Page 29 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

THE GAZETTE QARANC 27
Vera Vaughan – Welsh Branch Veteran
VeraVaughanisouroldestmemberwhocelebratedher 103rd birthday in September 2015.
She is always a joy to visit being so lively and interesting to talk to. She is up to date on everything that is happening worldwide and locally, and also enjoys reminiscing of her time in the QARANC during the war. Vera was a Theatre Sister in the max fax team and recalls the terrible injuries sustained, especially after the battle
of Monte Casino. Last year her recollections of her travels during those years were printed in the Spring Gazette.
Rosy Hubbard
Welsh Branch Secretary
205 (Scottish) Field Hospital celebrate St Andrew’s Day at No 10
With the Saltire flying proudly outside Downing Street, two members of 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital joined representatives from Scotland’s business’s, the arts, the sports world and charity volunteers to celebrate Scotland’s National Day.
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Samantha Wilkie & Corporal (Cpl) Catherine Pounder flew down to London to join the ranks of RAF fighter pilot (record holder), Eric Brown, the first woman quadruple amputee to climb Ben Nevis Corinne Hutton, Creator of Comfort TED, tiny bears made for bereaved families post loss of a child Lesley Anderson to name but a few.
“It was a great privilege to be able to represent Scotland and 205 Field Hospital at such a prestigious event” says Samantha, who was pivotal in ensuring that a team of NHS doctors and nurses from the Unit were on standby to support the Ebola crisis earlier this year.
“I was overwhelmed with volunteers to help out in Sierra Leone” she explains “that is the beauty of our Unit – we train hard for such instances and that is why medical professionals thoroughly enjoy being part of the Medical Army Reserve.”
Corporal Catherine Pounder, an A & E nurse at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, was also invited in recognition of her hard work within the Scottish Military medical team.
“I had a great day; I am proud to be part of 205 Field
Hospital and very honoured to have been chosen to represent my unit.
Catherine goes on to add, “As part of the Medical Army Reserve we work and train consistently to ensure we are always ready to support the Army Medical Services when the need arises.”
During the event, Prime Minister David Cameron highlighted Scotland’s role in helping free Sierra Leone from Ebola, as well as the great sporting successes over the past year, acknowledging the recent historical Davis Cup win.
And, jokingly referring to a recent visit from the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, when asked for advice on how to beat Scotland’s rugby team, Mr Cameron replied “We have been trying to work that one out for years!”
In concluding his speech David Cameron emphasised “We live in uncertain times, but one thing remains constant: Scots making their mark in the world.”
Cpl Pounder and WO2 Wilkie thoroughly enjoyed their evening, it was great to meet and chat to so many interesting people from across Scotland, although they did admit that they were a little disappointed they we were unable to get a “selfie” with the Prime Minister, maybe next time.
WO2 Samantha Wilkie Cpl Catherine Pounder Glasgow
Detachment 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital
WO2 Wilkie & Cpl Pounder Tri Service Scottish Representatives – St Andrew’s Day No10