Research Notes
Kathleen Mary Eugenia Elliott
1907 -1969
1907 -1969
Born 1907 at York, Western Australia to Albert Edward Elliott and his wife, Hannah Gleeson. Kathleen was second eldest of five children.
According to Albert's WW1 service record, the family were residing with Hannah's parents in Strathmerton, roughly seven miles west of Cobram in northern Victoria, at the time of his enlistment in June 1916. He joined the army as a cook but requested a discharge two months later.
In April 1926, nineteen-year-old Kathleen began her duties as a probationer at the ODH. It was not an ideal time to join the staff, as there were rumors of discontent among the nursing staff. The situation was serious enough that a special board meeting was held, during which each member of the nursing staff, except for the two probationers, Kathleen and Barbara Hempenstall, were interviewed. Naturally enough become of the power imbalance the majority of those interviewed, eight in all said they had no issues with the matron, forty-two year old, ex WW1 nurse, Ada Maud Grant.
In December 1926, Kathleen was admitted to the ODH suffering from diphtheria.
Matron Grant after returning from her holidays in June 1928 had a run in with the house committee, who in her absence, discontinued the practice of the junior night nurse waiting and carrying breakfast to the day nurses. When told of the committee's decision, Matron Grant suggested the committee themselves could serve breakfast. This ultimately led to her services being dispensed with and Sister Mathieson being appointed as acting matron. Over the next three months several temporary matrons came and went along with other trained nurses. This situation in August 1928 led to three trainees, including Kathleen, resigning from the ODH and completing their training at Wangaratta.
Kathleen gained her general nursing certificate in September 1930.
WEDDING BELLS, BARRITT-ELLIOTT.
A quiet marriage was celebrated at St. Michael’s Church, North Melbourne on the 9th inst. The contracting parties were Mr Michael (Mick) Barritt of Numurkah, elder son of the late Mr J P Barritt, Numurkah, and Miss Kathleen Mary Elliott, elder daughter of Mrs H. Elliott, 171 Flemington Road, North Melbourne. The Rev. T. O’Sullivan was the celebrant of the Nuptial Mass. After the ceremony relatives and friends assembled at the home of the bride’s mother, Flemington Road to drink the health of Mr and Mrs Barritt and wish them long life, prosperity and happiness. The newly wedded pair afterwards departed on their honeymoon. Advocate, 28 May 1931.
Michael, born 1895, served in WW1 and fought mainly in France with the 57th Battalion.
September 1931 Kathleen is nursing at the Numurkah Hospital.
1932 address 11 Peckville-street, North Melbourne. Michael is a railways employee. Kathleen – home duties.
1934 – Kathleen and Michael are at Stawell.
1935 nurse’s registration address is 115 Melbourne Road, Williamstown North.
1936 ER 115 Melbourne Road, Williamstown North. Kathleen home duties. Michael a range assistant – Williamstown rifle range.
1937 ER 3 Jobson Street, Williamstown. Kathleen home duties. Michael a range assistant.
1940 Nurse’s registration address is 56 Railway Crescent, Williamstown Beach.
1941 death of brother, David Elliott who was serving with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Egypt.
1943 – 1949 ER Kathleen and Michael are at 35 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne. Michael is a civil servant.
Sadly, Kathleen's mother, Hannah, died at the Sunbury Mental Asylum in May 1953 from myocarditis and anemia and was buried at Fawkner Memorial Park.
1953 - 1967 ER Kathleen and Michael along with their daughter, Kathleen Mary Hannah Barritt, a public servant, are at 36 Irvine Crescent, West Brunswick. Michael's occupation is listed as a clerk.
Kathleen died in September 1969. Buried 9 September 1969 at Fawkner.
Michael died at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital on 11 November 1972 and was buried with his wife at Fawkner.
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