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A Soldier Turns Veterinarian.

During a recce for wounded soldiers, Mr. McLeod instead finds a large draught horse with a fist-sized piece of shrapnel in it's shoulder. He removes the large piece of metal and dresses the wound with his own field dressing.

Arresting A 'Friendly' Intruder

Mr. McLeod describes being on patrol with his partner and being stalked by an intruder. He hides and then sneaks up behind and captures the stalker who may have been a German dressed in British kit. The intruder turns out to be a member of British 5th Brigade.

Repairing Phone Lines

Mr. McLeod describes the fact that phone wire was vulnerable to shrapnel, and how teams of two would track down and repair any breaks in the wire.

Signals Equipment

Mr. McLeod describes using a telegraph machine and signal lamp in the field, and the need for perfection when signaling. He reflects on the fact that today he only recalls “a couple” letters.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Date modified:: 2019-02-19