Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 21 continued ... continued ... This story is inspired by the journey of my Great-Grandparents who met in Europe during the war. My Great-Grandmother was a war bride. Canada, September 1940 We have gotten the letter to leave behind our mothers and sisters to go fight overseas. My three brothers and I have said our long-awaited goodbyes. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded as to why we decided to volunteer and fight for our country as we wave goodbye to our loved ones. Ireland, September 1940 I feel overwhelmed with guilt as a woman during war times. I feel like there must be more I can do to help with the war efforts. I joined the ATS with the Nursing Sisters of London to help out in any way that I can. I couldn’t imagine saying goodbye to a loved one at such desperate times. Europe, October 1940 We have just finished training camps and just hit land, my brothers and I are split up and sent across Europe. War is not as patriotic as the posters make it seem but still we must fight for our freedom and the freedom of our children. London, October 1940 When I arrived at the hospital on the outskirts of the city, no one could have prepared me for the damage people can do to each other. We all work long hard days helping sons, brothers, fathers and heroes all get better one day at a time. We remind them who they’re fighting for. Italy, January 1941 I’ve been hit in my right shoulder! At first it feels hot like someone poured warm water on your arm and you’re still in shock so the pain hasn’t hit you yet but once it does, the pain is indescribable. An emergency nurse patches me up as best she can and gets me ready for transport to a hospital in London. London, January 1941 We are getting more and more patients everyday, we’re running out of space. We’ve asked other hospitals to help take some of our long-term patients in order to make space for more soldiers. London, January 1941 I finally arrived at the hospital. The nurse I have is very patient and kind to me. I try to get to know her. I ask about her family and if she is married. She tells me she’s from Dublin and that she was orphaned as a young child. She spent a lot of her childhood moving from relative to relative. She also tells me that she isn’t married and she just joined the nursing sisters to help out as much as she could. 1st Place Senior Essay, Bridget Murphy, Submitted by Arras Br 059
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