大象传媒

This story was submitted to the Peoples War website by Rod Sutton on behalf of Graham Gane who collected it for his History of Truro Grammar School and has been added to the website with his permission. He fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

It was in the autumn after the Munich Conference, 1938, that the Red Cross Link was formed. The senior girls were quick to realize both the importance of, and the urgency for, proficiency in First Aid, and we started with such a large class that several members of staff volunteered help with the practical work. We spent many hilarious (but hard working) hours, from 4 - 5 p.m., changing granny knots to reef, immobilizing wriggling limbs with splints and nearly killing those on whom we practiced artificial respiration. Examinations followed. I wonder how many can remember examinations during an air raid, when we sat and waited for our turn for the oral in the darkened corridors with its blast wall in front of all doors, and pasted strips of paper over all windows? Soon Proficiency badges were being worn proudly by the side of House badges. It became necessary to arrange for Home Nursing courses as well and, in 1940, Hygiene courses were also added. With difficulty we procured two beds and mattresses and bed making sessions went on every dinner hour. I fear that quite often the poor patient was either feeling seasick at the rough treatment received or else found herself on the floor. I can well remember our satisfaction when the first three gained their Grand Proficiency Badge (nicknamed the "George Medal") having reached proficiency standard in three subjects (involving nine examinations in those days - now it only means six). Our examiners were many; but always at hand and always ready to assess justly and helpfully were Miss Michell and Miss Gundry. The former presented us with a House Trophy which was worked for with enthusiasm. One of the highlights was an inspection by H.R.H. the Duchess of Gloucester. Over a hundred of our Cadets practiced marching round and round the school field and in and out of the front gates. A similar number rehearsed just as hard and looked just as efficient in the Peace Parade. One or two teams tried each year for the St Levan Cup and, in 1948, under Miss Gundry's coaching we won it. Fanned by the interest aroused by the Red Cross classes, a relatively large number of Fifth and Sixth formers took up the Nursing profession. Under Miss Carter, a Pre-nursing Course was started in the Sixth and, largely through this the Biology Laboratory was built.

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