In common with too many of her colleagues in Sussex 54 VAD, I know little about Mrs Emily Bryant.  In 1913 she noted in Nurse Oliver's book, on a page dedicated to the Detachment, "E Bryant" and in a 1914 newspaper report on an "Interesting Chailey Display" she is referred to simply as "Nurse Bryant".

 

I think she is almost certainly the same Mrs Emily Bryant who, on the 1901 census, was recorded living alone at Cottage number three, Coppards Bridge, Chailey.  She is noted as a 34 year old widow working as a monthly nurse.  Her place of birth is given as Barcombe.

 

I believe Emily's maiden name was Spring and that she married John Bryant in late 1888 or early 1889.  Their marriage was recorded at Lewes in the March quarter of that year.  John Bryant died in 1893.  Born in 1848 he was 45 years old when he died, leaving Emily, at 27, a widow.

 

Nothing further is currently known of Emily Bryant.

 

 

Sources and Acknowledgements