Petals and Bullets: Dorothy Morris -- New Zealand Nurse in the Spanish Civil War

by Mark Derby

It was bright moonlight -- good bombing light -- and once we had to stop and put out our lights as a Fascist aeroplane flew over. They usually come swooping down with guns firing at cars, especially ambulances. Finally we arrived at a town among the hills about 12.30pm. Here there is a hospital of about 100 beds in a former convent. They expect an attack tonight. In these words New Zealand nurse Dorothy Morris described her journey to a Republican medical unit of the Spanish civil war in early 1937. This book is based on the vivid, detailed and evocative letters she sent from Spain and other European countries. They have been supplemented by wide-ranging research to record a life of outstanding professional dedication, resourcefulness and courage. Dorothy Aroha Morris (1904-1988) volunteered to serve with Sir George Young's University Ambulance Unit, and worked at an International Brigades base hospital and as head nurse to a renowned Catalan surgeon. She then headed a
Quaker-funded children's hospi

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of a New Zealand nurse with staggering courage who helped many in the Spanish Civil War. Dorthy Morris was a humanitarian who can be widely admired for her efforts to aid wounded and emaciated patients in Spain. Even among the bullets, Dorothy gave time to appreciate the beauty in flowers.

[Prue Kennard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane's godmother Dorothy Morris - her work in Spanish Civil War WW2