Page 31 - QARANC Vol 14 No 10 2015

THE GAZETTE QARANC 29
moonlit night and was a spectacular sight. We took over a hospital that the Germans had recently left. We were unable to admit patients for a few days due to a certain amount of damage, especially to the water supply. This hospital was part of a Theological College campus. One of the priests whom we called Brother Bob was popular with one and all. He was later decorated for his work with the resistance.
It wasn’t long before we were able to see the wonders of the Eternal City; apart from the outskirts, little damage had been done. We visited St Peters, the Vatican, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and the Catacombs.
My friend’s uncle, Mr MacWhite was the Ambassador for the Irish Free State. He arranged for
us to have an audience with His Holiness Pope Pius
X11, and along with another 50 or so, we received
the Papal blessing. It was a most impressive
occasion. He spoke to us and asked me where I
lived in the UK.
Rome 1945
I spent one Christmas in Rome and went to
view the midnight mass at St Peters. It was an
“experience”, and nothing holy about it at all. It was impossible
to hear the Choir of all Nations. There were servicemen standing in the Confessional boxes taking photographs. This was so different to the Christmas Eve service in Bethlehem.
Two local men from Llandridnod joined this unit for a while, Dr Jones-Davies, Medical Specialist and the Padre, Rev Jones-Davies, husband of Phyllis Morris.
Whilst in Rome I had several exciting experiences during my leave. For one I flew in an American Ambulance plane to Naples and then by jeep to Sorrento. We did trips to Amalfi, Rowenna and of course Capri. Another leave was to Florence, the city of flowers, - not so then. So much damage had been done, only one bridge across the river Arno remained, and that was Pont Vecchio with its quaint little shops, but very little stock in them. I did, however buy two pairs of super handmade pure silk cami-knickers. Whilst in Florence we did a trip to Assisi associated with St Francis, a wonderful place.
From Rome I was posted to Brindisi.
Home leave was granted, and so in May 1945 I arrived back in Liverpool to be greeted by a downfall of rain and a band playing cheerful music.
This tour covered approximately 22,000 miles. How grateful we were to the Voluntary Services, the Red Cross, YWCA, Scottish Church Army, TOC H and others. The YWCA ran some leave hotels, and canteens were provided by the Scottish Church Army and YWCA. The Red Cross supplied so much in the way of comfort.
I have returned to Italy several times and seen again the wonderful places, but my one dream is to return to the Holy Land. How regrettable it is that Jew and Arab cannot live peacefully side by side, especially as they come from the same seed as that of Abraham.
Vera B Vaughan
Buckingham Palace
On Wednesday 29th October I received an envelope with the Royal Crest on and the Buckingham Palace Motif. The sheer sight of this made my palms sweaty and my heart race. Upon carefully opening it, I was shocked and thrilled to have in my possession a personal invitation from The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales to attend a Reception at Buckingham Palace on 06 November 2014.
The Reception was to thank those involved in the Medical Care, Recovery, and Rehabilitation of Servicemen and Women.
I won’t tell a lie, a tear did fall as I read it.
Thursday 06 November was the most outstanding amazing experience of my life and will always be an evening that will never be forgotten. Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace I drove through the magnificent gates (whilst being photographed by tourists). Upon entering Buckingham Palace in awe of my surroundings, I was shown up the main grand staircase to two interconnecting reception rooms adjoined to the main picture gallery.
My main expectation of the evening was just gratitude at being in Buckingham Palace, at such a prestigious occasion. I presumed I would see The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales from a distance, but did not in any way expect to be looking at one of the most world famous Rembrandts to then turn to my right and be stood next to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. A true honour and privilege.
I was served champagne, canopies and was waited on hand and foot. The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales were the most amazing hosts, and were in every way personable and chatty. They were interested in every word and responded with true genuine questions about me and my role within the QARANC and wider AMS.
I was nominated to attend and chosen by a panel, and would like to thank whoever they were for this prestigious and once in a life time opportunity.
A/WO2 Gilbert QARANC
Practice Manager, MRS Aldergrove, DPHC (SNI)