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Helmets and Lipstick
Helmets and Lipstick is the first-hand account of Second Lieutenant Ruth Haskell, chronicling her time spent as a combat nurse with U.S. troops in North Africa during Operation Torch. First published at the height of the war in 1944, Haskell's memoir is a classic account of combat nursing in World War 2, an important addition to the literature of the war in North Africa and of the history of non-combatants in the Second World War.
126 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1944
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 15, 2018
5 stars - English ebook - I have dyslexia -
- Foreign service! I had volunteerd about a month before, but now that the orders where actually here, I found I was a little panicky about the whole thing.-
What do I admire these lady's, who like Florence Nightingale, took are of our degreasers in WO II. I live in Holland and both grandparents were with the recistence. My grandfather got Lucky, on the day they wanted to shoot him the GI 's got him out of his cell at Hotel Organge ( het Oranje hotel), the place the Gemans kept the Guy's and girls of the recistence before schootging them on the Waldorpervlakte ( the dunes of Scheveningen). So I am still so grateful of the GI 's for liberale us in Holland. It was no easy task taking care of soldeniers under fire and such cirumstances. Thank you!
- We must have presented a pretty picture. We entered the lobby with gas maskers, slungel over the schoulder, musette bag over the other, and carrying our cyitcases, canteenbelts, and helmets.-
- Foreign service! I had volunteerd about a month before, but now that the orders where actually here, I found I was a little panicky about the whole thing.-
What do I admire these lady's, who like Florence Nightingale, took are of our degreasers in WO II. I live in Holland and both grandparents were with the recistence. My grandfather got Lucky, on the day they wanted to shoot him the GI 's got him out of his cell at Hotel Organge ( het Oranje hotel), the place the Gemans kept the Guy's and girls of the recistence before schootging them on the Waldorpervlakte ( the dunes of Scheveningen). So I am still so grateful of the GI 's for liberale us in Holland. It was no easy task taking care of soldeniers under fire and such cirumstances. Thank you!
- We must have presented a pretty picture. We entered the lobby with gas maskers, slungel over the schoulder, musette bag over the other, and carrying our cyitcases, canteenbelts, and helmets.-
November 14, 2021
When I read a personal challenge list about women, I like to include one memoir or autobiography. This is it for my Empowered Women of WWII list.
Second Lieutenant Haskell a divorcée in her early 30s.dedicated this memoir to her young son. The publication date is 1944. Apparently Haskell was thinking of her young son as she wrote this memior. This is just the memoir a young worried thoughtful son might appreciate. Haskell tells of the work and conditions of work:
* travelling between battle fronts in a way similar to that battalion they served
* living in primitive conditions
*working sometimes in less sterile impromptu conditions
* deciding who gets to surgery first
* dealing with a shell shocked patient
* dealing with own injuries of wartime.
But not all is grim. Sometimes opportunity is made to have some fun. Dance on board ship on way to North Africa. Christmas decorations fashioned from hospital camp materials to brighten holiday singing and small stockings with candy and other tokens.
In no way does Haskell idealize herself to her son. She tells of how she and other nurses, not fully trained in the military, make some security mistakes. The nurses were warned and tolerated. All this is described in a way that a young son could tolerate and still sense as being true.
This can be can easy check off on a list of 10 books on topic of women in WWII. Yet there are other things here that catch my attention.
* Descriptions of socialization practices that have been largely been forgotten. Dances were were socialization and fun with possibly a romantic spark.
* Word choices made tell something about American culture in the 1940s. When referring to her stomach problems, Haskell uses the word "tummy". Sounds infantile or cutesy now. I do remember women using this word more. When referring to black people or African-Americans, Haskell uses the term " colored boys" when speaking of enlisted men working in the kitchens onboard ship.
Those social practices of how dances were enjoyed and how black folk were referred to tell something of Haskell and the society she operated in.
Worthwhile reading if a memoir is wanted to round out a reading list. Maybe not so worthwhile as a standalone read.
Second Lieutenant Haskell a divorcée in her early 30s.dedicated this memoir to her young son. The publication date is 1944. Apparently Haskell was thinking of her young son as she wrote this memior. This is just the memoir a young worried thoughtful son might appreciate. Haskell tells of the work and conditions of work:
* travelling between battle fronts in a way similar to that battalion they served
* living in primitive conditions
*working sometimes in less sterile impromptu conditions
* deciding who gets to surgery first
* dealing with a shell shocked patient
* dealing with own injuries of wartime.
But not all is grim. Sometimes opportunity is made to have some fun. Dance on board ship on way to North Africa. Christmas decorations fashioned from hospital camp materials to brighten holiday singing and small stockings with candy and other tokens.
In no way does Haskell idealize herself to her son. She tells of how she and other nurses, not fully trained in the military, make some security mistakes. The nurses were warned and tolerated. All this is described in a way that a young son could tolerate and still sense as being true.
This can be can easy check off on a list of 10 books on topic of women in WWII. Yet there are other things here that catch my attention.
* Descriptions of socialization practices that have been largely been forgotten. Dances were were socialization and fun with possibly a romantic spark.
* Word choices made tell something about American culture in the 1940s. When referring to her stomach problems, Haskell uses the word "tummy". Sounds infantile or cutesy now. I do remember women using this word more. When referring to black people or African-Americans, Haskell uses the term " colored boys" when speaking of enlisted men working in the kitchens onboard ship.
Those social practices of how dances were enjoyed and how black folk were referred to tell something of Haskell and the society she operated in.
Worthwhile reading if a memoir is wanted to round out a reading list. Maybe not so worthwhile as a standalone read.
June 20, 2012
This is a short memoir written by 2nd Lieutenant Ruth Haskell, an Army nurse who served overseas in North Africa during the first stages of World War II.
I had to add this to Goodreads because no one else has read it, apparently. I'm not surprised - I got my copy from the library and it still has the original card catalog card in the cover, and the last marked date on it is from 1976.
I checked it out because I love WWII overseas army nurses - they are the coolest people and hardly anyone knows about them. This book was referenced in another, much more comprehensive nonfic I read about front-line nurses (it's called And If I Perish). This memoir was simply written, very basic, and almost adorably dated. But it's one of very few primary accounts of Army nurses, which makes it pretty awesome in my eyes. If you have a moderate interest in the subject - or if you need research on the subject - I would probably recommend this book.
I had to add this to Goodreads because no one else has read it, apparently. I'm not surprised - I got my copy from the library and it still has the original card catalog card in the cover, and the last marked date on it is from 1976.
I checked it out because I love WWII overseas army nurses - they are the coolest people and hardly anyone knows about them. This book was referenced in another, much more comprehensive nonfic I read about front-line nurses (it's called And If I Perish). This memoir was simply written, very basic, and almost adorably dated. But it's one of very few primary accounts of Army nurses, which makes it pretty awesome in my eyes. If you have a moderate interest in the subject - or if you need research on the subject - I would probably recommend this book.
July 26, 2018
This was truly an enjoyable read and opened my eyes to so many events I did not know about. The author, 2nd Lieut. Ruth Haskell, is a US Army Nurse during WW II. She, along with some of her colleagues, is sent first to England, and then on to north Africa. Although the US Army did not officially send women into combat during that time, the reality was that they were continuously in danger. They simply were not armed and were considered "non-combatants". Her telling of her experiences truly filled me with a sense of awe. At that time, it seems that all those involved were on the same page. They truly believed in their struggle and quest. Despite being referred to as "girls", even among themselves, the admiration and respect they received from their officers and their patients amazed me. It appeared to me, that because of this united belief, that there were no internal power struggles or character assassinations. Such behaviour would have been completely out of place. The physical danger and hardship they endured is remarkable.
This is not a long book but it is certainly an inspirational read. It sheds further light on that generation of men and women and what they gave and endured for their cause.
This is not a long book but it is certainly an inspirational read. It sheds further light on that generation of men and women and what they gave and endured for their cause.
November 7, 2018
Greatest generation a different perspective.
A lively, interesting look at the girls who helped heal and care for the casualties of the North Africa campaign. What a gal! If you ever doubted the true grit of the American female during WWII, read this account to remind you of their courage and determination under the worst of circumstances. Highly recommended.
A lively, interesting look at the girls who helped heal and care for the casualties of the North Africa campaign. What a gal! If you ever doubted the true grit of the American female during WWII, read this account to remind you of their courage and determination under the worst of circumstances. Highly recommended.
June 28, 2018
Hard to put down
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The first hand account from the prospective of a female nurse during World War 1 was very gripping.
The hardships that the ladies endured along with the patriotism was remarkable. Even though the book doesn’t get into the graphics of the war the reader does get a sense of just how scary it was with the air raids, blackouts and being forced to move under the vail of nighttime. The reader is also given a taste of the extreme homesickness one must endure especially during the holiday season in a time when just trying to get letters in and out of the war zone was extremely difficult.
I think the thing that most impressed me were the deep friendships that were forged through the extreme experiences that the women endured. This reader came away with the feeling that the bonds of friendship would last beyond the war.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The first hand account from the prospective of a female nurse during World War 1 was very gripping.
The hardships that the ladies endured along with the patriotism was remarkable. Even though the book doesn’t get into the graphics of the war the reader does get a sense of just how scary it was with the air raids, blackouts and being forced to move under the vail of nighttime. The reader is also given a taste of the extreme homesickness one must endure especially during the holiday season in a time when just trying to get letters in and out of the war zone was extremely difficult.
I think the thing that most impressed me were the deep friendships that were forged through the extreme experiences that the women endured. This reader came away with the feeling that the bonds of friendship would last beyond the war.
February 29, 2016
Typos make reading difficult
Interesting look into battlefield nursing during the north Africa campaign, but multiple typos made reading difficult. "Moslems" instead of "Muslims", "he" instead of "the", "tm" instead of "I'm". And some I have no idea what was supposed to say. I'm not sure if these are proofread after converting to e-book, but this one really would have benefited from one. Overall, the experiences she shares opens a small window into what war is like for the unsung heroes of war, the nurses and doctors who try to make the wounded and dying comfortable.
Interesting look into battlefield nursing during the north Africa campaign, but multiple typos made reading difficult. "Moslems" instead of "Muslims", "he" instead of "the", "tm" instead of "I'm". And some I have no idea what was supposed to say. I'm not sure if these are proofread after converting to e-book, but this one really would have benefited from one. Overall, the experiences she shares opens a small window into what war is like for the unsung heroes of war, the nurses and doctors who try to make the wounded and dying comfortable.
December 6, 2020
** Some Spoilers **
This memoir was so gripping I couldn't put it down. It started out like an easy going travelogue and I was lulled by the pleasant descriptions of New York City, travelling on an ocean liner, travelling by train by Scotland to southern England. The author detailed her struggles packing, her struggles carrying luggage, her struggles following Army orders - all very mundane in a way and nothing to foreshadow the danger that lay ahead. She described the other nurses in her group, the sights she saw, the exhaustive travelling, sleeping cramped on a train, only being able to eat when they Army directed, etc. The nurses and soldiers found humor when they could, and they enjoyed music and dancing and playing Cribbage. The author had no idea what she was getting into. She described the black outs and being cautioned to not even light a cigarette because it would be seen for miles a sea. Her superior ordered her group walk for miles to toughen them up and she returned with blisters so bad that both feet were bleeding. And then at about 40% on my kindle the story turned and the danger became very real. I felt like I the reader was right there with her when she had to climb down that ladder with a heavy pack on her back and wait until the wave raised the boat to it's height and then jump. My heart was beating hard when she had to jump off the end of the transport boat into ocean water up to her neck, make it to the beach, and hurry to find cover while being a sniper's bulletes whizzed past her. Her situation only got worse from there. I was biting my nails when only a few nurses and doctors were trying to care for so many injured men in black out conditions. It was in that scene that a sniper bullet barely missed the author's head. From midpoint in the book it was nonstop action and not a travellogue any longer. I highly recommend this memoir, it is a five star book in every way.
This memoir was so gripping I couldn't put it down. It started out like an easy going travelogue and I was lulled by the pleasant descriptions of New York City, travelling on an ocean liner, travelling by train by Scotland to southern England. The author detailed her struggles packing, her struggles carrying luggage, her struggles following Army orders - all very mundane in a way and nothing to foreshadow the danger that lay ahead. She described the other nurses in her group, the sights she saw, the exhaustive travelling, sleeping cramped on a train, only being able to eat when they Army directed, etc. The nurses and soldiers found humor when they could, and they enjoyed music and dancing and playing Cribbage. The author had no idea what she was getting into. She described the black outs and being cautioned to not even light a cigarette because it would be seen for miles a sea. Her superior ordered her group walk for miles to toughen them up and she returned with blisters so bad that both feet were bleeding. And then at about 40% on my kindle the story turned and the danger became very real. I felt like I the reader was right there with her when she had to climb down that ladder with a heavy pack on her back and wait until the wave raised the boat to it's height and then jump. My heart was beating hard when she had to jump off the end of the transport boat into ocean water up to her neck, make it to the beach, and hurry to find cover while being a sniper's bulletes whizzed past her. Her situation only got worse from there. I was biting my nails when only a few nurses and doctors were trying to care for so many injured men in black out conditions. It was in that scene that a sniper bullet barely missed the author's head. From midpoint in the book it was nonstop action and not a travellogue any longer. I highly recommend this memoir, it is a five star book in every way.
January 7, 2020
In almost any discussion of World War II attention focuses on the countries involved, the various battles, the famous generals and things of that nature.
The role of women is often focused on the women who took over the jobs that men had held until they entered the military service, and how good of a job they did. What is not written about as much is the vitally important role women nurses filled during the war.
This book covers that very topic and does a very good job doing that. It's from a woman that actually was a nurse during the war and it covers her initial entry into the service, the various places she served and the types of dangers that she encountered along the way.
Some things stand out. The various groups of nurses did not seem to stay in any one place for a long time, moving as the demands of war dictated. They were at times shot at even though they the medical areas were supposedly not to be attacked by either side.
Not the word 'supposedly.'
They also saved the lives of many, many soldiers. Their role in the was was extremely important and I'm glad a book like this gives that importance the attention it deserves.
The role of women is often focused on the women who took over the jobs that men had held until they entered the military service, and how good of a job they did. What is not written about as much is the vitally important role women nurses filled during the war.
This book covers that very topic and does a very good job doing that. It's from a woman that actually was a nurse during the war and it covers her initial entry into the service, the various places she served and the types of dangers that she encountered along the way.
Some things stand out. The various groups of nurses did not seem to stay in any one place for a long time, moving as the demands of war dictated. They were at times shot at even though they the medical areas were supposedly not to be attacked by either side.
Not the word 'supposedly.'
They also saved the lives of many, many soldiers. Their role in the was was extremely important and I'm glad a book like this gives that importance the attention it deserves.
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed the information found in this book, though it was sometimes hard to read. This book tells the true story of Ruth G Haskell who was a combat nurse during WWII though she was on an North African tour. The story seemed to start in the middle while she is at training camp and it takes a while to find out that she is a divorced mother and is slightly older than the other nurses around her. Additionally she seems to write as if she's talking to you so it's a little different to read.
However I had never read anything about Operation Torch during the war -- everything else I've read has been about fighting in Europe, so I enjoyed learning about that. Additionally, I had to laugh at her because she always talked about being older and bigger than the other girls. I would have enjoyed knowing more about Ruth's story after the war. She seemed to be quite a character!!
However I had never read anything about Operation Torch during the war -- everything else I've read has been about fighting in Europe, so I enjoyed learning about that. Additionally, I had to laugh at her because she always talked about being older and bigger than the other girls. I would have enjoyed knowing more about Ruth's story after the war. She seemed to be quite a character!!
May 15, 2020
War hero’s wearing lipstick
This book was written a long time ago, so the language is stilted and matters of race, sexual equality and the like haven’t yet come to the fore. It was a more brave but somewhat less enlightened time.
But make no mistake, the service nurses of WWII were heroic beyond words, even if not liberated in the modern sense.
Service matured and stiffened women as well as men.
My Dad was an Air Corps flier during the war while my Mom was a hairdresser stateside. Their two best couple friends were such that the men had not served but both women had been in-theatre Navy nurses. With no disrespect intended to my Mom, these two women were the most “together” women I ever met and often counseled my Mom about how to handle stress and disappointment.
This book helped me to understand those two friends and to admire them even more.
This book was written a long time ago, so the language is stilted and matters of race, sexual equality and the like haven’t yet come to the fore. It was a more brave but somewhat less enlightened time.
But make no mistake, the service nurses of WWII were heroic beyond words, even if not liberated in the modern sense.
Service matured and stiffened women as well as men.
My Dad was an Air Corps flier during the war while my Mom was a hairdresser stateside. Their two best couple friends were such that the men had not served but both women had been in-theatre Navy nurses. With no disrespect intended to my Mom, these two women were the most “together” women I ever met and often counseled my Mom about how to handle stress and disappointment.
This book helped me to understand those two friends and to admire them even more.
November 9, 2021
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys reading the stories of ordinary people doing amazing things. The spirit of the women who gave up everything in order to serve their country where they were most needed is so inspiring. Their lives on the front lines of military hospitals were far from being easy in any way, shape or form.
And likewise the stories of the young soldiers, whose lives these nurses fought to save, will make you so incredibly grateful to them that they were willing to suffer such terrible things in order to preserve our freedom.
Editing does need to be done of some content, but again as I have said in other reviews, I usually just take some white out to those areas.
I have read this book several times since receiving it as a gift, and will definitely be reading it again.
And likewise the stories of the young soldiers, whose lives these nurses fought to save, will make you so incredibly grateful to them that they were willing to suffer such terrible things in order to preserve our freedom.
Editing does need to be done of some content, but again as I have said in other reviews, I usually just take some white out to those areas.
I have read this book several times since receiving it as a gift, and will definitely be reading it again.
April 12, 2020
A firsthand account of nursing near the front lines during WWII. In humble fashion, Haskell downplays her role and those of her fellow nurses (she spent her entire time in North Africa working with a ruptured interverterbral disc before being sent home). She does a good job of inserting humor and the chaos of life in a battle zone throughout.
As the book was first published in 1944, some outdated language exists. And I really wish there were some, any, pictures in the book.
While "Helmets and Lipstick" is a good introduction or a nice companion to other books about nurses during WWII, it might not suffice if you are looking for an in depth look at these women. If that's the case, read "And If I Perish" by Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee. One of my all-time favorites.
As the book was first published in 1944, some outdated language exists. And I really wish there were some, any, pictures in the book.
While "Helmets and Lipstick" is a good introduction or a nice companion to other books about nurses during WWII, it might not suffice if you are looking for an in depth look at these women. If that's the case, read "And If I Perish" by Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee. One of my all-time favorites.
September 5, 2019
If you're looking for a beautifully written, lyrical work of art, this isn't it.
But that's not what I was looking for, and maybe you aren't, either. What this is is a personal account written by one of the American women who volunteered to serve overseas as a nurse during WWII. And you know what? It feels personal. It's something I can imagine my mother or one of her sisters writing. Maybe something one of your WWII-vintage relatives could've written.
It provides a small snapshot of what it was like for these courageous women, and it fits very nicely into what you may already know about this period of history.
Three and a half stars
But that's not what I was looking for, and maybe you aren't, either. What this is is a personal account written by one of the American women who volunteered to serve overseas as a nurse during WWII. And you know what? It feels personal. It's something I can imagine my mother or one of her sisters writing. Maybe something one of your WWII-vintage relatives could've written.
It provides a small snapshot of what it was like for these courageous women, and it fits very nicely into what you may already know about this period of history.
Three and a half stars
November 15, 2020
As a veteran nurse myself, these nurses were the inspiration to my own service. Usually I find myself reading historical fiction about military nurses and it always seems to include an unrealistic romance. This was a true to life account of what women's service was really about. This was a great first-hand account of what it was really like to serve. Most of the book is the lead-up to the action. Her war experience really ramps up in the last few chapters but this is reality! The hurry up and wait that builds anticipation. I love how it was used as a recruiting tool! They truly were the greatest generation!
September 21, 2020
Ruth Haskell a divorced mother, was a dedicated and heroic nurse. I cannot imagine how hard it was to leave her home in the US to work in N. Africa during WW11. Yet she and many others crossed the Atlantic, a danger in itself, landing in Scotland, travelling by train to England, eventually caring for troops in N. Africa.
"Helmets and Lipsticks" gives a very interesting insight into a period in time, when everyone worked together in dangerous circumstances, putting their own lives at risk to help others...
"Helmets and Lipsticks" gives a very interesting insight into a period in time, when everyone worked together in dangerous circumstances, putting their own lives at risk to help others...
July 17, 2018
Rieview of Helmets and Lipstick
Very good read. The commander stopping the column to eat when his command was left in the cold without was poor leadership on his part. No self respecting officer or senior NCO would do that as long as his troops were doing without. You notice also that they segregated the nurses into a category separate from the other officers. Many times they refer to Officers, nurses, & enlisted.
Very good read. The commander stopping the column to eat when his command was left in the cold without was poor leadership on his part. No self respecting officer or senior NCO would do that as long as his troops were doing without. You notice also that they segregated the nurses into a category separate from the other officers. Many times they refer to Officers, nurses, & enlisted.
November 29, 2018
Like Reading a Personal Letter
This was interesting, and a quick read. Interesting, especially, because it was completed before the war ended, so Ruth had no idea how much longer it would go on. Not the most well written book I've ever read, but still good for gaining insight from those in the front lines and those who served as support during WWII. It's helpful for remembering that "war is hell", especially for the humanity that's caught up in the middle of it.
This was interesting, and a quick read. Interesting, especially, because it was completed before the war ended, so Ruth had no idea how much longer it would go on. Not the most well written book I've ever read, but still good for gaining insight from those in the front lines and those who served as support during WWII. It's helpful for remembering that "war is hell", especially for the humanity that's caught up in the middle of it.
July 11, 2019
So real
Real people. Real experiences. I could see Ruth going from hospital nurse to battle front nurse. This was really more like a diary telling so don’t expect a lot of detail but there is enough to understand the fast relationship s formed and the movements of the temporary battle hospitals and how quickly they had to be put up and down. Most of all you understand the courage of the people who fought —nurses, doctors, corpsmen and soldiers. All were heroes.
Real people. Real experiences. I could see Ruth going from hospital nurse to battle front nurse. This was really more like a diary telling so don’t expect a lot of detail but there is enough to understand the fast relationship s formed and the movements of the temporary battle hospitals and how quickly they had to be put up and down. Most of all you understand the courage of the people who fought —nurses, doctors, corpsmen and soldiers. All were heroes.
October 13, 2017
World War II Story
This book is a story about the nurses who worked in the North Africa campaign. I got the feeling that it was to written to encourage nurses to enlist. Also, since it was written in the 1940s, it is very politically incorrect. It is interesting because it shows how the nurses lived and worked
This book is a story about the nurses who worked in the North Africa campaign. I got the feeling that it was to written to encourage nurses to enlist. Also, since it was written in the 1940s, it is very politically incorrect. It is interesting because it shows how the nurses lived and worked
October 23, 2017
Loved this!
As a retired history teacher I love reading accounts like this. My aunt was a commander in Navy and taught many naval corpsman. She also served in hospitals near Danang during Vietnam. I remember her calls to our family as a young girl and thought how exciting, but also it was scary. First person accounts of history are the best!
As a retired history teacher I love reading accounts like this. My aunt was a commander in Navy and taught many naval corpsman. She also served in hospitals near Danang during Vietnam. I remember her calls to our family as a young girl and thought how exciting, but also it was scary. First person accounts of history are the best!
October 29, 2017
Tough nurses never die we just fade away.
I have read many books on military nurses and I am constantly reminded of there dedication and skill working long tiring hours without the comforts of home. the joy of helping others is so wonderful. God less the military nurses and
our soldiers. Christy retired RN
I have read many books on military nurses and I am constantly reminded of there dedication and skill working long tiring hours without the comforts of home. the joy of helping others is so wonderful. God less the military nurses and
our soldiers. Christy retired RN
November 26, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book.
I have always liked listening to people 's stories as you sit and visit over coffee. This book reminds me of that. There are some grammar errors but as I'm not submitting this for a grade I don't care. I had trouble putting it down til I finished it. If a second book comes out I'll buy it to read too.
I have always liked listening to people 's stories as you sit and visit over coffee. This book reminds me of that. There are some grammar errors but as I'm not submitting this for a grade I don't care. I had trouble putting it down til I finished it. If a second book comes out I'll buy it to read too.
December 8, 2017
This short memoir narrates the short battlefield service of a valiant army nurse. Most of the narrative centers on the nurse's preparations and perilous journey to the North African battlefront. However, since she suffers a back injury on the journey, she is sent home after very little time at the front, so the narrative just ends with very little of what the reader wants to read about.
April 22, 2018
A very good read
This book, written while WW2 was still going on by an army field nurse, gives such great insight into what it was like to be on the front lines for medical personnel. My dad was in the medics during this war and I felt like I could see his young self working. It was a light read, nothing too heavy, but captures the tone and stamina of “the greatest generation “.
This book, written while WW2 was still going on by an army field nurse, gives such great insight into what it was like to be on the front lines for medical personnel. My dad was in the medics during this war and I felt like I could see his young self working. It was a light read, nothing too heavy, but captures the tone and stamina of “the greatest generation “.
January 20, 2019
I had no idea...
The title of this book caught my attention. As I got further into the memoir, I was surprised to learn that Army nurses were in harm's way in World War II. I admire their courage and dedication to the wounded soldiers. They are some of the unsung heroes of World War II. Thank you Ruth Haskell for sharing your experiences with us.
The title of this book caught my attention. As I got further into the memoir, I was surprised to learn that Army nurses were in harm's way in World War II. I admire their courage and dedication to the wounded soldiers. They are some of the unsung heroes of World War II. Thank you Ruth Haskell for sharing your experiences with us.
April 27, 2019
Great read,having had the same issue with my back I am amazed and awed that Ruth still worked! Amazing story from a year in which I was born!
This is a book anyone who doesn't understand what went on during WWIl. I have never read an account of the war in Africa and feel amazed that even there the Nazi horror was taking place.
This is a book anyone who doesn't understand what went on during WWIl. I have never read an account of the war in Africa and feel amazed that even there the Nazi horror was taking place.
August 22, 2019
Ruth Haskell was a hero. I read her memoir of service in WWII because, while I’m writing our second book, boss/researcher is out ahead researching our third. This will be about female heroes of WWII.
Ruth was tough, patriotic, caring... if she’s not the best writer, she’s good enough. Ladies didn’t wait until the 21st century to get tough.
Ruth was tough, patriotic, caring... if she’s not the best writer, she’s good enough. Ladies didn’t wait until the 21st century to get tough.
February 6, 2021
A sweet account of the thoughts and feelings of a nurse dropped into a World War
While miss Haskell wasn't a gifted writer, her personal accounts of the day to day events of nurses thrust into situations near the battle front was eye opening and interesting.
This read as a diary and provided glimpses of the culture and misogyny of the era. I really enjoyed it !
While miss Haskell wasn't a gifted writer, her personal accounts of the day to day events of nurses thrust into situations near the battle front was eye opening and interesting.
This read as a diary and provided glimpses of the culture and misogyny of the era. I really enjoyed it !
June 23, 2021
Great story
Very interesting written by an Army nurse about her service in the African complaint during WW2. Ruth G. Haskell is a good writer. She puts strong emotions into her story especially when she writes about her time on the boat to England and her actual time in Africa. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about WW2.
Very interesting written by an Army nurse about her service in the African complaint during WW2. Ruth G. Haskell is a good writer. She puts strong emotions into her story especially when she writes about her time on the boat to England and her actual time in Africa. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about WW2.
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