Recognising the Life and Service of Matron Agnes McGearey

That the Parliament proudly recognises the life and service of Matron Agnes McGearey, who was a remarkable Scots military nurse, born in Mossend in 1909; recognises in particular her heroic efforts in the Chindit expeditions during the Second World War; understands that her unwavering dedication and compassion were recognised with her appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in December 1943 “for gallant and distinguished services in Burma and on the eastern front of India”, and that she was described as “a mother to them all” by Major General Derek Tulloch in recognition of her role in restoring the strength and spirit of soldiers returning from the Burmese jungle; notes that she personally nursed Major General Orde Wingate through typhoid, an act believed to have saved his life, and that he later requested her to serve as Matron of the 19th Casualty Clearing Station at Imphal, where it believes her exceptional leadership and tireless devotion helped save countless lives of those returning from the jungle under the harshest conditions; acknowledges the many accounts from the Chindit expeditions that mention Matron McGearey, describing her as a "vigorous yet deeply compassionate humanitarian", who remained by her patients’ sides until the very end, often writing to bereaved families to offer comfort and solace, embodying the highest ideals of compassion and duty; celebrates her distinguished career, which also included her beginnings as a staff nurse in the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, her promotion to Acting Matron, service under the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, and receiving the award of the Associate of the Royal Red Cross Medal in July 1941; recognises her courage and service at Dunkirk, where she was among the last nurses to evacuate, as well as in Malta, Burma, India and Palestine during the Second World War, before continuing her service in the Korean War and later in Malaya; wholeheartedly commends Matron McGearey as an inspiration to nurses, to the armed services and to Scotland; considers that her legacy of compassion, courage and service deserves lasting recognition; recognises that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, which marked the closure of the Second World War, and pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all who served and fought to secure peace for future generations.