Page 113 - KBHA BULLETIN 6

VAD qualifications meant nothing. She said “Go and do your general medical and surgical

training first and then come back”. So, cap-in-hand, I started my 42 months’ training at

Groote Schuur Hospital - and the war was almost over.

Of course, once the war began, there was the ever-present danger of U-boats in our waters
and their attacks on the convoys. So very strict laws were passed to maintain a total

blackout of sea-facing doors and windows. Specially appointed “wardens” paraded up and
down Main Road on the look-out for careless residents. Even cars had specially-designed

lights which reduced the amount of light considerably. Consequently, very few people

travelled after dark. In any case petrol was rationed, so using one’s car was only for very
real emergencies.

Convalescent Homes for Servicemen

In the Cape Times of 25 February 1941 it was reported that there was great activity at the
“Seahurst Hotel” in preparation for its new role as the Seahurst Red Cross Military

Auxiliary Hospital.

"Yesterday mattresses and bedding were spread out on the wide lawn for

airing before being used in the wards. Inside the building a large band of
willing workers were sweeping, dusting, scrubbing, and generally getting the

hospital ready for occupation.

When the hospital opens in a week or two it is expected that 30 patients will be
accommodated. The number will be expanded later, possibly to 100."

One month later, on 24 March, the Governor-General Sir Patrick Duncan, in the presence
of a large gathering including 72 soldier and sailor convalescents, officially opened the

Auxiliary Military Hospital. A guard of honour was formed by 300 nurses from V.A.D.

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