Page 43 - QARANC Vol 19 No 1 2021

the best possible condition for the future fitting of an artificial limb. Nearly all the operations ended with the limb being encased in a plaster cast, by the end of the day there seemed to be plaster everywhere. The surgeons were superb, they never gave up on a patient, and the orderlies were wonderful at finding solutions to all sorts of problems, they kept the theatre running smoothly and they cared about the patients, they were their colleagues.
We were not in a war zone. I think the greatest danger we were in was from a surfeit of social activity, it was overwhelming. There were military
units all around us and we had invitations to dances practically every night. Friendships were made, there were a few engagements, one or two marriages, some hearts broken and there was the odd one of us who had not heeded the final words of the officer when she had sent us on our way.
With the cessation of hostilities in 1945, the flow of patients began to diminish. The surgeons were repatriated and soon after I was on a ship homeward bound, this time we sailed straight through the Suez Canal. We had gone just as quickly as we had come. I know that distance lends enchantment to the view. We didn’t
win all the battles and we had bad days as well as good, days when nothing seemed to go right but these are my memories and I cherish them. All in all a most amazing experience.
Finally, on the square at the front of the Officers’ Mess, a panoramic photograph was taken of all the hospital staff and it surprised me just how many of us were there. I am sure that a copy of this photograph must exist out there somewhere, but where?
Janet Mantle Scottish Branch
The Gazette QARANC Association 41
History is a mystery... or is it?
I was interested to read Alison Spires article in the last issue of the Gazette where she stresses the importance of capturing our Corps history. I could not agree more, Alison, and thank you for highlighting it. Our history is part of where we were, has shaped wherewearenow,andallowsusto move into the future secure in the knowledge that we are continuing alonganddistinguishedtradition. Where we are as a Corps has been shaped by all those gone before and the stories they have to tell are not only fascinating, but important. Part of that history is the camaraderie we shared, and still share, born of mutual experiences and the knowledge of what it means to serve in the QARANC. Some of our shared stories are tragic, some are unimaginable, but most are full of joy and laughter and a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
When the world went into lockdown, the QARANC Association Jurassic Coast Branch took themselves online where it soon became apparent that reminiscing was a large part of these gatherings. The stories being told are a rich source of our history and from this a longing was born to capture them before it is too late. Then came a vision to start a blog, where our stories would be captured and
sent out into the world as a written record of the Corps of which we are all so proud. Whilst four individuals take responsibility for the blog, the weekly running is carried out by Jan Westbury and Wendy H Jones. In this they are ably assisted by Merrill Bate and Kay Foster.
The response to QA Reminiscences – Regular, Retired, Reserves, has been phenomenal with reader numbers climbing weekly. Those reading it say it reminds them of when they were serving and those serving now say it is a fascinating glimpse into a world which has changed in many ways. We’ve had stories of wartime weddings, jungle trips and tigers, a medical trip to the Peruvian Andes, hospital closures and getting wet feet during a submarine trip in the Falklands. We’ve even had one from a PMRAFNS officer who unexpectedly found herself serving with the Army. Not only are these memories fascinating but, important, and if not for the blog, they would be lost forever. We need to cherish them and keep them alive, in our hearts, in our minds, and in written form for future generations.
So, we would like to hear your stories. If you have a memory of your time in the Corps no matter how mundane you might think it is, please contact: Wendy H.
Wendy Jones
Jones, wendy@wendyhjones.com, 01382 688353; Jan Westbury, janwestbury@btinternet.com; Merrill Bate, merrilljbate@icloud.com
The blog posts are about 500- 1000 words long, so not a huge task and Wendy and Jan will be more than happy to help you. We look forward to hearing your stories.
Major (Retd) Wendy H Jones Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Jan Westbury
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Merrill Bate
Major (Retd) Kay Foster