Christmas Memories

On my first Christmas Day in the Army (1989) I had an experience that resembled that of BBC programme, The Vicar of Dibley, when the village vicar was invited to so many lunches that she almost burst.  

I was the Theatre Sister on call at the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich. After a busy Christmas Eve we had no cases booked on Christmas Day. It was customary for staff with no patients to look after to visit the wards. During the morning I strolled around the wards, mingled with patients and staff and enjoyed the odd mince pie or two. As lunch arrived, despite my protestations that I was having lunch later, one of the ward sisters insisted that I join staff and patients to share the feast. The Army chefs as usual exceeded themselves to make Christmas for those in hospital as enjoyable as possible. I duly joined in, helping myself to the smallest portions I could get away with.

 
On leaving the ward I made my way to Matron's married quarter for a pre-arranged invitation for the living in nurses. I was expecting this gathering to be drinks and snacks but was horrified when a chef turned up with a hostess trolley and proceeded to serve up a full lunch! Again, I attempted to eat as little as was politely acceptable. 

Luckily there was a short interlude before the next intake of food. A group of six of us had planned a late Christmas lunch in one of our flats in the Woolwich Officers Mess for a couple of nurses who were on night duty. This was a full on three course event followed by stilton cheese and port. 

You might think that was as much festive food as anyone could partake of in one day, but no, that evening we were invited to the Commanding Officer's quarters for drinks, games and, you guessed it, more food. I was willing my bleep to go off and save me!

Vast amounts of food aside, the day was memorable for the team work, camaraderie and warmth that was extended to everyone, be they patients or staff, who may not have been spending the Christmas period how they would have chosen.

Moira Dixson (née Horsfall) 

A favourite Christmas memory from my Army nursing days was when I was doing a post-registration course at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, 1972. On Christmas Eve, a group of us walked from the hospital to St Martin in the Fields for the Midnight Communion service. A cold night, but with pride we walked in our uniforms with our long capes worn inside out with the scarlet lining on show. At the service it was lovely to see other hospitals represented in the same way. A joyful start to Christmas!

Katherine Varden (née Annett)  

1989 and I was selected to attend the Carol Service at the Guards Chapel London, for a televised BBC Songs of Praise. I love singing but have to confess I haven't got a great voice, so thank goodness we didn't have to audition. My family recorded the BBC programme and the camera did rest on my face for a while, so I obviously looked the part! I did feel very proud in my uniform.  We were treated like special guests.

Jan Westbury

My First Cenotaph Parade 2022 by Eileen Nolan

 

I don’t know if any of my relatives ever paid the ultimate price for their country as it was not something ever talked about in our family and now there is no-one left to ask. I know my husband’s uncle was a Japanese POW and suffered dreadfully in what he saw and what he experienced. Thankfully he came home and eventually became a Chelsea Pensioner. We had the privilege of visiting him at the Royal Hospital in the 1980s and meeting other veterans.

What I also know is that two of my brothers and three nephews spent careers in the army and all have seen action in conflict zones including Northern Ireland, the Gulf wars and Afghanistan. Thank God they have all come home but again, it is not something they talk about. Personally, I never went to any conflict zones but I did nurse soldiers who were “casevaced” back to the UK following some dreadful injuries sustained whilst serving their country.

I always watched the Remembrance Sunday Parade with respect for those who did pay the ultimate price and for those taking part. It never crossed my mind however, that I might take part myself until four years ago when my brother told me that he had been accepted to take part in the parade. My heart burst with pride for him and I looked forward to trying to find him as he marched past the Cenotaph. Unfortunately, he was very unwell on the day and was not able to take part and he doesn’t believe he will be fit enough now to ever do it.

From then on, I felt I needed to take part for him and on behalf of my wider family. Things got a bit delayed with Covid but I decided 2022 was going to be my year!

The application process was easy enough but then it’s a waiting game. Numbers have been greatly reduced since Covid and I knew there was no guarantee I would get a place. When the email came through confirming I had been accepted, I was so excited.

In preparation, I took advice from other members of the QA Association who had marched in the past. I was advised to wrap up warm and wear good shoes as I would be standing about for hours. I also realised that I needed to get a beret and a Corps scarf. When my beret arrived, I tried it on….lets face it, I never suited my beret when I was 18 and trust me, I still don’t suit it now at 66! But then again, they are not designed to be a fashion accessory.

The big day eventually arrived and I made my way to Charing Cross station. I had an idea of where I was going but if I had any doubt, I realised I just needed to follow the other berets! I joined the queue at Admiralty Arch at 08.10 and the place was buzzing. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know anyone in the queue as everybody was talking to everybody. Old friends were meeting up and new friends being made.

Once the gates opened, I quickly found B39 where 2 other QA veterans were already waiting. Soon we were 28 and for most of us, it was our first time taking part. Although I didn’t meet anyone I knew, it didn’t matter as everyone was chatting and reminiscing about their time with the QAs. The sense of camaraderie and belonging was palpable.

Yes, we were standing around but time did fly by. The next time I looked up, Horse Guards Parade was packed with thousands of veterans. Everyone was very respectful and it was moving to see the Chelsea Pensioners arrive and the applause which greeted them.

We had to ensure we were in our columns and ready to march out of the parade ground at 10.00. For some reason, I thought we would get more instruction than we did but after we were asked for volunteers to be drill leader and wreath bearer, we were simply told rows of 5. Column B led the parade this year so we were the first into Whitehall. I was shocked at the number of members of the public just outside the parade ground and the amount of clapping and cheering that went up for every contingent as they emerged into Whitehall.

Again, we waited in Whitehall for ages just chatting amongst ourselves and with members of the public. At this stage, I had the honour of meeting Brenda. She had joined the QAs as a trained nurse in 1952 and at the age of 93, decided she would like to take part in the March Past. It was wonderful to listen to her story of her life in the QAs back then.

While we waited, we couldn’t see the Cenotaph and there were 38 contingents in front of us so we didn’t really know how far away we were. We did have a large TV screen beside us so we could see what was going on up ahead and were able to see King Charles III place his wreath.

While we were waiting and watching the screen, there was a bit of a commotion right beside us and when we turned to see what was going on, an urban fox appeared from behind the railings. It sauntered up and down beside us as if inspecting the ranks and virtually posed for photographs! It probably wondered what on earth was disturbing his Sunday morning. It stayed with us for several minutes before disappearing again.

When all the dignitaries had laid their wreaths, we could see the March Past begin on the TV screen and then suddenly we were off!

I have to say that our marching left a lot to be desired at first! Afterall, it had been many years since most of us had marched anywhere…48 years in my case! What didn’t help was that although our drill leader was calling instruction, we were a small contingent and we could hear clearly all the other instructions being given by all the other drill leaders who were often on a different foot from us! After a couple of minutes, our drill instructor changed and left us in no doubt which foot we should be on! Things improved after that…she had clearly done this before!

It was an incredible experience going past the Cenotaph with all the poppy wreaths on one side and then the Salute being taken by Prince Edward on the other side. As we marched, members of the public cheered and clapped and I do believe the cheering got louder when the QAs went past!

As we arrived back into Horse Guards Parade, there was what seemed like a guard of honour with serving soldiers and volunteers clapping and cheering the veterans as they arrived back onto the parade ground. It was a very moving experience.

After the parade, photographs were taken, new friends shared contact details and we prepared to make our way home.

I believe that remembrance is a very personal thing. It is right that the nation formally remembers those who have paid the ultimate price but I also think about those who have served and seen action in conflict many of whom continue to live with their experiences every day and may never be the same.

On reflection of taking part in the Cenotaph Parade, I take away how moving the whole experience was and the respect in which I believe our Armed Services are held. I am proud to have taken part and I will remember the day always.

May the annual parade always continue……….Lest We Forget.


Eileen Nolan – CMH 74-75
BMH Rinteln 1975-1977
Royal Herbert/QEMH 1977-1978

My Time in the Army Reserves by Vivian Maiden

When leaving school, I thought about either nursing or joining the Army. The Army recruitment advised "complete your nurse training then you can apply for a commission", which I did. During my nurse training I heard about the Territorial Army (TA), thought that sounded a good idea, and I could decide later if I really wanted to join the regulars.

My first annual camp

I Commissioned in Sept 1985, Lt Maiden. I was offered a post with a General Hospital, or the Ambulance train and I chose hospital, as I get travel sickness! I was posted to 304 City of Glasgow General Hospital (V), an 800 bedded hospital. In May 1986 I attended the Junior Officer course at the QATC, Royal Pavilion, under the care of Major Marsh. A couple of months later I was in Germany on my first annual camp with 304 General Hospital (V).

I looked in to joining the regulars a couple of times, the first was after I was promoted to Captain. I was told at the recruitment office I would have another year before I could be a Captain in the regulars, so decided I would give myself one year to get promoted in the NHS, which I did, becoming Deputy Ward Sister. The second time was after working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for two weeks in 1988, then the following year they came out to do a Hospex with us in Germany.  When I asked how often they did this, many said this was their first time. We completed Hospex every three years. It was then I decided I had the best of both worlds being in the TA.

In 1993, 304 Gen Hospital, 308 Evacuation Hospital, mental health and some other specialist teams merged to become 306 Field Hospital (V) a 200 bedded hospital.

In 2001, it was the year of the USA 9/11 terrorist event.  I had been selected to go on Exercise Saif Sareer 2 with 22 Field Hospital in the October. We reported to 22 Field Hospital HQ and when we were driven out of the camp, a single piper piped us out, I seriously wondered if we were going to Oman or somewhere else! Rest assured we did go on Exercise Saif Sereer, working in the hospital.

In 2002, 306 Field Hospital was involved in another large national exercise, Exercise Log Viper.  A small team and I amalgamated with 22 Field Hospital and for a week I became Matron of 22.

In January 2003 I received my call up papers asking me to report to Chilwell. By the time I received the papers, I had two weeks to sort my life and house out as I did not know when I would be returning. I had been called up to deploy with 33 Field Hospital on OP TELIC 1 as a ward team leader. We started in Camp Coyote in Kuwait where we built the tented hospital. Many TA members were then transferred to Iraq to join 34 Field Hospital who were running the hospital at Basara.

My space at Camp Coyote

I also deployed on OP HERRICK 12B in 2010 as Paediatric lead and Health Care Governance Officer for 34 Field Hospital. It was an interesting post which I loved. It was a total contrast to being deployed on OP TELIC 1 from the accommodation, hospital, and types of patients we received.

In 2008 I was promoted to Lt Col as OC of the Allied Health Professionals Sqn and then subsequent OC posts. In Feb 2017 I became 2IC for the Regiment followed in April 2017 acting CO for the Unit until the new CO took over in Dec 2017. It was a great experience, thanks to an excellent Command team supporting me.

I have now come to the end of my career and after 36yrs and 344 days, I hung up my boots and retired from the Army in August 2022. Throughout my career the key thing that kept me in was friendship. I have friends scattered throughout the UK.  A small group of us became friends on OP TELIC 1, we have met up for a weekend every year since, (except for 2020 due to the Covid pandemic). Next year will be our 20th anniversary.

Lt Col (Rtd) Vivien Maiden

Stories From My Scrapbook - The Falklands by Kay Foster

I was posted to the Falkland Islands in 1987-88 on a six-month tour as Matron at the newly built King Edward V11 Hospital. The previous Military Hospital had burned down with a number of civilian casualties. The Military worked jointly with civilian medical and administration staff as the hospital looked after both the civilian and military population of the islands.  The majority of military personnel were stationed at RAF Mount Pleasant, whereas the military medical staff lived in Port Stanley. At the time of my posting, we were accommodated in portacabins in Port Stanley and had a comfortable Mess, with a church and a pub on the island. 

At that time many foreign fishing vessels from the Far East, Russia and Europe obtained fishing licenses to fish in the fertile fish stocks in waters around the Falklands. The hospital was kept quite busy with a number of trauma injuries suffered by the fishermen.  

The Islands were a perfect wildlife sanctuary, whale's, sea lions, dolphins' various breeds of penguins, also an array of birds including the elegant huge albatross. I even had a wild cat that took up residence with me in my cabin and I would often find a mouse or a bird waiting to greet me. On my days off I would walk the area around Port Stanly and visit the site where the fierce fighting took place, against the Argentine military. There were occasions when I found human bones, e.g. bones from a finger left from the debris of war. We also got the opportunity to get a lift on a working helicopter and visit different areas and islands. 

I visited Fitzroy where the Sir Galahad was bombed with loss of life to the British Troops.  A dear friend L/Cpl Andy Mortimer, REME, was on board at the time and survived the horrific attack by the Argentina airforce. Some years before while serving in Hong Kong I had a return trip on the Sir Galahad to Brunei. I often wonder what happened to the crew of the Sir Galahad, as many foreign staff made the ship their permanent place of work. I had a memorable tour in the Falklands Islands, one of many wonderful postings and experience's I had while serving with the QA’s. 

We featured in Soldier Magazine, as can be seen below.

Major Kay Foster QARANC (Retd) Served from 1977 to 1996

Florence Josephine Reardon (1887 – 1983) by Samantha Ehrenfeld

Florence Reardon c.1917

In my family there is a sentiment “that it is the women who went to war, while the men stayed at home”. This maybe a slight exaggeration, but is fuelled by the respect and reverence we have for our tenacious great aunt Florence Josephine Reardon, who served as a Reserve in the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service.

Born in 1887, in Cootamundra New South Wales, and growing up primarily on her family’s farm Mylbie in Condobolin. Florence’s father William Reardon is rumoured to have been at one point in the early 1900’s the largest landowner in the State of New South Wales, or at least he owned the most sheep! Whatever the rumour, it mean’t his children found themselves in a somewhat privileged position – born into the Australian version of the “landed gentry”, which was ironic as both William and his wife Frances (nee Worthington) were the descendants of Irish and English Convicts – not all of which were your nice’ hanky stealing’ kind.

Being landowners in their own right seems to have spared William and Frances’ sons from enlistment, with their skills needed on the land. However the skills of their daughter Florence Josephine Reardon were much needed, on the declaration of war in 1914.

Florence trained as a nurse at St Vincent Hospital in Sydney, qualifying in 1911. On 18th of December 1915, much to their dismay, and against the wishes of her family (they were of Irish Republican sentiments), she embarked on the Karoola to England to serve a contract as Q.A.I.M.N.S nurse in reserve division.

Florence began her service at the 1st Birmingham War Hospital, and was then posted to Stationary Hospital No.14 in France on the 1st of July 1916.

Florence’s service with Q.A.I.N.M.S.(R) all took place on France’s Western Front, Europe’s main theatre of war, the largest battles of World War I, such as Marne, Ypres, Verdun, the Somme were fought on the Western Front, and an estimated 4 million people dying here.

Florence Reardon in Wimereax

Florence’s also served at Casualty Clearing Stations No 1, 53, 22 and 23, located a few hundred yards from battlefields. They were the first place of admittance for injured soldiers, who underwent treatment within the Casualty Clearing Stations or were held in the Clearing Stations until transferred to other facilities. Casualty Clearing Stations were considered dangerous places, with the noise and vibrations of exploding shells heard from the nearby battlefields.

Florence also nursed in Stationary Hospitals No.10 & 12, these were larger facilities, often centered within pre-war buildings such as seaside hotels. The hospitals grew hugely in number and scale throughout the war. Most of the hospitals move very rarely until the larger movements of the armies in 1918.

During her service Florence became in-firmed on three occasions. In January 1916, Florence became sick, she was herself a patient at No.5 General Hospital, No.2 Stationary Hospital and was then moved to the Nurses Home at Abberville, and later sent to a Convalescent Home in Nice in the South of France to recover. War Office: Directorate Florence served as a nurse with Q.A.I.M.N.S (R), until Armistice in. Demobilised in the United Kingdom in 1919, she worked at the Lord Derby War Hospital in Warrington before returning to Australian on board the Osterly on 8th of July 1919.

Florence was welcomed along- side other returning nurses and soldiers in her home town of Condobolin on 16th of September 1919. The town’s Mayor who was first to speak said:

“No welcome home had given him greater pleasure than this, because in addition to soldiers, they had two nursing sisters, both Condoblin born girls. Every soldier had the greatest respect for a nurse. Often a “digger” would not salute an officer unless compelled to, but he never failed of his own accord to salute a nursing sister “

(Lachlander and Condobln and Western Districts Recorder NSW: 1899 – 1952 Wednesday 17 September 1919, p.4)

Following the War Florence continued to work as a nurse, both professionally and in nursing her father in his later years. She never married, which has led to much family speculation that she may have loved and lost someone during her time on the Western Front.

Florence’s Q.A.I.N.M.N.R Qualification Badge remained in her possession until her death in 1983, when it passed, like most of her possessions to her niece Beryl Reardon. Beryl recalls that Florence never spoke about her time in France, and never applied for the additional Service Medals, once she returned to Australia. It was thought that her experience of “The Western Front’ was one she wished to forget.

Q.A.I.M.N.S (R) Service Badge belonging to Florence Reardon

Florence’s family has always looked upon her service with pride, admiring her bravery. In 2006 Beryl bequeathed the badge to her second cousin, and Florence’s great niece Noelene, who is also a nurse, with the condition that the Badge stay with those in the family who also chose a medical vocation.

Florence’s QAINMS badge is worn each Anzac Day to the dawn service in Kings Park in Perth by one her relatives. Each year an extra pin is added to the fraying ribbon to ensure it is held secure during the service. However next year it is hoped that the badge will have undergone a full restoration, including with a new ribbon.

I have been of two minds with regards to replacing the ribbon. As student of history and archaeology the thought of replacing the original brings forth feelings of desecration. However for my children and grandchildren, I suspect the meaning of the artifact and the recognition of the sacrifice of previous generations will be in its wearing!

Florence is remembered with great pride, not only because of her bravery and contribution to the War effort, but also because Florence signified a new brand of women who chose vocation over home life – participating not only in her own in emancipation, but of those women who would follow her.

Samantha Ehrenfeld - Great Niece of Florence Reardon 

Reminiscences of a Second World War QAIMNS(R) Nursing Sister by Maggie Lane.

This ‘blog’ will relate some the reminiscences and experiences of a Nursing Sister who served in WW2.

This Nursing Sister was my mother, Alice Irene Parkinson, the daughter of a tenant farmer and the village wheelwright living in Bitchfield near Grantham. She left school at twelve years of age, due to family poverty and the death of her father, which precluded any further ongoing education. However, she read enthusiastically to ‘broaden’ her education, in between assisting with the farm, until she was age 21 years, the legal age to start nurse training. She completed her Nurse training at The Radcliffe Infirmary in 1938, and her Midwifery Training at the Simpson Maternity Hospital, Edinburgh.

 

Her direct accounts and reflections, passed on to me over her lifetime, remain firmly in my memory. Since her death in 1994 I always regret not asking her to expand more on her experiences. Many of her related ‘snippets’ were of course sad, but her clarity in the telling of events was very clear, and elicited several periods of humour during nursing in Algeria and Italy during World War II.

‘Parky’ as she was generally known, had just completed her Midwifery Training in Edinburgh, and joined the Civil Nursing Reserve, prior to enlistment into the QAIMNS(R) at Maidstone Barracks in Kent. Following enlistment and kitting out, a tailor fitted her with an outdoor suit and working dresses. After that it was off to the Queen Victoria Hospital at Netley, Southampton. She told me she didn't do much in the hospital, except attend compulsory security lectures, and often enjoyed tea in the YMCA canteen, which still exists in Victoria Country Park today. 

A group of happy QA’s and TANS(Territorial Army Nursing Service) at Netley Hospital awaiting deployment.

Mother was fortunate and billeted in Netley Village, being very well looked after by a naval captain's widow. She never knew when she would leave,  perhaps never to return, but every day she had to go to the hospital with all her kit ready to move. Suddenly one day, she had ‘a hunch’ that ‘today would be the day’ they would leave. Surely enough, it happened, and the 103(GH) was transported by train from Netley to Avonmouth Docks, no one knowing where they were sailing to, except, probably the captain. She left behind a new dressing gown to show appreciation to the widow for all her kindness and care. The ship that embarked them was the ‘Oranje’, having been used by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. She said it was quite luxurious! A few dockers waved them off.

The ‘Oranje’, a Dutch Ship converted to a hospital ship

The voyage took them around Northern Ireland then down the Bay of Biscay to Gibraltar, where they were allowed to disembark for a day, enjoying a quick tour of ‘The Rock’, then onwards down the Bay of Biscay. During the voyage Mother recalled a Luftwaffe plane circling low around the ship, whilst she was sitting on deck. No action was directed at the ship and the pilot must have seen the crosses on the sides and funnel, and also women in nursing uniform on deck confirming the status of the ship.

Still no clue was given to their destination, but it was assumed that if the course from Gibraltar was down the South Atlantic, they were likely heading for the Middle or Far East. However, they turned into the Mediterranean, and knew then it would be to North Africa for them! The ship docked in Oran, French Algeria.

Their next move in 1943 from Oran was to a place called Chateaudun in French Algeria. Here was where the tented hospital was erected. All tentage was of the ‘bell tent’ type, with all staff assisting in the construction, as can be seen in these photos taken in Algeria.  Tents and nursing dress were not very practical in comparison to modern Field Hospitals!

The nursing included wounded allied service personnel, German and Italian prisoners. Her recollections were that many of the patients had severe burns to their backs whilst escaping from their burning tanks or vehicles. Sadly, on a very rare occasion an allied soldier would die suddenly from an undiagnosed cause. This upset mother and her colleagues. Perhaps death from shock or infection?

Mother and her colleague were assigned to the POW prison wards, these prisoners having already been segregated into German and Italian prisoners, due to the animosity by the Germans towards the Italians who felt the Italians ‘gave up’ the fight too quickly!

One recollection from this time was of a German prisoner being ‘cheeky’, and asking mother if she was going ‘dancing tonight’, then telling her confidently he would teach her how to dance when they got to London!  On another occasion her colleague was attending to an older German soldier festooned with medal ribbons. Asking him  jokingly ‘are you Herman Goring?’ The whole ward of Germans erupted with uncontrollable laughter. A pleasant memory was that every evening the Germans would all sing beautifully before sleeping.

The battle then moved across to Italy in 1944. Landing at Salerno, once the port was cleared, the 103 GH was moved to a small village named Nochera Inferiore. Mother said it certainly was an apt name for a ‘mucky’ area. Mussolini’s Barracks were commandeered as the hospital, with the nurses ‘housed’ in tents. 

One morning her colleague looked out, and said ‘Good heavens, I think Vesuvius has erupted’. It certainly had, and piles of ash were ‘raining down’ all over the compound. The sisters were issued with wellington boots, and ash was swept into piles. Mother retained these boots for a couple of decades after the war.

Ash from Vesuvius piled high in the hospital compound.

Although Mussolini had cleared the Pontine Marshes of Malarial mosquitos, there was still a risk from insect bites. Hence, slacks and blouses, being issued and worn specifically in the evenings and night time. This was a regulation.

By 1944 the allies were on the offensive moving up through Italy. Already casualties from Monte Cassino were being nursed. A sad reflection witnessed by Mother was that so many captured Germans were only young, and often teenagers, being terrified if an orderly went to help them shave or wash. Such was Nazi propaganda instilled by their regime as to encourage ‘fighting to the death’ rather than surrender,

Her other recollections of Italy outside the hospital were that of abject poverty and near starvation, especially in the Naples area. Armed guards had to put on the lorry convoys to stop supplies being stolen. She well understood the dreadful predicament these people has endured. Another topic not widely discussed in Italy during the war was ‘holding’ the VD patients for treatment in the hospital. This could be difficult for the guards and orderlies as on occasions they had to pursue patients attempting escape from treatments.

On a lighter note, Mother recalled a trip to Capri by Motor Torpedo Boat, where they visited Gracie Fields Villa, now designated for visits by the allies, and a large group audience with Pope Pious X11, in Rome.

The battle then moved north, the hospital closed and staff were redeployed to other Field Hospitals following the battle north. Mother, with others was then returned to England for demob. She later married my father an RAMC Staff Sergeant.


Maggie Lane (Rtd)

Remembering the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year by Domini Barrett

2012 was a memorable year in many ways. It was not only the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics, but the year my husband and I moved to Hohne, Germany. He was assigned to be the Senior Chaplain of 7th Armoured Brigade. 

On top of all that, in the Autumn I deployed with 243 Field Hospital to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 17. I was the lead paediatric nurse during a three month period working in the Role 3 hospital in Camp Bastion. It was a busy and challenging tour where I also nursed adults alongside my primary role with children.

The entire year was highly eventful; settling into a new home and country and then going away for a long period. During the summer we enjoyed a lovely summer holiday exploring parts of southern Germany on a mammoth road trip and marked the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with parties both in the Garrison in Germany and then with family and friends when we were back in the United Kingdom. However, amongst all this there was no parade or formal presentation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. As I recall the unit’s focus was very much on the build up training (of which there was a great deal) before we went on operations. At this point in my career I had served for nineteen years and so was able to proudly add my new medal to my Golden Jubilee Medal which I had received ten years previously.

As an officer in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, I have always been conscious that whether at home or overseas I am serving both my Queen and country and so Jubilee milestones marking Her Majesty’s long reign are certainly to be celebrated.



Major Domini Barrett - Senior Nursing Officer - 306 Hospital Support Regiment

A Guest of the Countess of Wessex at the Platinum Jubilee Party by Laud Afam-Adjei|

For the past 70 years, the Queen, Elizabeth II, has reigned as the United Kingdom's sovereign monarch and head of the Commonwealth. As a serving soldier from the Commonwealth, I can attest in a small way to her exemplary leadership, thoughtfulness, and selfless commitment to her role thus far, and I couldn’t be more appreciative. Following the impact of the Corona-virus pandemic, the celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee offered a great opportunity to socialise, come together, and enjoy a typical British bank holiday with somewhat questionable summer weather.

For me, the celebration began on Thursday, June 2nd, when I attended a picnic hosted by the DHE Hybrid Branch of the QARANC association. It was a simple yet entertaining event that saw me jumping on a bouncy castle like a 7-year-old, attempting to compete in a soft play gladiator duel and various other sports such as 'tug of war' and volleyball. The day also provided me with the opportunity to consume beers and eat my weight in cake, scones, and assorted pastries. My team finished third in the tug of war competition, but that didn't stop me from drinking beers late into the evening and dancing around the fire to questionable music.

My celebrations continued in London, where I was honoured to be a guest of the Countess of Wessex, the Colonel in Chief of the Queen Alexander Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC), at the Queen's Jubilee party at Buckingham Palace. 

The live experience was incredible; the lights, energy, and atmosphere made me a very proud and an honoured British citizen. With this being my first concert, there were many acts that inspired and entertained me, with the scene of Paddington Bear having afternoon tea with Her Majesty being my favourite of the night. There was a lot of dancing and cheering from me all night. Many memorable and beautiful speeches were read, the majority of which thanked The Queen for her service and included a message from her about protecting the environment for future generations.

My celebration concluded with a peaceful street party in my hometown of Ipswich, where my children and other children in the neighbourhood rode bikes in the street. I laughed with my neighbours and shared cakes again, and our neighbourhood looked alive for the first time in two years, with everyone having a good time.

 

Cpl Laud Afam-Adjei, Student Nurse(ADULT) QARANC

Trooping of the Colour, Platinum Jubilee - By Fiona Thompson

 

Thursday 2nd June 2022

Two of us, retired QAs, applied for tickets through the ballot being run by the Royal British Legion, for the Trooping of the Colour. We were successful and each took a guest. We knew we would be in for such a treat and I was so excited.

The week before our trip, my neighbour knocked and said her mother (ex WRAC), had told her to come and check I was alright? Slightly bemused, I said “Yes?”. She had heard about the partial collapse of one of the stands and worried that I may have fallen through the floor. Reassuringly I replied that I was going the next week so thankfully I had not ended up being treated by any co-workers.

We joined the queue in Green Park with so many ex-service compatriots. Medals were in abundance and it was such a welcome feeling to be with the military humour and warmth again, having left the Corps in 1992. I wore my first Gulf war medal with pride, along with my metal RBL poppy pin with QA Corps badge attached. We were determined to ensure that we could be recognised by our fellows for the QAs we were. The weather was great and we moved quickly to our seats in the North stand in front of Buckingham Palace.

We watched the troops, bands, vehicles, Royal family, coaches, 200 horses, Irish Wolfhound-Seamus, artillery, 400 musicians, police et al pass in front of us. The colours, sounds, excitement, precision, grandeur, were iconic. The flow of the spectacle moved before us and all around were clapping, cheering and happy comments. The sea of scarlet tunics, shining metal breastplates, bearskins, head dresses, very shiny boots, meticulous marching, shouted commands made me so proud to be part of the British Army. 

The sound of the horses’ hooves seemed reminiscent of a night time podcast you might listen to, to be lulled to sleep. Once the parade arrived in Horse Guards, the large screens set up around the Queen Victoria Memorial gave us front seat pictures (sound followed after 10 minutes!) Truly exciting was the fact that we knew we should see the pageant again on their return to the Palace. The horses were beautiful and fantastic and both of us had ridden Army horses in Germany and Sandhurst, so remembered stories of mounting 19 hand high horses and praying not to fall off. I never did, but had a few hairy moments, including a billy goat at one of the BAOR stables..............

I remembered the bands men and women who had supported us in 33 General Hospital as stretcher bearers while I watched the talented and colourful musicians march past. I was reminded how we had to take on unfamiliar roles in a new environment with new threats during Op Granby.

The Queen came onto the balcony to receive the salute, followed by others of the Royal family to join her in watching the Fly-Past. The aerial display was second to none and lived up to the anticipation of everyone around us. The sense of camaraderie was lovely, and I realised how much I miss Army banter and the dry sense of humour to be heard on all levels.

The British Legion looked after everyone terrifically. Water, tea, coffee, lunch boxes, nothing was too much trouble. I am so glad I had this opportunity to be a special part of the Queen’s Jubilee. A day never to be forgotten, and a privilege to stand amongst so many of the Armed Forces Community.

Memories of HM The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 by Judy Evans

2002 wasn’t just an important year for Her Majesty, it was also the Centenary of the QAIMNS/QARANC.

The national celebrations for the Golden Jubilee were to culminate in a parade down The Mall after the Royal Family had attended the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and lunch at The Guildhall. The procession was to include a march past of military veterans and their standards, as well as decorated floats illustrating British life over the years.

I was a trustee of the QA Association and we had purchased a standard to commemorate our centenary and the Golden Jubilee was the ideal occasion to show it off. I was asked if I would carry it. It was incredibly heavy and marching it down The Mall would be impossible and so it was decided to parade the Aldershot Branch standard instead.

On the day itself, I had arrived in London early to see the parade to St Paul’s Cathedral, and it was the first time I’d seen the Gold State Coach which carried the Queen and Prince Phillip. It was a magnificent sight and was followed by other members of the Royal Family, some on horseback if I recall correctly.

The day was dull but fortunately dry and the plan was that Association standards would march off together, followed by the veterans. There were four QA Association members marching – Lt Cols (Ret’d) Nesbitt, Glover and Jones with Maj (Ret’d) Diana Wilson, Regimental Secretary.







The Queen and Prince Phillip were to be driven down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace in an open topped vehicle and we were to follow. As the parade marched off, I realised how long The Mall is and how heavy even the smaller standard I was carrying was but it was over in a blur. The crowds cheered and what a sense of pride I had in taking part in such a momentous event.

As we approached Queen Victoria’s Statue, I could see The Queen, wearing a bright orange outfit sitting on a dais at the front of the statue with other members of the Royal Family and VIPs.

We turned into Birdcage Walk and came to a halt and fell out. We QAs met up and dashed to see the Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and the RAF fly-past. We managed to push our way through to a reasonable position to the left of the Palace.

It’s very hard to believe that this happened twenty years ago and now we’re celebrating the Platinum Jubilee.


Judy Evans 
Maj (Ret’d)

HM The Queen's Silver Jubilee 1977 Memories by Marjorie Bandy, Dot Ritchie & Jan Westbury

In 1977 I, like so many QA’s was serving in Germany with, to use its correct title the British Army of the Rhine or BAOR. At that time there were 5 military hospitals in BAOR and I was working as a midwife in BMH Munster. The Armed Forces had considerably more personnel than today and each of the three services was to have a separate Jubilee Event. For the Army this was to be in Germany at the enormous training area at Sennalager on 7 July.

Logistically it was to a huge event and each Garrison had its own set of Mess tents to host personnel. I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the BMH reps along with my friend Maggie O’Sullivan [now Stephenson]. Not wanting to let the side down we had pressed our No 2s [the old grey job]and polished the shoes and lastly set the alarm for our very early start the next morning. The admin order was detailed and left us in no doubt that if we weren’t through the check point at Sennalager by 0900 hrs we wouldn’t be let in.

At that time, it was expected that any future conflict would be an armoured battle on the plains of Germany so most of the BAOR battalions were armoured or artillery. Seeing everyone in No2 dress, where many of these battalions were “vulgar fraction regiments,” [ for the uninitiated this means cavalry 15/19th 9/12th etc – you get the picture] some very fancy uniforms were on display. On this vast training area it was dry and dusty and our careful attention to uniforms was somewhat wasted. 

 With so many troops and armoured regiments the “parade ground” stretched back for a mile, and what an amazing sight it was. The parade RSM brought everyone both on and off the square to attention for the arrival of Her Majesty. It was an experience I will never forget. We took lots of photographs although at times it was difficult as officers needed to salute HM when she passed,  plus for artillery regiments the guns are their colours which also must be saluted along with the colours of the marching Regiments.

We were told that at the rehearsal it was realised that with such a deep parade, orders reached the troops at the back noticeably later than those at the front. Messy when it was for Her Majesty. The solution was a simple one, behind the centre stand for spectators was a windmill which everyone could see. A large black bin was hoisted to the top of its flagpole and the bin dropped every time the command salute was given, result everyone saluted at the same time.

That parade is something I will never forget, so many on parade, tanks dipping their gun barrel to salute The Queen, writing this I can still picture it in my mind.

By Lt Col (Rtd) Marjorie Bandy RRC

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I was stationed in BMH Dhekalia and was a Guide Guider. We had a camp in Episkopi for all the Armed Forces Guides in Cyprus over the Silver Jubilee period. In the top photo is Heather Dunscombe, who was the last Association secretary. Her mother was a Guider with me, she is far left, Heather is 3rd in on the left and I am far right. 

                 Major (Rtd) Dot Ritchie

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Not everyone in the Armed Forces was awarded a Silver Jubilee Medal, as this was allocated on a quota basis and not on eligibility criteria.  Only 9,000 medals were allocated to the Armed Forces, thought to be due to the economic crisis at the time.  Units of over 500 personnel received 6 medals and under 500 received only 2.  This meant that neither Marjorie or Dot received the award.  

When it came to the Golden Jubilee that changed and eligibility criteria were used.  All regular serving personnel with five years calendar service (1,826) and reserve service personnel who had completed five annual bounty earning training years (135 days) received the medal.  Dot very proudly had her photograph taken for her Father, wearing her Golden Jubilee medal.

By Capt (Rtd) Jan Westbury 

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HM The Queen - Head of the Armed Forces for Seventy Years by Jan Westbury

We are just about to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of our Queen over the weekend of the 2nd to the 5th June 2022.  After two years of the COVID19 pandemic the United Kingdom and wider Commonwealth will look forward to four days of celebration, pomp, pageantry and street parties. 

Her Majesty succeeded to the throne on the death of her father, King George VI on 6th February 1952.  His passing resulted in the delay to the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Military Nursing Service on 27th March 1952.        

The Coronation of the Queen took place on the 2nd June 1953 after months of planning.  Sadly the Queen lost her grandmother, Queen Mary, just a a few months before.   Queen Mary was the Colonel in Chief and Patron of the QARANC and the parade for the QARANC Corps Day was cancelled, as her funeral took place on 29th March 1953. 

The Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey and the Matron-in-Chief and Colonel Commandant represented the Corps.   Major Margo Turner (later to become Dame Margo Turner) led the QARANC Detachment in the Coronation Procession, where The Gazette reported that anyone from the Association would "purr with pride in their smart turn out and superb precision of drill".  (QARANC Association Gazette Vol. 2 No. 3 August 1953 | British Army Nurses)

Dame Margo later went on to describe how they marched for miles and having thought they would celebrate that night in London were far too tired.

A Coronation Medal was issued in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne.  This was not issued to all the Armed Forces as only a limited number were produced.  Those in the parade received the medal.

Further blogs will follow providing reflections of those who served during the Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees respectively.

By Capt (Rtd) Jan Westbury

TA & Regular Service 

Corps Day Service 2022: My First QARANC Association Experience by Meg Lydford

 

On the 3rd April 2022 I attended a QARANC Association Church Service at this beautiful church, followed by lunch at a local pub in my home town of Weymouth. I felt honoured to take part in the first Jurassic Coast Branch Corps Day event for 3 years, due to the Covid pandemic restrictions.

The whole service was dedicated to the QARANC, with the vicar reading the QARANC collect prayer:

 

O God, who through the healing touch of thy dear Son didst recover the sick and relieve their pain, grant to us who serve beneath thy Cross in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps such love towards thee and devotion to our duty that the shadows may pass from those entrusted to our care, their darkness lighten into faith and hope, and thy love bring healing peace, for his sake who was content to suffer for all mankind, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The organist played and we heartily sang the QARANC Corps Hymn, sung to the tune of The Churches  One Foundation.

 

O Father, by whose servants

Our Corps was built of old;
Whose hand hath crowned her children
With blessings manifold;
For thine unfailing mercies
Far shown along our way,
With all who passed before us
We praise Thy name today.

The changeful years unresting

Their silent course have sped,
New comrades ever bringing
In comrades' steps to tread;
The days of old have dowered us
With gifts beyond all praise;
Our father make us faithful,
To serving the coming days.

Before us and beside us,
Still holden in Thy hand,
A cloud unseen of witness,
Our older comrades stand;
One family unbroken
We join with one acclaim,
One heart, one voice uplifting
To glorify Thy name.

Meeting the retired and serving QAs and hearing their stories about their amazing careers was inspiring to me as a trainee QA. And the lunch was pretty good too! I will definitely be looking forward to their next event; wine tasting in September!

Joining the QAs has been fantastic so far, and I’ve met some friends for life. Birmingham has a tradition for military health care and we train alongside the NHS nurses, but as QAs we stand out from the rest which was reinforced to me after meeting the mainly retired QAs and hearing their stories. I think it is important as trainees to be a part of the Association as it motivates and inspires our future careers.


Pt Meg Lydford QARANC Student Nurse

Remembering the Grey PT Knickers - 1980s by Jan Westbury

I remember being issued with my PT kit at the QATC that included large grey knickers to wear with our PT skirts. 

It took me back to my school days and as you can see in the photograph below made us act like silly schoolgirls again.  At least they were comfortable.

The local Regiment always invited the new officers in training to their mess and we were pre-warned of what to expect.  They certainly loved to party and play games, but lots of fun.  I certainly decided to leave at a respectable time, although a colleague stayed and had to jump on a milk float to hitch a ride back to the QATC.  Of course she still turned out immaculately for parade.  What I remember the most were the largest pair of grey knickers behind the bar.  Where on earth did they come from and who wore them?  Were they for real?  Does anyone know?

Of course this was the 20th century and considered amusing. In the 21st century we would have probably all left 'not amused' or indeed just wouldn't happen now.

60's Zoom Night - Jurassic Coast Branch

 

Well, February 2022 and we still have some COVID 19 restrictions in place. Although we could now all meet we have continued fortnightly branch Zoom meetings for catch ups and presentations. We missed organising a social event, so a 1960's dress up theme party was arranged.

 
Our Chair, Marjorie Bandy, organised a trivial pursuit style quiz based on 60's music, with our secretary Pat McKay, keeping score.

In between the quiz we ate and drank, more or less following the menu and drinks:

Pre-dinner drinks

Schooner of Sherry or Cinzano and Lemonade

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Prawn Cocktail or Grilled grapefruit topped with Maraschino Cherry

Cottage Pie with seasonal vegetables

Black forest Gateau or Sherry Trifle

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Coffee with after dinner mints and liqueurs

Wines

Mateus Rose or Liebfraumilch

 

It all became very exciting when we had to have a play off, with Judy Evans as the winner of a £25 gift voucher. Judy is obviously a quiz buff as she had previously won our Christmas quiz.

To finish the night off some dancing: the twist, swim, hand jive, locomotion and more. A few technical problems with the Youtube video loss of sound, but Wendy Jones stepped in with the music.

Another fun evening for the former and serving QA's and partners.