A LOOK at the role of a floating hospital ship will be the focus of a talk by the British Modern Military History Society next week.
Taking place in Woodcote Village Hall, Nicci Pugh will talk about her experiences in the Falklands War as a Trauma Operating Theatre Sister on board Her Majesty’s Hospital Ship Uganda.
She will look at everything from helicopter evacuation of casualties from the battlefields ashore and at sea, to the repatriation of recovering patients to UK by sea and air.
The society says the talk will include up-to-date images of The Falkland Islands today, which include excellent shots of the rare black-browed albatross nesting off remote West Falkland Islands.
In April 1982, whilst serving a short-service commission as a Senior Nursing Officer in Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS), Nicci was selected, along with 39 other female nursing colleagues, to serve on board Her Majesty’s Hospital Ship Uganda throughout the Falklands War, fought between Britain and Argentina in 1982.
The QARNNS nursing teams on board Uganda were the only military females to serve in the Falklands War, and this was the first time in history that British female RN junior ratings had officially served at sea.
They worked tirelessly to treat and care for seriously injured servicemen arriving by helicopter from battlefields and dressing stations ashore, as the battles progressed to re-take Port Stanley, the surrounding terrain and, eventually, all the Falkland Islands from their uninvited occupiers.
The crucial role of all the military helicopters involved in the casualty evacuation process is clearly demonstrated throughout this fascinating Presentation.
Ms Pugh wrote a book on her experiences, White Ship – Red Crosses.
The evening will also look at the work of the The South Atlantic Medal Association, the tri-service charity for veterans of The Falklands War, www.sama82.org.uk
The talk takes place on Wednesday, October 12, from 7.30pm.
The society welcomes visitors, but places should be booked in advance.
For more details, email: info@bmmhs.org
