Page 24 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘Well, it’s a good thing we have a doctor or two with us. Come on, let’s find them and get our girls.’

‘There are several others as well. I haven’t been able to assess them, it’s just too dark.’

‘Then we will bring them to the light.’ Matron Drummond turns to a middle-aged man huddled close to the bonfire. ‘Doctor, we need you to accompany us on a short walk to where some injured survivors have landed.’

‘I will not be going anywhere,’ the doctor says bluntly. ‘If you have injured survivors, then bring them to me.’

‘But, Doctor,’ pleads Vivian, ‘they need help now, and I’m not sure if they can all walk. Please, it’s not far.’

But the doctor is insistent and rude. ‘Matron, tell your subordinate I do not take instructions from a nurse. If you have injured, bring them here. I will not leave the main group.’

Matron pulls herself up to her full height. ‘And you call yourself a doctor? I’m going to get my girls.’

Vivian, Matron and Jimmy turn away and head down the beach. They walk in silence, each of them appalled by the belligerent medic.

‘That’s them,’ says Vivian finally, as their small group comes into view. ‘We’re coming,’ she calls.

‘Matron, is that you, Matron?’

‘Yes, Sister Halligan. Come on, let’s get you to the fire so we can see what’s what.’

Slowly, the new group of survivors heads back to the bonfire. Rosetta is limping badly, but Clarice and Vivian support her until they find a space for her near the warmth.

‘Are you OK, Sisters?’

‘Yes, thanks, Jimmy,’ says Clarice.

Altogether, around eighty survivors are gathered on the beach: men, women, children and nurses.

Matron points out a large group of British servicemen. ‘I think they’re plotting what to do when the sun comes up.’

One by one, people begin to doze off. They have survived a shipwreck and the treacherous current. For the moment, they have found safety and it isn’t long before the beach is filled with the sound of gentle snoring.

‘Wake up! Wake up, everyone. We need to talk.’

Matron is the first on her feet. The sun is rising over the sea. It will be another day of pounding heat; it’s the only thing she can be certain of.

‘And who are you?’ she asks.

‘Good morning, Matron. I’m Bill Sedgeman. I was the first officer on theVyner Brooke,’ he replies and then turns to the wider group. ‘Can I have everyone’s attention please? It’s obvious the Japanese are on this island, but our priority is to look for food and fresh water. I’m calling for volunteers, just a small party to venture inland and see what we find.’

‘I’ll go,’ calls a voice, and then another, ‘And me.’

‘Count me in.’

‘Let’s get going.’

‘That’s five, that will be enough,’ the first officer says. ‘The rest of you tryto find some shade and we’ll be back as quickly as we can.’

‘All right, Sisters, let’s help move anyone who can’t move themselves.’

The daylight has brought with it intense heat, and for the next hour, the nurses help those who are too weak or injured into the shade of the giant cool foliage. There is nothing more to do now but wait.

‘Matron, they’re back, the men are coming back.’ Vivian races out of the jungle and onto the beach, desperate for news. ‘Oh, no!’ she calls to the group. ‘There are Japanese soldiers with them. Mr Sedgeman is talking to them.’

‘These are the people I told you about,’ the first officer is explaining. ‘We surrender and want to be prisoners of war.’

‘What did he say?’ A murmur of confusion passes through the group.