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Beyond 1914: The University of Sydney and the Great War

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Hope (nee Fowler), Laura Margaret

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Laura Margaret Hope (nee Fowler) was the first woman to enrol and graduate in Medicine in South Australia. She and her husband Charles worked as medical missionaries, predominantly in India, from the 1890's to the 1930's. In 1915 the Hopes joined the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service and were sent to Serbia where Laura directed a unit that treated wounded soldiers. The couple were later captured and transported to Hungary where they were imprisoned for two months. At the end of the war, they were both awarded the Serbian Samaritan Cross. Prior to her retirement and return to Adelaide, Laura was also honored with the Kaiser-i-Hind Medal for Public Service by the Indian Government.

Book of Remembrance entry

In 1915 Laura and her doctor husband joined the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service and were sent to Serbia where Laura directed a unit that treated wounded soldiers. Captured in November, they were transported to Hungary by cattle truck and imprisoned for two months. They eventually reached England in 1916. From ADB entry

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Gender
Female

From the archives

Letter to Registrar - Charles & Laura Hope [ jpg ]
Request for change of name on register [ jpg ]
Marriage certificate [ jpg ]
Forwarding Copy of Marriage Certificate [ jpg ]
Laura M Fowler [ jpg ]
Laura Margaret Hope (nee Fowler) [ jpg ]
Laura M Fowler second from left - Medical Graduates 1891 [ jpg ]

Unless otherwise noted, these photographs, War Service Records, letters, diaries and cards were sent to the University by family and friends during and after World War One. If you have any material to add, please see our contribute page.

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