In December 1990 I was stationed with 33 Field Hospital in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, as the nursing officer in charge of the tented low dependency ward. Matron selected me to return to the UK for a few days to speak to the reinforcements, together with a major whose wife was about to give birth, to prepare the troops for their deployment. I had not wanted to leave my team, but there was not a choice! However, off I went. We flew back as just two passengers on a British Airways jumbo jet, with seats in First Class to ourselves, but without the perks.
I arrived in the UK late on 30 December, to be joined by my fiancée on New Year's Eve, where he had organised leave from his army post in Germany. This was not easy, as he was on duty over Christmas and New Year and had to find someone to cover. It was a difficult time for him as he was one of the few husbands not deployed. How times have changed.
To my surprise he had arranged for us to be married, but I couldn’t, as I was speaking to the troops in Chester on the planned day! Being the determined man he is, he managed to arrange for the registrar to marry us on his day off and before the civic offices officially opened.
I bought a black wedding dress in Swindon, as we were driving past on our way to Cheltenham. Unusual colour, but as it went with my QA handbag and shoes, perfect. However, the black handbag was not needed as a close friend had arranged a beautiful bouquet with just a day’s notice.
We had a wedding breakfast with three friends and their young children at the beautiful Corse Lawn Country hotel, where we had our one-night honeymoon. The children had made me a beautiful white iced sponge wedding cake, with pretty pink writing and decoration.
I bought two wedding cakes from Marks and Spencer’s, as there was just time to pop in and tell my parents and celebrate before returning to active service, with the other wedding cake for my fellow officers and ward staff.
The CO and Matron were at the airport in Saudi to greet us and all the new arrivals. I was as happy as can be as a newlywed until Matron took me to one side and asked if it was correct I had married? My heart then skipped a beat when he commented, with a very grave face, that I had not sought his permission. For a moment I wondered if my marriage was going to be null and void! After seeing the horror on my face, he smiled and congratulated me and said how the news had cheered everyone up. However, the RSM was very disappointed I had married a xxxxxx. I couldn't possibly write the nickname used for the Royal Military Police.
Everyone seemed so happy for me and it added to my happiness. My prayers at our Sunday service always included a plea to return home safely and have some married life.
Unfortunately, my army career was cut short. The priority for me was to be with my husband in Germany, but the reality in those days was that Matron was unable to offer me a posting and definitely not at Wegberg, as that was the RAF. I could have led the way.
Nearly 30 years married now and depending on Covid 19 restrictions we are hoping to return to Corse Lawn Country Hotel for our anniversary. It is still owned by the same family and continues to have wonderful reviews.
Former Capt. Jan Westbury TA, Regular Service and Reserve 1987-1997.
