Remembering Dorothy Mary Yarwood Baldwin
Baldwin, Dorothy Mary Yarwood, Government of Canada. File no. 392-2-270
During the First World War the closest that a nursing sister would get to the front lines of war was the casualty clearing stations that were set up a great distance away from the line of action in order to protect the sisters from bullet strikes, with that being said, they were not completely safe from the dangers of war. Early on May 30th, just after midnight, the No. 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, located in Doullens, France became the victim of an air raid by enemy forces resulting death, among those who passed away because of this attack was nursing sister Dorothy Mary Yarwood Baldwin. According to her death certificate above she initially survived the attack but had succumbed to her injuries shortly after the attack. This horrific attack demonstrates that though the chances of being exposed to danger was small, it was still something that was a harsh reality for the nursing sisters. Without their bravery and devotion during this time, many more would have died during the First World War, their role in the war is one of great value and it is important that their stories and experiences are highlighted and remembered as we remember the sacrifices that were made during the First World War. Today, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross it is illegal to attack a hospital during times of conflict.
Sources:
Bird , Derek. “Death from the Skies: Doullens Citadel, 30 May 1918.” Western Front Association, www.westernfrontassociation.com/world-war-i-articles/death-from-the-skies-doullens-citadel-30-may-1918/. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
“The Protection of Hospitals during Armed Conflicts: What the Law Says.” International Committee of the Red Cross, 13 June 2024, www.icrc.org/en/document/protection-hospitals-during-armed-conflicts-what-law-says.