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I had no idea of the danger.
Ms. Whittaker describes a relatively peaceful crossing to England, even though depth charges were occasionally fired off to thwart submarines.
Toughening up
Ms. Whittaker describes her hospital experience at Horley, England as being pleasant with little contact with war wounded. Her introduction to army drill brings her back to the reality of war.
Heightened vigilance in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the SS Santa Helena
Ms. Whittaker describes the safety measures taken aboard SS Santa Helena, because of the risk of torpedoing, once she reached the Mediterranean Sea. These included sleeping in full uniform and frequent lifeboat drills.
Torpedoed!
Ms. Whittaker discusses the events prior to, during, and immediately after the aerial torpedoing of the SS Santa Helena. She gives a detailed account of how the ship's crew kept passengers calm while moving them to lifeboat stations, for which she offers them high praise.
Rescued!
Ms. Whittaker describes being adrift in a lifeboat, the laying of a smoke screen to protect against German strafing, and finally being rescued by the American troop ship, SS Monterey.
They were marvelous patients.
Ms. Whittaker describes the very modest hospital where she worked in Caserta, Italy. She observes that despite having very little with which to treat the wounded, they were brave men and wonderful patients.
Hard eggs and a soft nurse
Ms. Whittaker describes hard boiled eggs as being a rather unpalatable dietary staple in Italy. She prepares a special treat, a soft poached egg and toast, for one of the badly wounded. He is very grateful for this act of kindness.
'S-Hertogenbosch Hospital
Ms. Whittaker describes the removal of all of the patients from 'S-Hertogenbosch Hospital as a precautionary measure, during the Battle of the Bulge. After that the hospital's role becomes that of a casualty clearing station.
A positive impact on her nursing career
Ms. Whittaker discusses how the misery she dealt with during the Second World War positively shaped her attitude in her career as a civilian nurse in Newfoundland's outports.
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