Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine post-War ‘R.A.F. Hospital Changi’ R.R.C. group of seven awarded to Group Officer Elsie Maltman, Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service

Royal Red Cross, 1st Class (R.R.C.), E.II.R., silver-gilt, gold, and enamel, reverse dated ‘1954’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Sqn. Off. E. Maltman. P.M.R.A.F.N.S.); Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, very fine and better (7) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Norman Gooding Collection.

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R.R.C. London Gazette 1 January 1954.

The official recommendation states: ‘Squadron Officer Maltman has quite outstanding ability as a Matron. Her quiet, sympathetic approach to patients and relatives immediately puts them at ease and ensures the maximum co-operation from them. She spares no personal effort to overcome difficulties, either real or imagined, which may be upsetting them whilst in Hospital and so produces the best possible conditions for recovery. In her dealings with Nursing Officers and Nursing Attendants she displays the same quiet, understanding manner, always willing to help in their work and training or with private problems and worries. At the same time she holds firm control and is able to keep in touch with every aspect of the hospital’s activities.

She is extremely popular with the medical staff of the unit who frequently turn to her for advice and help in emergency. Her duties frequently are of an arduous nature entailing many visits to the hospital outside working hours and during the night. The sense of duty and zeal which Miss Maltman exhibits in carrying out these tasks is far in excess of that of which might normally be expected. By her exceptional calmness, thoughtfulness and efficiency she undoubtedly contributes more than any other person to the happy atmosphere and smooth running of a hospital which presents many unusual and difficult features. Because of the very high standard of her work and achievement during the past year I strongly recommend her for the award of the Royal Red Cross.’

Elsie Maltman was educated at Perth Academy and trained as a nurse at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, qualifying SRN No. A.14047 on 31 March 1933. Taking initial employment at the Burghmuir Fever Hospital in Perth, she entered Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service as Staff Nurse on 28 December 1937. Sent to R.A.F. Halton and appointed Sister in 1938, the Dundee Courier of 14 January 1944, adds: ‘After being stationed at various camps in England she went to Cairo two years ago. Following the Eighth Army in its advances across the desert, she helped to prepare hospitals at Benghazi and Tripoli.’

These experiences were confirmed in the award of the A.R.R.C. on 1 January 1944, the official recommendation noting:

‘Acting Senior Sister Elsie Maltman, No. 24 Mobile Field Hospital. This lady has been attached to the hospital since April, 1943, and has shown herself to be exceptionally capable and efficient in organising the care of some 350 patients during an extremely difficult and trying period in the hospital’s existence.’

Upon the adoption of R.A.F. ranks, Maltman was appointed Squadron Officer with seniority on 28 December 1949. Posted to R.A.F. Changi in Singapore, she later served from 1957 to 1958 as Matron of the R.A.F. Hospital at Steamer Point, Aden, being further entitled to the clasp ‘Arabian Peninsula’ to her GSM. Advanced Wing Officer on 1 July 1958, and Group Officer on 21 February 1963, she ended her service at the Air Ministry and retired to pension in March 1966. Additionally qualified as a Registered Flight Nurse and State Certified Midwife, she died around 1986.

Sold with an original photograph of the recipient and copied research.