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3. Women's History Month

Women's History Month 2011

Biography of Elizabeth Lawrie Smellie

Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada/Credit: Ken Bell/PA-128225

Name: Elizabeth Lawrie Smellie
Date: 1884-1968
Role: Nurse
Canadian Military Contribution: First woman appointed as a colonel in the Canadian Army

An outstanding nurse, Elizabeth Lawrie Smellie was committed to the health and well-being of Canadian servicemen. Her great skill and proficiency as a nurse earned her the appointment as a Nursing Sister with the Royal Canadian Medical Corps in 1915. During the First World War, Elizabeth was honoured for her efforts, receiving the Royal Red Cross, First Class Award in 1917.

Returning to Canada, Elizabeth took on the role of Assistant to the Matron-in-Chief of the Canadian Army Nursing Service in 1920. In 1924, she joined the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) and was appointed Chief Superintendent.

In 1940, Elizabeth left the VON and rejoined the Canadian Army. As a result, she was able to direct her talent and skills to helping soldiers in the Second World War, and to expanding women's participation in the army. She helped organize the Canadian Women's Army Corps and carried out many important duties during the War. Elizabeth was commended for her dedication, and promoted to the rank of colonel, thus becoming the first woman to attain that level in the Canadian Army.

Elizabeth was born in Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay, Ontario. She died in Toronto. She is buried in Thunder Bay.

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Date Modified:

2011-10-03