Woman Army Doctor (Thames Star, 23 October 1919)
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Summary: Woman Army Doctor (Thames Star, 23 October 1919)
On 23 October 1919, it was announced that the life of Dr. James Barry, a remarkable figure in South African history, has been adapted into a dramatic play at the St. James' Theatre in London. Dr. Barry was a woman who, during the governorship of Lord Charles Henry Somerset at the Cape, served in the army as a surgeon while living her entire life as a man. Her extraordinary career culminated in her becoming Inspector-General of the Army Medical Forces, and it wasn't until her death in London on 25 July 1885, at the age of over 60, that her true gender was revealed. Throughout her life, Dr. Barry was known for her exceptional medical skills and adventurous spirit; she engaged in two duels and was celebrated as one of the most adept physicians of her time. Despite her masculine demeanor, she exhibited a certain femininity in her mannerisms, which she constantly sought to suppress. The play aims to highlight the complexities of Dr. Barry’s life, examining themes of identity, gender, and societal norms in a historical context. Her story represents not only a unique chapter in military and medical history but also sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of women who challenged the conventions of their era.
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