Joanna Cruickshank

Dame Joanna Margaret Cruickshank, DBE (1875 - 19??) founded the RAF Nursing Service in November 1918 as was appointed as Matron-in-Chief, aged 43. In November 1930 Cruickshank retired as Matron-in Chief, aged 55. She was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1931, aged 56.

During World War II she served as Commandant of the Rushen Women’s and Married Internees Camp 1941- 1945. She was succeeded by a Detective Inspector Cuthbert of New Scotland Yard.