The commemoration on the 95th anniversary of the death of Dr Elizabeth Ross
On the 14th of February a commemoration on the 95th anniversary of the death of Dr Elizabeth Ross, who was one of the members of the British medical mission to Serbia during the WWI, was held in Kragujevac. It was held in the presence of HE Mister Stephen Wordsworth, the ambassador of Great Britain to Serbia, Todd Hepworth, the First secretary and Consul at the Australian Embassy in Belgrade, the representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross, the Red Cross International Committee, the Red Cross Serbia, and the Serbian Medical Society.
On the occasion Louise Miller, a historian who has been doing a research on British mission in Serbia reminded that Dr Elizabeth Ross was just one of six British women to die in the city at the time, and one of 22 in Serbia. They treated not only the wounded but also people suffering from diphtheria, pneumonia, scarlet fever, even from smallpox. The first victim of typhoid fever was Elizabeth Ross.
“We have gathered here to remember those brave women coming from Britain and Scotland, and to send a message to the world about the values one should always carry in one’s heart and soul, such as humanity, love, professionalism. Therefore, we can not forget them and this is the least we can do. Their readiness to sacrifice is rarity, nevertheless the model to be taken,” the Mayor Stevanovic accentuated.
HE Stephen Wordsworth said they could not protect themselves from the illness, despite the fact they did their job treating young soldiers and other patients. He added:” They risked their lives, but what is very important for us is that the Mayor and the citizens of Kragujevac cherish the memory of them, which makes us proud. That is significant for long-standing relations between Great Britain and Serbia, and by coming every year to Kragujevac I have been paying my respects.”
Following the religious service at the city’s cemetery, the attendees laid wreaths.
