Born: 1877 (Liverpool, England)
Died: 1927
Biography:
Caroline Twigge Matthews, MBChB (1877–1927) was a British doctor and war correspondent, widely recognized as a war heroine. She dedicated her life to providing medical aid and care during times of conflict and disaster, leaving a lasting impact on society. From her brave service in various military hospitals and as a prisoner of war to her humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of catastrophic events, Matthews became known as the Florence Nightingale of the Balkans.
Born on September 25, 1877, in Liverpool, Caroline Twigge was the daughter of John Twigge and Caroline Sara Twigge, who resided in the Waterloo area of the city. She was baptised on June 26, 1878. Caroline had two brothers, John S. Twigge and Herbert L. Twigge. John later became a curate in Waverton-cum-Dundraw, Cumbria, before being ordained in Carlisle Cathedral in 1896. Her younger brother, Herbert, went on to follow their father’s footsteps and became a successful rice and fruit merchant in 1901.
Caroline’s passion for medicine led her to pursue an education in the field. At the age of 21, in 1898, she embarked on her medical studies in Edinburgh. During her time there, she resided in Newington and later at Masson Hall, George Square. Her academic journey included tutelage under prominent figures such as W.I. Macadam, Dawson Turner, D.Noel Paton, William Craig, William Russell, Harvey Littlejohn, Alexander Bruce, and Dr. Cadell at the New Town dispensary. Caroline successfully passed her professional examinations in medicine and surgery in July 1903, qualifying as a physician on October 17, 1903, through her studies at the Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women.
Caroline’s dedication to serving others became evident during the 1908 Messina earthquake. Witnessing the devastation and loss of life, she volunteered with the Italian Red Cross and diligently worked in the relief effort. Her selflessness and unwavering commitment earned her King Victor Emmanuel’s Medal, recognizing her valuable contributions to the international relief efforts.
In subsequent years, Caroline continued to leave her mark by providing medical aid in various conflict zones. During the Balkans War and World War One, she served in military hospitals, tending to the wounded and tirelessly working to alleviate suffering. However, her dedication came at a great cost when she was taken as a prisoner of war. Despite this harrowing experience, Caroline’s unwavering resilience and compassion shone through, and she continued to fulfill her duties to the best of her abilities.
Caroline’s exceptional service and sacrifice did not go unnoticed, and she received numerous accolades throughout her career. In addition to King Victor Emmanuel’s Medal, she was bestowed with the Italian Red Cross Medal, King Victor Emmanuel’s Commemoration Medal, and the Montenegrin Order of Danilo. These awards recognized her invaluable contributions to the field of medicine and her commitment to saving lives amidst ongoing conflicts.
Tragically, Caroline Matthews passed away in 1927 at a relatively young age. Her death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to providing medical care and support to those in need. The press, acknowledging her remarkable achievements, aptly referred to her as the Florence Nightingale of the Balkans, highlighting the indelible mark she left on society through her unwavering courage, resilience, and outstanding contribution to healthcare during times of crisis.
Awards:
– King Victor Emmanuel’s Medal
– Italian Red Cross Medal
– King Victor Emmanuel’s Commemoration Medal
– Montenegrin Order of Danilo