​Commendations for Staff Nurse Meldrum and Nurse Underwood​

​​On the night of 8 to 9 April, Staff Nurse Margaret Meldrum, aged 22, and Nurse Greta Underwood, aged 19, were both on duty. They were based at the Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital.

​A Luftwaffe bombing raid hit the city that night, beginning with incendiary bombs at 21:00. Two of these fell in the hospital area, one on the outpatient’s department roof and one in the square of the enquiry office. The sound of anti-aircraft gunfire was then heard from the defensive batteries around Coventry.

​As the air raid intensified, the sound of high explosive (HE) bombs could be heard hitting around the city. The hospital was hit by five HE bombs, causing death, injuries and destruction. Without regard for their own personal safety, nurses within the hospital continued their duties, caring for and rescuing patients. This also included rescuing people who were trapped in areas where direct hits had been received. This was all done whilst the raid continued overhead, and the sounds of Luftwaffe planes could be heard.

​During this period both Staff Nurse Meldrum and Nurse Underwood were badly injured by shrapnel from exploding bombs. However, despite being injured, both continued with administering care to patients until their injuries forced them to stop.

​Both nurses were put forward for commendations by Lord Dudley, Regional Commissioner. He noted that their work alongside three other nurses ‘cannot be too highly praised’. He further stated that both nurses ‘who although badly injured did not consider themselves but thought only of their patients until they were compelled by their injuries to give up their work’.