Colonel Elizabeth Smellie 1884-1968
Text from the plaque
This celebrated Canadian army nurse and public health authority was born in Port Arthur. In 1901 "Beth" Smellie became night supervisor at McKellar General Hospital. Joining the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1915, she served in France and England. Elizabeth Smellie was demobilized in 1920 and three years later became Chief Superintendent of the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. She re-entered the army in 1940 and a year later supervised the organization of the Canadian Women's Army Corps. The first woman to attain the rank of Colonel in Canada's Armed Forces, Col. Smellie achieved many honours, including Commander of the British Empire and the Royal Red Cross Medal. After World War II she returned to the V.O.N., and retired in 1947.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
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The District of Thunder Bay
The City of Thunder Bay
Across from the Armoury in Waverley Park
on Waverley Street across from Secord Street
N 48 26.216 W 89 13.585
Recorded October 2005. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
February 28, 2009
I believe that since McKellar Hospital was recenty closed that this plaque has been moved to Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, ON Fred Johnson
February 28, 2009
- I believe that since McKellar Hospital was recenty closed that this plaque has been moved to Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, ON Fred Johnson