Kragujevac marks 99 years since death of Dr Elizabeth Ross

KRAGUJEVAC - Kragujevac marked on Friday 99 years since the death of Dr Elizabeth Ross and other members of the British medical missions who lost their life while aiding the Serbian people in World War I.

Elizabeth Ross was a doctor from Tain and one of the first women in Scotland to gain a medical degree. She came to Serbia in early 1915, and volunteered at the First Military Reserve Hospital in Kragujevac, treating Serb WWI casualties. She died of typhus.

The memorial service, which was held by bishops of the Diocese of Sumadija at a city cemetery, brought together representatives of the embassies of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, representatives of the International Committee and Federation of the Red Cross and local officials.

The commemoration was also attended by a descendant of Flora Sandes who fought alongside Serbian soldiers in WWI and received the highest decoration of the Serbian military - the Order of the Star of Karadjordje with Swords, as well as a descendant of Evelina Haverfield who helped the hospital run more efficiently, opened canteens and shelters for war orphans.

Before the commemoration, Kragujevac Mayor Veroljub Stevanovic gave a reception for guests, during which he underscored that the noble act of the British humanitarian mission must not be forgotten.

I would like to extend my thanks to Kragujevac for cherishing the memory of the British humanitarian mission. The suffering of these heroines is the reason for sending a message of peace from this town once more, UK Charge D'Affaires to Serbia David McFarlane said.