once the war ended. Later life On 12 February 1951, Best became the founding Director of the Australian Women's Army Corps, which was shortly after given the designation "Royal". In September 1952 she reached the rank of honorary colonel and four years later, in 1956, appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 1954 Best became chairman of the Red Cross Button Day committee in Melbourne. Despite her achievements Best has been described as a modest woman with an engaging sense of humour. Those who served under her considered Best an inspiring leader who ruled with a firm hand, but who also treated her subordinates with fairness. A memorial gateway commemorating her service was constructed at the entrance to the WRAAC School at George's Heights in Sydney, Australia. Death Best became ill and died of melanomatosis on 15 November 1957, aged 47, at Epworth Hospital in Richmond, Melbourne. Sources Article on Colonel Matron Kathleen Annie Louise Best in the Daily Telegraph Mirror, Tuesday 31 October 1995, p. 34 1910 births 1957 deaths Australian Army personnel of World War II Australian Officers of the Order of the British Empire Deaths from cancer in Victoria (Australia) Members of the Royal Red Cross People from Sydney Women in the Australian military Australian Army officers Deaths from melanoma 20th-century Australian women