Page 22 - QARANC Vol 15 No 2 2017

20 QARANC THE GAZETTE
plaque was unveiled by CO USAF Croughton and Senior RAF Representative and the wreath was laid on it. A short address was given by Chaplain USAF Croughton about the dedication of the Commemorative plaque. Then closing words and prayers were given jointly by the Vicar and USAF Chaplain. This was followed by the Last Post and then a minute of silence was observed with reveille and then the national anthems of both countries were played. Finally, the closing address was given by PC Chair
and we all made our way inside the hall for refreshments. We had a lovely tea and coffee with mouth-watering and delicious cakes and made our way back to DSHE at 1700 hrs.
Being student nurses, SAC Gray and I are so delighted and honoured that we got an opportunity to attend the ceremony and represent DSHE. We have learnt about Sister Lewis and her brave conduct and as a result this ceremony has inspired us to be a role model like her. We have learnt that we all must be ready to do our duty
at any time with our skills, knowledge and experience. Moreover, we have also learnt that the fallen are never forgotten and we will always remember them. Finally, we would like to thank Maj Jamieson, Maj Carter and Cpt Powell (SSO) for providing us with such a wonderful opportunity to attend the ceremony.
LCpl Gurung, Student Nurse, Defence School of Healthcare Education
Mrs Mada Clare (formerly QAIMNS):
Chevalier de L’Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur
On Saturday 1 October 2016, Monsieur Jean-Claude Lafontaine, Honorary Consul from the French Embassy visited Mrs Mada Clare (formerly QAIMNS), now aged 103 years, at her Nursing Home in Kesgrave, Ipswich, to present her with the Decoration of Chevalier de L’Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur. This was a prestigious occasion garnering significant interest from the local press. A reception was held in Mada’s honour in the presence of family and friends and Majors Chris Carter and Alison Cripps were proud to represent the QARANC, providing a Guard of Honour, as Mada was welcomed into the gathering.
The Legion of Honour, full name National Order of the
Legion of Honour (French: Ordre national
de la Légion d’honneur), is the highest
French order of merit for military and civil
merits, established in 1802 by Napoléon
Bonaparte. The order is divided into five
degrees of increasing distinction and it
was as Chevalier (Knight) that Mada was
awarded. This was given in recognition of
Mada’s service in France during the Second World War.
In June 1944 Mrs Mada Clare (then Sister Mada Laight QAIMNS) was put ashore in Normandy, following the first influx of D-Day soldiers. Mada had already seen service with the