The ride in an open-topped bus, which had seen better days and puffed out fumes as if in annoyance at still being in service, was a little hair-raising, as children ran alongside, calling out to them and greeting them, but also asking for a cent. One was really cheeky and shouted, ‘British rich, British give me one dollar.’ Daisy and Florrie had laughed their heads off.

The chatter on the bus was full of anticipation, interspersed with the waving of hand-held fans, as the true heat that they would experience came home to roost.

They were taken to the Royal Alexandra Military Hospital, a beautiful white building with many windows and balconies, surrounded by lush green grass and trees that provided a gentle breeze.

Matron greeted them as they entered the reception area, a place of cool calm – an oasis after stepping out of the midday heat. Here, white stone walls surrounded the tiled floor, which shone like glass. A desk took up most of one wall and several doors led off to places unknown at the time, although they later found that they were passageways to the wards, theatres and staff quarters.

Matron, a tall lady, whose only claim to beauty was her piercing blue eyes, which distracted the onlooker from her crooked nose and slightly buck-teeth, made up for what she didn’t have in looks with her charm. Daisy had taken to her from the off and had listened intently as she made her welcome speech.

‘I’m Matron Prinder and I’m very pleased to welcome you all. I have a list of your names, but at the moment you are just a sea of faces. We will rectify that tomorrow, but today you are free to do as you please. Tindrenshai, who is an orderly here, will take you to your quarters and, once you have unpacked, he will be waiting in the corridor to take you to lunch. Then I want you to explore, so dress in something cool and be at the front of the building by two p.m. The bus will be waiting and will take you on a trip. Oh, if you have packed your swimwear, take that with you, as you are in for a treat at the end of your tour. You will be taken to the European Swimming Pool, a place that we all frequent during our time off. Enjoy yourselves, then report to my office at nine a.m. tomorrow morning, dressed for duty.’

A warm feeling had overcome Daisy and she knew it had Florrie, too. ‘By, I reckon as we’ve landed on our feet here, Daisy. Fancy having a matron like that! My last one bawled me out for sommat or other, the moment she set eyes on me.’