Evening star., 1941-08-15
AMoy|ond Nurse Tells Gripping Story Of Rescue From
Sinking Steamer in North Atlantic British Convoy

passports, Shore leave while an
port" We made arrangements TO
go into the city by motor launch
Saturday afterr DON. Our house
mother urged US all to take ad-
vantage of this. saying 1t would
break the monotony of long trip.
Most of the nurses were glad %
get in town and DO some shopping
No warning had been given that
we were going a northern route 10
England. They had not supplied
themselves with the warm slacks
which were now so essential for decS
wear.
Halifax seemed almost entirely in
uniform that Saturday afternoon.
Our blue military uniforms had been
of interest in New York, but IN
Halifax were quite a sensation ana
a great rarity. The Canadians and
British were amazed when they
would learn we were Americans.
Ever so many saluted us. Again we
received many wishes of good luck.
Some thanked us heartily for doing
relief work for Britain.
I walked up to high hill over
looking Halifax 1t gave a wonder
full view of the harbor and upon
seeing it realized fully the asso-
citation o. Halifax and shipping. On
this hill was an old. old fort which
was now pressed into service as a
training center.
At 10 pm. We went back to the
ship by motor launch. On the way
we we're joined by the skipper from
another ship, which was also walt
ing in the harbor for convoy assem-
bling AS he climbed up the side OF
his ship we all watched the quick
and nimble way his middle aged feet
handled the rope ladder. Little did
we know then that this was his last
VOYAGE. We saw this man and all
of his crew except six die in one
mad moment at sea.
Sadness Even in Gay Party.
Sunday night the usual gathering
in the dining saloon for sandwiches
and beer developed into large, gay
party. Even though it was extremely
CAV. it had underneath it all sad
sort of farewell 1t proved to be a
good gesture. After that night every
one knew every one else. Many ac-
ouaintances made that night grew
into friendships later.
After the party I walked on deck
with one of the officers. We talked
of Holland. I had been there sew
eral years before and it pleased him
much to know I had visited his
homeland and had liked the country
so we'll. He talked of his family
now in Nazi-ruled Holland.
The conversation shortly turned
to my going to England. He abruptly
asked me why I was leaving the
United States with all it had to Of
fer. comforts, security and peace,
and why was going to war that
was not my war. He pictured Eng
land as the land of "bOomps"
(bombSJ and blackouts and without
cigarettes. He urged me to turn
back. When l said I could not do
that, he insisted that I could. He
talked in most every kind OF dis
couraging way.
shall never forget our last night
in Halifax. The harbor was very
silent and still. The shore was black
and motionless except for an occa-
sional car on the road which wound
along the bay.
Urged to Turn Back.
AS We watched this scene, my
companion grew philosophical. He
explained that the Dutch, Norwe-
gisn. Danish and other Allies who
sail for Britain are considered the
heroes Of the Atlantic But" he
said, we have nothing else to do but
sail. Were not heroes. You nurses
are the ones who are heroes You
didn't have to go into war work, but
you are doing it anyway"
He took me to my cabin, turned
and said, so you still want to go?"
"Of course" l answered.
Il can't understand it." he said.
That's wonderful spirit. Maybe
it won't be too bad He paused and
then added, Come to my cabin
for sherry at 1890 tomorrow. Ny
watch will be over. I'm in the deck
house, up the stairs to the left and
to the left again"
I went into my cabin somewhat
disturbed. I thought to myself, "One
of us is right. One of us is wrong"
undressed in the darkness and
got into my bunk. 1t could not be
helped now, anyway. The deed was
done. We were to sail in the morn
ing.
ITO 20 Continued