Mona Chalmers Watson

Scottish physician and medical administrator

Mona Chalmers Watson (1872–1936) was a pioneering Scottish physician and medical administrator, known for her significant contributions to the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) during World War I. She was the first woman to hold the position of Chief Controller of the WAAC, playing a crucial role in the integration of women into the British military services.

Early life and education

Mona Chalmers Watson was born in 1872 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of a prominent physician, which influenced her early interest in medicine. She attended the University of Edinburgh, where she excelled in her studies and graduated with a degree in medicine. Her education was marked by a commitment to advancing the role of women in the medical field, a passion that would define her career.

Medical career

After completing her medical degree, Chalmers Watson worked in various hospitals in Edinburgh, gaining experience in different medical disciplines. She was particularly interested in public health and the role of women in medicine. Her work in these areas led to her involvement with the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service, an organization that provided medical care to soldiers during World War I.

World War I and the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps

Mrs Chalmers Watson, CBE, Director of QMAAC

During World War I, Mona Chalmers Watson was appointed as the Chief Controller of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, the first official women's unit in the British Army. Her leadership was instrumental in organizing and managing the corps, which provided essential support services to the military, including clerical work, cooking, and medical assistance.

Under her guidance, the WAAC grew rapidly, and she was responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and deployment of thousands of women. Her efforts were recognized with the award of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1918.

The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during the First World War, France

Post-war contributions

After the war, Chalmers Watson continued to advocate for women's roles in medicine and the military. She was involved in various organizations that supported women's rights and worked to improve healthcare services for women and children. Her post-war efforts included writing and lecturing on the importance of women's contributions to society and the need for continued progress in gender equality.

Legacy

Mona Chalmers Watson's legacy is marked by her pioneering work in integrating women into the military and her advocacy for women's rights in medicine. Her leadership during World War I set a precedent for the future involvement of women in the armed forces and highlighted the capabilities of women in leadership roles.

The WAACs marching in London, 1918

Related pages

• Women's Army Auxiliary Corps
• Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service
• World War I
• University of Edinburgh