnes Birkett nee Wreford.

1901 residing with her parents and siblings at Summer Hill, Chislehurst, Kent. 1911 boarding at the home of Moore family at St Govans, Eldorado Crescent, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, occupation, Governess. While working as a Governess she joined the Red Cross. Her first posting was at Brooklyn on of the temporary hospitals in Lubbock Road, Chislehurst. She started out on night duty; her knowledge of French was helpful and she was apparently a great favourite with the soldiers. She then moved on to day duty at Abbey Lodge VAD Hospital, Lubbock Road, having worked a full shift on Monday 14th she was taken ill the next day and died on Wednesday 16th December 1914 aged only 25.

The funeral took place at St Nicholas Church on 18th December 1914, all of Chislehurst was said to be in mourning. Nurses, stretcher bearers and all who could walk attended the service; the path through the lichgate was lined with nurses. Two Belgian soldiers in uniform stepped towards the grave and saluting, lowered two wreaths which were tied with the Belgian colours.

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Margaret Janson Birkett of 3 Summer Hill, Chislehurst, Kent died 16 December 1914. Her effects went to her father, merchant’s clerk.

Her brother Harold Wreford Birkett. Born 16 July 1885 at Chislehurst. Sergeant 442024, 7th Canadian Infantry. Gave his life for his country 9 September 1916 aged 31. Commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France. (Please note CWGC lists his rank as Private)

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