Bertie Lloyd (1928)

Biography

Private Bertie Cecil Lloyd NFX 131142, Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS)

Bertie Lloyd was a local girl who attended Presbyterian Ladies’ College at Pymble during its first decade, leaving in 1928. Bertie was a close friend of former student Dame Joan Hammond, with whom she corresponded over Joan’s lifetime.

Bertie joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) and worked at Lady Gowrie Red Cross Convalescent home. In 1939, she enlisted and served at the 12th Australian Camp Hospital located at the old Sydney Showground at Moore Park in Sydney.

After Bertie was discharged, she continued her work with the VAD for a decade nursing servicemen. Her narrative of her life and war service prove enthralling listening were recorded in 2004 for the Australians at War Film Archive, University of New South Wales.

Bertie was guest of honour for the opening of the Centenary Sports Precinct in 2016. She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2012, which made her older than the College she attended, which was established in 1916.

Bertie is quoted in the Centenary book, Pymble Ladies’ College 100 Years ­– 1916 to 2016.

“We were proud of everything we did at PLC. We were taught to respect our parents, our teachers and to love our school. I am proud to be a Pymble girl.”

Bertie was just shy of her 105th birthday when she passed away and she will always be remembered as a treasured member of the Pymble community.