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War-time memories of my time in India as a Nursing Sister in the Queen Alexandria’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve.
April 1943 to June 1946

Ham Green Hospital, Pill, Bristol
Early in 1943 I was working as a ward Sister in the Ham Green Hospital Pill. Bristol, which was beautifully situated with lovely grounds and super walks around. This was a large hospital and a Fever and Tuberculosis training school. Diphtheria was prevalent at the time. As Sisters we were treated remarkably well and I was very happy here. Then, the Queen Alexandria Nursing Co put out a desperate appeal for trained nurses.

My good friend Florence was first to apply and managed to persuade me to do like-wise. We both had the necessary qualifications: S.R.N. S.R.F.N S.C.M. I did so with some trepidation, and when appointed to the army hospital at Shaftsbury Dorset, my doubts increased, but I did not have the courage to reverse my decision.

However, after three weeks I had resigned myself to the idea of army life. During this time we had to measure for our grey and red uniform, white tropical uniform, obtain a passport and provide ourselves with a tin trunk. Then I was sent home on ten days embarkation leave.

I returned to a large house in Gillingham, Dorset where we stayed for one month. The last two weeks we were confined to barracks. Before leaving we were given an encouraging lecture from the Principal Matron. After a delightful evening meal, we left Gillingham at 8pm- travelling through the night- and arriving in Liverpool at 10am, when we boarded a lovely ship called the ‘Athlone Castle’. We remained on the ship for two days before setting sail.

Our destination- Bombay

Athlone Castle (9 Weeks)
As Officers and ranked Lieutenant, we were given first class accommodation and the facilities were excellent. During the journey we were expected to do two days concentrated nursing and the rest of the time was devoted to social activities. We had boat drill several times during the stay. The port holes were always kept closed at night throughout the journey, but open for periods during the day. Under the supervision of a female Doctor, the QA’s did several shows for the troops- this was most enjoyable and fun.

We also had a ‘Choir’...an officer from my home was the pianist- super he was. I first sang ‘Jesus Joy of Man’s Desire’ on the ship. I played bingo for the first time with our 1,000 troops.

Men of course were in the majority. We were escorted out of the harbour (in a convoy) for some distance. When on our own, a submarine was sighted- we prepared ourselves for any emergency but were not unduly alarmed.

Our first port of call was Cape Town where we stayed for three days. Many men in South Africa had been called up, so it was left to the women in Cape Town to organise some social activities for us during our stay there. This was done exceptionally well and we really had a wonderful time, particularly the men. We were entertained at a super place called ‘The Kelvin Grove’, saw Table Mountain and visited Johannesburg. The restaurants were absolutely wonderful and the shops rich with everything.

We then passed Freetown- a poor place really, but from a distance it looked green and fertile. The natives came out in little boats and dived into the sea for any money thrown in by the soldiers.

After nine weeks from Liverpool we arrived in Bombay- remaining there for two days. By chance my friend and I met a charming couple from Birmingham. They took us to their lovely apartment where we had lunch, and then they kindly showed us around Bombay. We returned to our ship for the night.

The following day we boarded an Indian ship to take us to Karachi- this took three days. We were approximately 60 QA’s on the Athlone Castle, now we were only six. We experienced a monsoon and were all confined to our cabins with sea sickness. It was quite awful- the ship was small and rocked to and fro.

From Karachi we travelled by train- our destination was eventually Taxilla. This took five days. The six of us occupied the compartment (we had a bunk each) and during the journey much to our disgust the punker went out of action. We had to rely on a large lump of ice placed on the floor and this, together with plenty of drinks of various kinds, helped to keep us cool. We did not eat very much- one of the girls was quite ill with dysentery. Before arriving in Lahore, the guard of the train demanded a certain amount of money from each of us. We reported him to the R.T.O. (Regimental Transport Officer) and the money was duly returned.

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Sian Roberts of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Shropshire CSV Action Desk on behalf of Mrs. Gwyneth Jones and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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