大象传媒

This story was told to East Ayrshire Library Staff by Mrs and Mrs Bushell at a Workshop held in Mauchline on 20th May 2004

I started at Ballochmyle Hospital as a nurse in 1940 and worked for the duration of the war. Convoys of German and Italian POWs were brought in to Mauchline Station and also our own wounded soldiers. 2 ounces of butter per person had to last all week - so the nurses kept watch over their own supply.
My fiancee (Bill) was at the evacuation of British troops from France in 1940. He was rescued from La Rochelle in a coal boat. People waiting at home did not know if their soldiers were dead or alive - but luckily Bill came home safely. After only 72 hours at home his next posting was Egypt were he fought with Monty's 8th Army at the Battle of El Alamein against the Germans under the command of Field Marshall Rommel. After Egypt he was posted to Italy (while he was there Vesuvius erupted - its last big eruption - soot fell like rain). He was away for 4 and a half years without any leave.
When he came home in June 1945 - we married in September 1945. Friends and family would share rations to help make the wedding cake and food for the reception. My dress was secondhand due to rationing - Bill married in his uniform as he was still in the army until 1946 - he had to borrow coupons to get clothes other than his uniform.

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