In preparation for my novel “Mabel of the ANZACS” I did a whole lot of research which led me to some very interesting info and people. The diaries of real nurses are incredible to read.
One of the diaries belonged to Sister Alice King.
“On the night of 22 July 1917 the hospital (aka Casualty Clearing Station- think of a WW1 MASH unit) was bombed. Although close to the railway line the hospital had never been attacked before and Ross-King was following an orderly along the duckboards when five bombs hit the hospital, the first falling directly ahead of her. In her diary she describes the horror and carnage that followed and it was for her bravery during the attack that she was awarded the Military Medal.
The citation praised her ‘great coolness and devotion to duty’ during that night. Ross-King was one of only seven nurses of the A.A.N.S. to be awarded the Military Medal during World War I.”
MY NOVEL: MABEL OF THE ANZACS is a standalone novel set in the Eva and Zoe timeframe. The events of this novel take place between Book 2 (Where Shadows Linger) and Book 3 (Hidden Truths). It’s not necessary to read the novels to dive into this one.
Zoe Lambros meets Mabel Andrews, a mercurial, cantankerous World War I Australian nurse. Zoe’s introduction to the fiery octogenarian is an explosive mix of sound and fury – neither woman wants to give ground and they are determined to be proven right.
For Zoe, actions speak louder than words and she sets out to uncover the enigma that is Mabel Andrews. In the process, Mabel finds a kindred spirit which leads to an unlikely friendship. Together the two women forge a close bond that will change their lives forever. It’s a friendship for the ages.
*ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
For as long as I could remember, ANZAC Day – 25 April, was one of my sacred of days. It honors the sacrifices our men and women have given in service to Australia. My stories are mainly focused on World War II and post war Australia but I have always been intrigued by the story of Gallipoli and the formation of the ANZAC legend for a long time. It wasn’t until I watched ANZAC Girls TV Series that the heroism of the Australian and New Zealand nurses came into focus (for me). The nurses were warriors – just like the men. Instead of fighting in the battlefields of Europe, they were trying to save the wounded and oftentimes would go onto the battlefield to bring back the wounded.
Mabel of the ANZACS tells the story of one of these nurses set in the Intertwined Souls Series timeline with Eva and Zoe.
