by Gwladys M Rees Aikens

12.50, 5 x 7 , 160 pp., paperback b&w photographs ISBN 1-55109-313-8

Originally self-published in 1998, this is an extraordinary story of war and about some of the women who served their country during World War II. The author was a Q.A. Reserve —Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service/Reserve", who provided the first care to wounded soldiers. Mrs. Aiken's tour of service included North Africa, Sicily and Italy.

The author's intention in writing of her experiences was to document for her family her life during World War II and to give voice to the experiences so many women had endured. This slim volume of one woman's experiences is a testament to the sacrifices and the valour of many women who served their country during the hardships and anguish of the war. Ms. Aikens has brought to life for the coming century the battlefront, hospital trains and the make-or-break experiences of lively young people plunged into war and tremendous responsibility.

There is no memorial to the Q.A.’s, though they served with skill, dedication and sometimes their lives. But Gwladys Aikens’ book is an attempt to fill that void and it is a fitting one. Her experiences were harrowing and sometimes gruesome. But they represent what was really happening during those war years. Readers today will marvel at what was endured and tolerated.

For veterans of the war, the story recounted here will call to mind their own experiences. For many, this will be the first time they truly knew or understood the dedication of the young women who worked so steadfastly to save lives and keep the battle going. For others, this will be a remarkable account from a women's perspective of a largely male dominated sphere.

Emigrating to Canada in 1946, Ms. Aikens presently resides in Halifax.