Martha Madge Hateley

Martha Madge Hateley (13 May 1906 –11 June 1950) was an Australian Nurse and air force matron.

Early life and education
Martha, the eldest of six children, was born on 13 May 1906 in Murtoa, Victoria. Her parents, Harry Charles Hector Hateley and Ethel (née Woodland) were both native-born. Martha received her education at Murtoa State School.

She underwent nursing training at Horsham Base Hospital during the Depression era, and later pursued midwifery studies at Ballarat Base Hospital.

Life
After the outbreak of World War II, the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service was established in June 1940 with the approval of J. V. Fairbairn, the minister for air.

In 1945, she was bestowed with the honor of becoming an associate of the Royal Red Cross due to her exceptional dedication and unwavering positivity while working tirelessly in challenging conditions. The following year, she had the privilege of attending the investiture at Government House in Melbourne. Unfortunately, on 12 August 1949, her appointment in the air force was terminated in Sydney due to her deteriorating health condition.

Awards

 * Royal Red Cross

Death
On 11 June 1950, she succumbed to cancer at the Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, and her remains were cremated following Presbyterian customs.