Marion Joyce Pittaway

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Marion, born at Somerset Cottage in Panton Street, Eaglehawk on 2 September 1913, was the youngest child and only daughter of Lillian Charlotte Ridley and Thomas Willam Pittaway. At the time of her birth, only two of her four brothers had survived. Her father it seems was travelling salesman.

In July 1934, Marion applied for a probationary nurse position at the Ovens District Hospital, submitting excellent references with her application. She began her training in August of the same year. Throughout her three years of training, she built a reputation as an excellent. Her skills were so good that Matron Moglia was eager to retain her once she completed her training in August 1937. 

After qualifying as a general nurse in January 1939 Marion returned home to Somerset Cottage. In early August 1940  the Australian government announced the appointment of an additional 148 nurses  to medical units of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), 60 of whom came from Victoria and included three former Ovens District Hospital trainees; Rita Nunan, Marion Pittaway and Laura Sandwith. See Sun News Pictorial, 9 August 1940. 

18 October 1940 – Joined AANS attached to 7th AGH (Puckapunyal)

February 1941 – appointed sister group 1. Departed Sydney on the Aquitania.

On arrival in the Middle East, attached to No. 1 AGH

May 1941 rejoined 2/7 AGH.

1 Dec 1941 appointed sister Group 1

January 1943 departed M.E.

Disembarked Sydney 27 Feb 1943 – granted 3 weeks leave

March 1943 promoted to Lieutenant and posted to 115 AGH

Oct 1943 -2/7 AGH – see Nunan. Also promoted to Captain

Feb 1944 – admitted to 2/9 AGH with dysentery.

May 1944 – 115 AGH

21 September 1943 – 13 June 1944 N.G. – 2/7 AGH

1944 Married Harold Charles Jensen.

Warwick Daily News, Qld. 15 July 1944

SERVICES WEDDING

The marriage of Captain Marion Joyce Pittaway, A.A.N.S., A.I.F., returned M.E. and N.G., to Captain Harold Charles Jensen, A.I.F., returned M.E. and N.G., was quietly celebrated in St. Peter's Church of England, Eaglehawk. Rev. R. Allan Scott officiated. The bride, who is the only daughter of Mr. and. Mrs. T. W. Pittaway, Eaglehawk, and the bridegroom the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Jensen, Yangan, Queensland, were both unattended, and wore their service uniforms.

1949 – 1958 lived at Glamis, Scarborough Street, Southport – Harold a school teacher.

1963 – 1980 lived at 35 Railway Street, Southport – Harold a school teacher.

Marion & Harold appear to have two children, Ted & Gay.

Died 23 July 1998 – Buried Southport Lawn Cemetery.