Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Victorian Women Doctors of World War One
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 20, 2026
1. Victorian Women Doctors of World War One Marker
1914 - 1918
Women doctors of the British Empire were denied the right to officially enlist but these six courageous Melbourne women doctors served as surgeons and medical officers during World War One with voluntary organisations.
Their individual determination to serve, their dedication and bravery saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers on the Western and Eastern Fronts.
We honour the contribution of:
Dr Hilda Bull (Esson, Dale) England
Dr Rachel Champion (Shaw) England
Dr Mary De Garis Serbia
Dr Vera Scantlebury (Brown) England
Dr Helen Sexton France
Dr Isabella Younger (Ross) England
An inspiration to all
Erected by Victorian Medical Women's Society Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, World I • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 37° 48.634′ S, 144° 57.596′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on La Trobe Street 0.1 kilometers east of Queen Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map.
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in the Pacific Ocean, in South Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. Constance Stone (here, next to this marker); 375 Queen Street (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Christian Brothers Pioneer School (about 210 meters away); The Gill (about 240 meters away); St. Francis Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Home of the Historical Society of Victoria (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Panoramic View of Melbourne (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Melbourne 1880 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Also see . . . Women Doctors. Australian Women at War
The Australian Army did not permit the enlistment of female doctors until the Second World War. However, during World War I at least 14 Australian female(Submitted on September 1, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)doctors served overseas as military doctors.Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 20, 20262. Victorian Women Doctors of World War One Marker at the front of the Welsh Church
They served as general doctors, surgeons and pathologists. They treated military casualties in hospitals in England, Egypt, on the Western Front and in makeshift field units during the Balkans campaign.
Many of them ended up with as much responsibility as male doctors, and were subject to the same rigors of service, risks and dangers. Two became prisoners of war, and all are inspirational examples of medical courage and leadership.
Despite no recognition from their own country, a number of the doctors were awarded foreign medals; by British, Serbian and French Militaries. Dr Pheobe Chapel, an Adelaide graduate, became the first woman doctor, and the only Australian woman, to be awarded a Military Medal, for gallantry in the field.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
