As ANZAC commemorations approach, the life of Bondi nurse Beatrice Maud Beetham reflects the role of Australian medical staff who served overseas during World War I and continued support work at home.
A Life Beginning In Bondi
Beatrice Maud Beetham was born on 14 January 1892 in Newtown, New South Wales. She was the third child of Albert and Mary Beetham and later lived at 213 Birrell Street, Bondi.
Before the war, she trained as a nurse and completed her qualifications, entering the profession prior to enlistment.
Answering The Call To Serve
Beetham enlisted in Sydney on 25 August 1916 as a staff nurse. Her service included duties with sea transport staff and medical work supporting personnel during overseas deployments.
She served in Abbassia, Egypt, and completed more than one period of service. After her initial appointment ended, she re-enlisted on 4 January 1918 and continued her duties until returning to Australia in September 1918. Her service concluded on 14 January 1919.
A Return Home And New Chapter
Following her return, Beetham married Lieutenant Colonel Ross Blyth Jacob on 21 March 1919 after meeting during the voyage home. Jacob had served in the Gallipoli campaign.
The couple later settled in South Australia, where Jacob became a pastoralist and was listed in Who’s Who in Australia in 1929 and 1936. Their son, Kenneth Reginald Jacob, was born in May 1920.
Service Carried Through Generations
The family’s connection to wartime service continued into the next generation. Kenneth Reginald Jacob later served during World War II and was killed in action on the Kokoda Track on 30 August 1942.
During the same war, Beetham contributed to support efforts through her work with the Red Cross Society and the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund.
Remembering A Bondi ANZAC Story
Beetham spent her later years in South Australia. She died on 21 April 1983 in Westbourne Park at the age of 91 and was cremated at Centennial Park Cemetery.
Records show her name appears as both Maud and Maude across historical documents.
As ANZAC approaches, Beetham’s life reflects the contribution of nurses who served overseas and continued supporting wartime efforts at home. Her connection to Bondi forms part of the suburb’s ANZAC history.
Published 24-Mar-2026
