Falklands Out Of Area - 26 Jul 07 – 27 Nov 07
The 747 landed in snow……welcome to winter in the Falklands. I was sent out to drive a Battle Field Ambulance for the Medical Centre at Mount Pleasant. When you say it quickly 4 months doesn’t seem so long…….
I was not looking forward to this at all….but how wrong could I have been.
The first few days were arrival briefs and admin. Paperwork was coming out my ears but soon I settled into the rota. My driving shifts were 2 days, 2 nights and 2 stand down. Easy enough I hear you say, well compared to others it was. I was there to ferry patients around the Complex, Stanley Hospital, some 35 miles away, and be on call for Airfield Support. The worse part of all was the almost daily trips to Stanley on roads that were basically gravel, with winds gusting at times to 40 mph, snow and rain falling almost horizontally, sheep wondering aimlessly on the road and the very intimidating mine fields either side of the trenches which were, in places, 10ft deep either side of the road. It was harrowing to say the least.
Maintenance and responsibility of the fleet of 3 BFA’s was daily. I also took on extra duties by running the Tea Bar at the Med Centre. I also helped the medics by ordering stationary and medical forms. Anything to pass the time when we had quiet periods and believe me there were a few.
Spare time was taken up by visiting the well equipped gym, completing the Falklands Challenge. This was 575km by land, 62 km by sea. You could run, cycle, spin or swim. I managed to complete this twice and have t-shirts to prove it. On my night shift days I worked voluntarily at the Salvation Army run Oasis Coffee Shop. Not only did it give me something to do but I met many people and yes you guessed it…..the cakes were to die for. Free evenings were taken up with socialising with the great team of Medics and Police I was there with.
All in all you could say I had a fabulous time…..and I did. I worked hard and partied hard. I met some really great people who to this day I keep in touch with. Life was never dull, moral was always at a high and jokes a plenty. It was a world away from my day job as a musician but time that I have come to value and look back on with fond and happy memories.
By Cpl Helen Bailey