She was born Francis Gertude Hamlin. She was a school teacher at Big Hill Springs School located north of Calgary, Alberta. On the morning of 1941-11-10 Menasco Moth - 4833 Crashed in the school yard adjacent to the school. Mrs Walsh sent a student to get help and proceeded to the scene of the crash. Leading Aircraftman Karl Mander Gravell was attempting to rescue the pilot Flying Officer James Robinson who had died in the crash. Leading Aircraftman Gravell was engulfed in flames and had other serious injuries. Mrs Walsh pulled Leading Aircraftman Gravell from the flames and proceeded to extinguish the flames. She recieved severe burns attempting to rescue Leading Aircraftman Gravell. Unfortunately Leading Aircraftman Gravell died later that day in hospital. For her bravery Mrs Walsh was awarded the George Medal. For his bravery Leading Aircraftman Gravell was awarded the George Cross (posthumously). This the only time that both medals were awarded for the same incident. Mrs Walsh was divorced after the war, and remarried taking the surname Biers. She was again divorced prior to her death.
Her son, Flying Officer Harold Francis Walsh; was killed in the Crash of Silver Star - 21356 on 1955-07-25