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Blodwyn "Billie" Elizabeth Williams, born in Ballarat in 1880, was the second youngest of ten children to Theophilus Williams and Elizabeth née Jones. She was a 33 year old nurse from 'Llanberis House', Dowling Street, Ballarat but living in Brunswick, Victoria when she enlisted with the Australian Army Nursing Service in June 1915. Blodwyn received her nurses training at the Ballarat District Hospital and received certificates from there and also the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses Association.
She embarked just two weeks later, spent a short time in Egypt and then on to military hospitals in the United Kingdom where she served through 1916 and 1917.
In January 1918 she moved to France and served in hospitals in Dieppe and Rouen. As recorded on her headstone, she devoted almost five years to the care of wounded soldiers.
In August 1919 she underwent surgery for an abdominal growth, and after early signs of improvement, she returned to Australia but her recovery did not continue. She was admitted to the Caulfield Military Hospital where she died on May 24th 1920, aged 38 years.
In reporting her funeral, the Ballarat ‘Courier’ noted ‘Sister Williams had served the Empire for nearly five years and was noted for her untiring efforts and devotion to duty under the most trying circumstances and unpleasant conditions. Her coffin was draped with the Union Jack and the Last Post was sounded by Pte. Thomas.’
Sister Williams was interred in the family grave at the Ballarat New Cemetery on 26 May, 1920.