Hannah Billig, MBE GM

Captain Hannah Billig, MBE, GM (4 October 1901 – 11 July 1987)

British-Jewish doctor who worked in the East End of London. She was popular amongst her patients and did exceptional medical work during World War II earning her honours and awards, as well as the nickname "The Angel of Cable Street". After returning from aiding the war efforts, she continued her medical practice on Cable Street before retiring to Israel, continuing her medical work there until her death.

Born at 41 Hanbury Street, Spitalfields, in the East End of London, and grew up around Brick Lane where Jewish friends had taken them in. Her parents, Barnet and Millie Billig, were refugees from Russia, escaping from anti-Jewish pogroms. The Billig family had six children, four of which became doctors. Her brother Levi was a famous Arab scholar and a sister was a nurse. Barnet and Millie encouraged their children to read. Barnet worked as a newsagent rolling cigarettes and eventually as a cigar roller. Aged 11, Billig received a scholarship to attend Myrdle Street Central School in Stepney. She earned a scholarship to London University.

Civilian Gallantry Awards WW II

• First Name: Hannah
• Surname: Billig
• Information: Medical Practitioner, Stepney - Indication that there is a citation in the London Gazette
• Rank: Doctor
• Gallantry Awards: George Medal
• Gazette Date: 27/06/1941
• Gazette Page: 3646
• Archive Reference: London Gazette

UK Army List 1945

• First Name: H, Miss
• Surname: Billig
• Nationality: British
• Information: Emergency Commission. On Probation.
• Rank: Captain
• Gallantry Awards: Member Of The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire; GM
• Service: British Army
• Regiment: Indian Medical Service
• Seniority Date: 16/01/1938

  ---

• Information: Commissioned under the Women's Forces (Officers Commissions) Order, 1941.
• More Information: B.M. (Bachelor of Medicine).
• Rank: Lieutenant
• Rank (2nd): W/S Captain
• Service: British Army
• Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps
• Battalion: Women Officers Employed
• Seniority Date: 10/09/1941

  ---

References and further reading

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Billig