Matron Emily Morris Marshall, (pictured above seated second from left), appears in a number of contemporary photographs
taken at
Hickwells and
Beechlands but I know very lttle about her other than she was a Londoner and appears to have been attached to
Sussex 54 VAD throughout the First World War. The following extracts are taken from published newspaper articles of the time; references
to Miss Marshall highlghted in bold text.
Friday July 28th 1916 [East Sussex News]
THE BEECHLAND AUXILIARY HOSPITAL, NEWICK
Some time after the outbreak of war and Auxiliary Hospital was set up in the adjoining parish of Chailey,
where Mr J Wright of Ades, generously placed Hickwells at the disposal of the Military Authorities for that purpose free of
charge. That residence accommodated but 20 patients and bye and bye, as more
beds were required, larger premises had to be sought. In this time of need, Mrs
Harcourt Rose came forward, and with the public and patriotic spirit that she has shown on occasions in the past, kindly gave
up, without payment, nearly the whole of the splendid mansion at Beechland, reserving only what is barely necessary for her
own private needs. After being housed at Hickwells therefore for 15 months, the
Hospital was removed to its present more commodious quarters where twice as many patients can be accommodated as before. It is under the Second Eastern Command Brighton and is worked by Sussex 54. The whole of the 40 beds are now occupied. Few mansions could
be found better suited to the purpose of a Hospital than this. In addition to
the other accommodation there is a recreation room, where various indoor games, including bagatelle, are provided, and out
of doors, tennis and croquet can be played; fishing can be had in the ornamental lake, and cricket is about to be commenced. For the last named a sum of £5 has been raised by public subscription in Newick for
the purchase of material. The Commandant of the Hospital is Miss Cotesworth of Roeheath, Chailey and the Matron, who is fully trained is Miss Marshall of London. Various help is given by several ladies, all their services and of those previously mentioned, being given
voluntarily. Indeed the Hospital is worked by thoroughly capable assistants of
the district.
November 2nd 1917 - Chailey [Sussex Express]
ROYAL RED CROSS - The King has been pleased to award Miss Margaret Cotesworth the Royal Red Cross decoration
(2nd Class) in recognition of her valuable services while acting in the capacity of nurse.
Miss Cotesworth’s numerous friends will be pleased to hear of the honour conferred upon her and will congratulate
her upon the event. She is the only daughter of Mr W G Cotesworth of Roeheath,
Chailey and some time back was the Commandant of Hickwell’s Hospital which has been transferred to Beechlands, Newick,
the residence of Mrs Harcourt Rose. Miss Cotesworth takes a deep interest in
all local matters and is an enthusiastic worker for all local causes. A
similar decoration has been awarded to Miss Emily Morris Marshall, Matron of Beechlands, Newick and previously Matron of Hickwell’s
Hospital, Chailey.
December 14th 1917 [Sussex Express]
Last week Miss Margaret Cotesworth, Commandant, and Miss E M Marshall, Matron of the Beechlands
Hospital, attended Buckingham Palace with other ladies and were the recipients of the medal recently awarded them
for their work in connection with the Red Cross. The honours were personally
presented to them by the King. Later, the ladies visited Marlborough House, where
her Majesty Queen Alexandra received them and presented each with a picture and a book entitled, ‘The Way of The Red
Cross’.
