New book shines a light on Ireland’s nurses in the Second World War

A new book has shone a light on the contribution of nurses from across Ireland working in dangerous conditions in the Second World War.

Memories and records, as well as a roll of honour, of nurses from across Ireland has been compiled by the Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland.

These nurses followed thousands of ships of Allied troops who landed in France on June 6th, 1944 amid intense fighting in the bid to liberate the nation from the Nazi Germany occupation.

Nurses endured the same conditions as troops, sleeping under canvas in frequently flooded and cold accommodation while working around the clock for the many casualties.

Nurses’ Voices From The Second World War: The Ireland Connection brings home their experiences from the start of the war to the end and caring for those liberated from concentration camps.

The nurses slept with their tin helmets close by while shelling and gunfire went on nearby. Conditions in winter were described as “particularly grim”,…