Honoring Heroism: Community Commemorates 80 Years Since Nurses' Sacrifice at Sea

In a poignant tribute to heroism and sacrifice, a service was held at St Andrew's Church in Kingswood, Surrey, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the death of Sister Dorothy Anyta Field, a nurse who played a critical role in saving the lives of wounded soldiers during World War Two. The ceremony honored Sister Field and her fellow nurse, Sister Mollie Evershed, who tragically lost their lives when the hospital ship they were aboard struck a mine off the French coast on August 7, 1944. The service was attended by members of the community, military veterans, and historians, all gathered to remember the bravery of these two women who chose to continue their life-saving efforts even in the face of imminent danger. Tim Richardson, a Surrey military historian and RAF veteran, recounted the harrowing events that unfolded that fateful day. He highlighted the nurses’ selflessness, stating, "They both had the chance to save themselves but they didn't." Instead, they remained on the ship, working tirelessly to rescue as many patients as possible, ultimately saving 75 men, including both British and Canadian soldiers and German prisoners of war. The hospital ship was in the midst of evacuating the wounded from the Normandy beaches back to Southampton for further medical care when disaster struck. As the vessel hit a sea mine, Sister Field and Sister Evershed bravely went back to help those still on board. Their relentless efforts came at a great cost, as the ship eventually sank, claiming the lives of 106 men, including the two courageous nurses. In recognition of their sacrifice, Sister Field and Sister Evershed have been included in the “Standing With Giants” installation situated at Gold Beach in Normandy. This poignant memorial, which marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, features 1,475 silhouettes representing the lives lost during the Normandy campaign. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war, culminating in the liberation of Nazi-occupied north-west Europe. The installation will remain in place behind the British Normandy War Memorial until the end of August, with the silhouettes honoring the two nurses set to remain as a lasting tribute to their bravery. As the community reflects on the legacy of Sister Field and Sister Evershed, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during one of history's darkest periods. Their commitment to saving lives, even at the cost of their own, embodies the spirit of courage and compassion that defined the era and continues to inspire generations today.