I was on my own now. An adult at the start of a new life. Out of the nest, I was about to test my wings. Could I fly without my father there to catch me? With Sissy’s spirit behind me, I would help to save the life of some other mother’s son, and make my family proud.

With the lines slipped, the great vessel eased away. The clang of the ships bell added to an atmosphere of celebration. Shrill farewells rose on the air, then they were drowned by an uproarious rendition of ‘Rule, Britannia!’, played by a local brass band. My ebullience at embarking on this great adventure swiftly morphed into a feeling of loss and loneliness. My country, and my dearest friends and family, slipped away from me.

Low sunlight hit the promenade, stretching shadows into thin grey ghosts on the pale cement. They grew smaller and more distant by the second. People moved away, heading for the public house, or home. My eyes fixed on my parents, still as statues, and I understood every bit of their sense of loss. At that moment, it matched my own.

*

The purser – a short, dapper man – told us of the incredible power of HMHS Britannic’s engines. He caught my eye, and I sensed he was trying to impress me, which made me blush.

‘The Britannic’s stronger and far safer than her sister ship, Titanic.’ The purser presented facts and figures that meant nothing to me before he handed us over to Matron. I tried to memorise the things he told us, thinking I could put them into my first letter home and impress Father.

I imagined him looking up from the page. ‘You see how much she has learned already, my dear. Our girl has a good head on her shoulders.’ And Mother would be amazed.

Matron Merriberry, a powerful woman who carried the weight of middle age with dignity, led us around the vessel.

‘Pay attention, ladies,’ she boomed, glaring at each of us, then her face softening. ‘We’re honoured to be given this vessel for our work. The Britannic would have been the most luxurious passenger ship of the White Star Line, and indeed of the world. However, for the moment her more ornate fittings, and her magnificent pipe organ, lay in storage. That space is taken by operating rooms, surgeries, and wards with over three thousand beds.’ She threw her shoulders back, then continued. ‘Before you descend to your designated cabins, follow me around the ship and familiarise yourselves.’