Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service

THE PRINCESS MARY'S HOSPITAL

ROYAL AIR FORCE AKROTIRI

CYPRUS

1956- 1962 The Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Hospital, Akrotiri

In 1956, the Egyptian President nationalised the Suez Canal resulting in withdrawal of British Forces from the Canal Zone and subsequent closure of RAF Hospital Fayid. British Forces were moved to Cyprus and by 9 February 1957, the first RAF hospital in Akrotiri opened its doors for business.

The original Hospital was housed in five prefabricated married quarter buildings (Cawoods), located in an area of RAF Akrotiri that now comprises the Airmen's married quarters at Harding Avenue and Duke Street. The early days were not easy, with much of RAF Akrotiri, including the airfield itself still under construction, the lack of proper roads and heavy rain reduced the area to a mud bath and staff wore gumboots almost continually.

The first surgeon at the hospital, Squadron Leader (the late Air Vice-Marshall) Paddy Griffin, described the problems that arose following the first operation:

"On wheeling the patient back from the operating theatre, the trolley was found to be too big to go through the doors of the ward! The unconscious patient had to be manhandled through a back window back to his bed!"

Despite extending into additional Cawood buildings, it was soon realised that the original hospital was not adequate to meet the needs of the growing base. The decision was made to construct a new purpose built hospital at Cape Zevgari a safe distance, of approximately three miles, from the airfield.

On 1 June 1961, work started on the new hospital build. The construction of the new building using reinforced concrete with built in earthquake protection took less than 2 years to complete, at a cost of £1,000,000, and a workforce of 600.

New Hospital

The move from the original hospital site at RAF Akrotiri to the new building in Zevgari took place in May 1963. The move was split into 3 phases to ensure the Hospital was never out of action, and by the end of June The Princess Mary's Hospital (TPMH) was fully operational. Whilst it was 'all mod cons' on the inside, the desolate atmosphere and arid surrounds of the new building gave it a rather sombre appearance earning it the nickname "Alcatraz".

Group Captain G H Dhenin was appointed as the first Commanding Officer with Wing Officer J E M Kennedy as Matron, and the new hospital was officially opened on the 21 Nov 1963 by The Princess Royal, Air Chief Commandant of the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service.

1963 - 1997

The capacity of the Hospital has changed considerably over the years. On its opening in 1963, there were 8 wards with 155 beds, by 1972 the bed numbers had expanded to 170, with the addition of a purpose built intensive therapy unit, by 1973 the beds space had reduced to 120. With the closure of the Military Hospital at Dhekelia in 1974 (due to reducing numbers of military personnel), TPMH became joint service with a 60:40 ratio of RAF to Army personnel, and the capacity reduced to three wards with a total of 60 beds.

Throughout its 40 years history, in peacetime and in times of conflict, TPMH has provided essential hospital services for both service and civilian personnel. This was particularly evident at the time of the Turkish invasion in 1974. At the beginning of the invasion service families living in Limassol were moved onto the base and had to share service accommodation with other families. As the Turkish army moved forward, TPMH went into a war footing resulting in all staff being required to live and sleep at the hospital working an 8 hour rota. The workload was sporadic with the majority of patients being treated for minor illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Diarrhoea was also prevalent due to the cramped living conditions amongst the evacuees.

Local home guard soldiers were being treated at TPMH, at the same time that 80 survivors from the sunken Turkish destroyer 'Kocatepe' were admitted to the Hospital suffering from sunburn and dehydration, having been in the sea for 24 hours. Surprisingly no segregation was required as all the patients seem to get along well, and the survivors of the Kocatepe were soon evacuated back to Turkey with the assistance of the Turkish Red Cross. During this turbulent period, in addition to caring for in-patients at TPMH , medical and nursing staff were also deployed to care for Turkish families from Limassol and the surrounding areas who were being housed in Happy Valley.

In 1977 a U2 crashed on take off at RAF Akrotiri and as a result Ground Operations Cell and the Meteorological Office were destroyed. Six personnel died and many casualties with severe burns were treated at TPMH.

On 23 October 1983, a RAF Hercules airlifted 21 US Marines from Beirut to TPMH following a suicide bomb attack. A medical team from TPMH were sent to assist with the evacuation triaged casualties on the tailgate of the Hercules under air support from 2 helicopter gun ships. One casualty died shortly after arrival at TPMH from chest injuries. 19 Marines were airlifted 3 days later to Wiesbaden West Germany, by a US Air Ambulance. The remaining critically injured Marine was treated in ITU until he was well enough to be airlifted to the US on the 30 October 1983. During this period of activity TPMH was on Red Alert following direct threats from terrorist groups. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment set up sangers on the hospital roof and in the surrounding areas in order to provide increased security.

In February 1984 TPMH personnel were called upon to assist in the evacuation of families from Jourieh Port, Lebanon. Various personnel were sent to assist on a Cypriot owned car ferry. The lower deck was turned into a medical reception area, providing 150 -200 camp beds. Only 90 refugees were able to board the ship due to heavy fighting. The remaining refugees were eventually flown out by 845 RNAS to the RFA Reliant and then by Chinook helicopter to RAF Akrotiri.

On 3rd August 1985 RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia Garrison were subjected to terrorist attack. Mortar bombs, small arms, grenades and a rocket launcher were all used in the attacks resulting in a number of casualties, several of whom were treated at TPMH for minor shrapnel injuries.

In January 1988 a 26 year old Soviet Seaman named Alexander Parchamenco, was airlifted to TPMH by 84 Squadron from his Merchant vessel, which was 100 miles off the West coast of Cyprus. Alexander had suffered a traumatic amputation of his leg by a steel hawser on board his ship. Unfortunately surgeons were unable to save his leg and he was eventually transferred back to the Soviet Union at the end of January for further treatment.

During the Easter Weekend 9 Turkish Seamen were evacuated from a cargo vessel by 84 Squadron with carbon monoxide poisoning. All required chamber therapy and this event unfortunately disrupted the hospital pig roast night!

The first Gulf War in 1991 saw much activity at TPMH. A Low Care Transit Facility (LCTF) was set up in a hanger at the airhead, manned by personnel from No 1 AEVAC Sqn and TPMH. It took 3 months and 17,000 stock items to establish and had the capacity to hold 300 P3 patients. One ward in TPMH (Ward 5) was turned into a secure area for returning prisoners of war of the SAS and RAF Aircrew.

On 19 November 1991, Beirut hostages Terry Waite and John McCarthy were released from captivity and examined at TPMH prior to their return to England. They were followed by Jackie Mann in 1992.

The Belgian Medical Services detachment were based at TPMH during Op Granby (Jan - Mar 1991).During their time at TPMH they were only in action once and this was to treat a local woman who fell from a first floor window.

In 1993, 26 junior ratings of the Royal Yacht Britannia were admitted with salmonella food poisoning (sourced to a batch of dodgy Scotch eggs!) No senior ratings or any member of the Royal family were affected. Ward 5 was set up as an isolation ward and the Royal Yacht sailed to Akrotiri mole where the casualties were received. As a thank you the Admiral and crew invited the hospital staff to a cocktail party on board and this was the first time that an all ranks party had ever been held on the Royal Yacht.

In 1995 Mr Hani Awad (Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician) was involved in a humanitarian operation to airlift a pregnant Palestinian woman from a ferry that was stranded off the coast of Larnaca. The transfer was uneventful and the woman gave birth 48 hours later to a healthy baby daughter.

The Sad Times

TPMH has not been without its sad times. On 30 January 1973 two Nursing Officers, Helen Deery and Sheila Noble, were killed in an aircraft crash. They had been returning from a trip to Egypt and the Holy Land when their plane hit the Pentadactyl mountain range in Kyrenia, 38 people died. Tragedy struck the Hospital again 05 November 1986 when a Wessex Mk5 helicopter from 84 Squadron RAF Akrotiri was scrambled to MRS Dhekelia to collect an expectant mother who required hospitalisation at TPMH. Shortly after take off the helicopter crashed into Limassol bay. Flt Lt Fiona Johnston from TPMH and Cpl Martin Cook from the Station Medical Centre died along with crewmembers. Only the pilot survived the crash. A memorial service was held in their honour at RAF Akrotiri on the 14 November 1986.

The People

Whatever demands were made on the Hospital the staff always rose to the challenge to ensure the best possible care is provided to those in need. This commitment to caring for others is exemplified by Wg Cdr Murphy, an orthopaedic surgeon who was working at TPMH in 1972. Wg Cdr Murphy wanted to operate on a local man (the hospital gardener) who required a hip replacement. Unfortunately the specialist tools required for the procedure were not available so he approached the Station workshop and found a machinist who then manufactured all the tools required using a medical catalogue and advice from the Wing Commander. The operation was then able to go ahead and was very successful.

Whilst Wing Commander Murphy's methods may be considered by some to a little unorthodox but certainly not as unorthodox of the method of assessing a patient's mobility following knee surgery adopted by another of the Hospital's Orthopaedic surgeon's Wing Commander Maunders. His method of assessing mobility involved making a patient stand in front of a window whilst oranges were thrown at him (the object being to catch the oranges before they hit the window!)

Not content with helping human patients Consultant Anaesthetist Squadron Leader Phil Roberts was driving to TPMH one morning with a colleague when he accidentally ran over a snake. He thought the snake was injured and got out of the car to administer first aid! Before he was unable to commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation the snake revived and wriggled to the car and entered through the drivers' car door. The two doctors were unable to locate the snake and so had to drive to work very gingerly, where a group of first aiders were able to persuade the snake to return to the wild.

1998 - 2002

This period saw changes of Commanding Officer, and Matron (or Officer Commanding Nursing Wing, as the post was later to become known), the Millennium and a world tragedy. Although TPMH is situated some distance from the main camp at RAF Akrotiri, on the Cape Zevgari peninsula, it never failed to attract visiting dignitaries. 1998 - 2002 was no different, and the hospital played host to a plethora of visits by a variety of dignitaries, all keen to meet the staff and patients.

1998 began with Group Captain Dougherty at the helm, as CO, ably assisted by Wing Commander Annie Reid, as Matron, who was awarded Officer of the most Excellent British Empire (OBE) in the New Year honours list, this in recognition of her charity and community projects during her 4 year tour at TPMH. Wing Commander Lesley Chew, soon arrived to succeed Wg Cdr Reid, as Matron and together they hosted several visitors to the hospital, the most notable including the Chief Executive of the Defence Secondary Care Agency on his farewell visit in June 1998. Major General Romsey, Commander of British Forces Cyprus, visited TPMH in January 1999, prior to the departure of Gp Capt Dougherty's the following month. The departure of the outgoing CO was marked in true military fashion, with the hospital staff waving him off as he left in an 84 Squadron Wessex. This heralded the arrival of a new Commanding Officer, Group Captain Jones, who was to preside over TPMH until December 2000. July 1999 saw Mr Doug Henderson MP, Minister for Armed Forces, visit the hospital. During his tour of TPMH he was introduced to many of the staff, and found time to chat with patient's on all the wards, including maternity. Later that year, in September, TPMH hosted Rear Admiral Stanford, in his role as Chief of Staff to the Surgeon General.

The Millennium was marked with changes of Commanding Officer, and Matron. 2000 also saw two individuals visit TPMH, who were, or became, close to the hearts of staff at TPMH. September welcomed Air Commodore Bob Williams RRC, QHNS, DNS(RAF), MiC PMRAFNS. As the first male matron, and subsequently first Director of Nursing and Matron in Chief of the PMRAFNS, Air Cdre Williams was hugely popular with members of The Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service. Almost a month later saw the visit of Air Vice Marshal Bill Rimmer, Commander of British Forces Cyprus, who developed into a firm favourite at the hospital, whilst developing something of a soft spot for us himself. Sadly this year saw the departure of both Gp Capt Jones as CO, and Wg Cdr Chew as Matron respectively. December saw the arrival of Group Captain McConnell, to steer TPMH, the last true overseas military hospital, through the largest military exercise since the Gulf War in 1991, and the major part of the second Gulf War. With Wg Cdr Chew moving onto pastures new at Headquarters Personnel & Training Command, as Assistant Director Nursing Services (latterly known as PMA21 within the Personnel Management Agency), into the hot seat of Hospital Matron came Wing Commander Jackie Gross.

The penultimate year of this era contained, as usual, visits from many people. By the year end it would prove to have been very different from any other, in that the visits came from extremely noteworthy individuals and the latter part of the year contained a day that would remain ingrained on the world's minds, and change it's outlook forever…September 11th.

Changes were afoot in the military medical world. Following the Strategic Defence Review of 1998, and the introduction of Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit's around the United Kingdom, to replace the single service military hospitals, it became necessary to examine the success of these establishments. Formed to undertake this task was the Medical Quinquennial Review (MQR) team. For a month, beginning in April 2001, TPMH was visited, by the Phase 1 team, which was headed by Brigadier Innes and Air Commodore Thornton. May saw Dr Lewis Moonie, Under Secretary of State for Defence, visit the hospital, as part of a tour around RAF Akrotiri as a whole. Then came the day that numbed the world, destroyed thousands of lives, and changed the opinions of millions of others forever.

September 11th 2001, saw a terrorist organisation calling itself Al Qaeda, hijack 4 American airliners. Two of these were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre, New York. A third was deliberately flown into the Pentagon, Washington D.C, and the last crashed into a field in the State of Pennsylvania, only after the brave attempts of that crafts passengers to subdue their hijackers.

Within the following fourteen days, TPMH had been visited by the Director's of Nursing Service for the Royal Navy, and The Royal Air Force. Commodore Brown ARRC, QHNS, QARNNS visited on September 12th, with Group Captain Annie Reid OBE, ARRC, QHNS, DNS (RAF), MiC PMRAFNS visiting 13 days later. The new DNS (RAF) went on to establish herself very much as a people's favourite, within the branch.

Also during 2001 there was a change of Officer Commanding Nursing Wing. Wg Commander Gross departed to join the Medical Quinquennial Review team, and was replaced by Wing Commander Wendy Williams who had previously experienced the delights of working at this jewel in the Mediterranean, as the midwifery ward manager on a previous tour.

Although planned prior to the events of September 11th, the world began to witness a military exercise, which many considered to be the pre-cursor to operations in Afghanistan, and subsequently in Iraq. During the 2 months of September and October 2001, Oman hosted a 5-phase live exercise known as SAIF SAREEA II. This saw the largest deployment of UK armed forces since 1991. TPMH was to fulfil an integral role during the exercise. The recently refitted ward 8 was opened to act as an Aeromedical Evacuation holding facility. Although this was an exercise, the contingency was to expect real time casualties, due to its nature. This new ward utilised reserve personnel from No 4626 (County of Wiltshire) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and regular medical personnel from UK based units, to augment the reservists.

During this time the hospital also played host to the Air Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Stewart, from the Personnel Management Agency, RAF Innsworth. The year drew to a close with a follow up visit from the Medical Quinquennial Review Phase 2 Team, this time led by Lieutenant Colonel Bale QARANC.

One may wonder how you could possibly follow what had gone before. In the time-honoured tradition of TPMH, things were to become more interesting.

The Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Menzies RAMC, paid a much welcome visit to the hospital in April 2002. However later that month saw a visit from Royalty. As Air Chief Commandant and Royal Patron of the PMRAFNS, Her Royal Highness the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, Princess Alexandra graced TPMH with her presence, during a visit to RAF Akrotiri on 27 April. Flight Lieutenant Kenny Duffy PMRAFNS, Nursing Officer in Charge Ward 6, describes the occasion, "…Wing Commander Williams, OC Nursing Wing, was the Royal Visit Project Officer. We were instructed that HRH would be visiting TPMH from 1010 to 1055; we were informed that all personnel would be allocated in 4 separate groups, each with a group leader, in the hospital gardens. Finally, a group photograph of all PMRAFNS staff, including HRH and the CO, would be taken prior to her departure. A dress rehearsal was organised by OC Nursing Wing, which went very well (including Air Vice Marshall Rimmer, Commander of British Forces Cyprus, acting as an escort!). With the smell of fresh paint almost gone, and the sky clear blue the big day had finally arrived. At 1015 Her Royal Highness arrived, and was introduced to the receiving line. Meanwhile in the hospital gardens all staff were immaculately turned out, and were waiting nervously. This was unnecessary, because as soon as she arrived everyone was put at ease. HRH ensured that she met everyone, and shook hands with him or her individually. The group photograph went without a hitch, much to the relief of OC Nursing Wing. Following her departure, much later than scheduled, everyone agreed that this had been a truly memorable day for the PMRAFNS, and all concerned." Patients on ward 6 were undoubtedly grateful that in contrast to the first visit in 1972, they were not presented to HRH in made to measure Pyjama's, with matching cravats tailored especially for the occasion.

The year witnessed several other visits from distinguished individuals. As the Army represents 40% of TPMH's compliment, it was befitting to receive a visit from two very important representatives of medical and nursing personnel in the Army. These were Major General Jollife, in his role as Director General Army Medical Services (May 2002), and Colonel George RRC, QHNS, L/QARANC, in her capacity of Director Army Nursing Services, later in October that year. The Defence Medical Welfare Service also found themselves being visited by their Director, Mrs Saunders, in August 2002. The DMWS many would liken to Cinderella, because their staff quietly provides a vital role at TPMH, for patients and their families pre-dominantly but also as a source of much needed advice for the ward staff too.

September 2002 welcomed back Group Captain Annie Reid, DNS (RAF) and Matron in Chief PMRAFNS. Later that month saw a visit from the Air Member for Personnel, Commander in Chief Personnel & Training Command, Air Marshal Sir Christopher Colville accompanied by his wife Lady Colville. The year closed with a much welcome visit from Air Vice Marshall Rimmer, CBF Cyprus, prior to Christmas.

2003

This year was to be a double celebration. Not only was it the 40th anniversary year of The Princess Mary's Hospital, on November 21st, but also the 80th anniversary of the formation of the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service, on June 14th. 2003 was again to prove a challenge for the hospital, and its staff.

During this period we again bade farewell to the Commanding Officer, and Officer Commanding Nursing Wing.

TPMH was also to witness it's first true tornado for 30 years, and a contribution to the second Gulf war.

January welcomed back an old friend, in the shape of Air Vice Marshal Warwick Pike, as Director General Medical Services (RAF). AVM Pike was a former Commanding Officer of the hospital, and it was during his visit on 27th January 2003 that history was to be made.

Shortly after 9am in the morning, waterspouts were noticed forming off the south coast of Cape Zevgari. The longer serving members of staff may have feared the Hospital would be hit again as it was in 1983, when the second floor of the Hospital sustained flood damage, but thankfully on this occasion the Hospital escaped unscathed. Initially these appeared harmless, however by the end of their natural course one serviceman would end up in hospital, and many pounds worth of damage would have been wreaked upon Akrotiri, and its surrounding areas. Two paediatric nurses witnessed their spectacular formation, and apparent passage over Royal Navy patrol boats, in the sea south of the hospital. At least one of the tornados's passed close to Northern boundary of TPMH, when it followed a path from Cliff House across Jubilee Way, the Helipad and the adjacent golf course. One visitor to the hospital captured these dramatic events on his digital camera.

By the month's end RAF Akrotiri, and TPMH, were beginning to sense a move towards war in Iraq.

Moves were afoot to expand the hospital's capacity, in order to meet the perceived needs for such a conflict. One such area under development was Ward 8. In peacetime this was the disaster ward, designed to be opened rapidly, and receive mass casualties from an aircraft crash, or other similar major incident. Now the ward was to function as an Aeromedical Evacuation holding facility. Flight Lieutenant Karl Colehouse was tasked to manage this ward, and he recounts the story of its contribution to Operation TELIC.

"With 9 months service behind me, I arrived at TPMH in January 2003, as a Nursing Officer on the Paediatric ward. By the end of the month I had been tasked by Wg Cdr Williams, OC Nursing Wing, to prepare Ward 8 as an Aeromed Holding facility. February saw a visit from Brigadier Newell, Commander Med (Designate) Op TELIC, the most senior medical officer for the conflict. Here we were briefed on the possible operational scenario.

Officially TPMH was to provide a Role 3+, and Aeromedical Evacuation, facility. TPMH was expanded to accommodate 90 beds, and also domiciled in the hospital was a Critical Care in the Air Support Team (CCAST). We were to expect patients with a variety of battle, and non-battle, injuries. Utilising staff from other wards, Ward 8 was deemed operationally capable by the end of February, which wasn't a day too soon. February 25th saw the first patients arrive, this before the war had officially started.

In March, under increasing patient numbers, and in addition to a small contingent of existing TPMH nurses, augmented personnel from the UK arrived. Some were regular PMRAFNS nurses drawn from MDHU units, although the majority came from 612 (County of Aberdeen) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Leuchars. As ward manager I was somewhat in trepidation, as this was the fist operational conflict I'd been involved in, and also the first occasion I'd worked closely with reservist colleagues. My fears of how we would integrate, and develop as a team, were soon to be dismissed. By the close of the conflict all the augmented nursing, and paramedical, staff had proved their capability, worth, and just what made HM Forces a world leader."

As a fitting tribute to the reserve element, providing key support at TPMH, Group Captain Kemp, Inspector Royal Auxiliary Air Force visited in April 2003.

Ward 8 was also to play a pivotal role in the efficiency of the Aeromedical Evacuation chain from Iraq to the UK and Germany. Close liaison between the ward and Aeromed in-flight teams was paramount, and in time a harmonious working partnership was formed. Many friendships were formed during this conflict; by people drawn together with the same basic remit - to provide the best standard of clinical care we could, for those involved in the conflict.

Prior to the end of the war, in April, Gp Capt McConnell was to leave taking up a civilian post at RAF Personnel Management Agency. He was to be replaced by Group Captain Richard Broadbridge, who had an unenviable task of assuming command of a hospital, midway through an operational conflict. Despite the pressures of war, the TPMH staff managed to give the departing CO a rousing send off, with a farewell flight in a 203 Squadron Sea-King helicopter.

With hospital staff working long hours, and with minimal time off duty, the service provided was second to none.

Early May saw the President of the USA announce the end of major combat operations in Iraq. By the end of the month the ward had closed, but not before a total of 477 casualties had been treated at TPMH.

May also another first for this joint service hospital. This was the centenary of the Royal Naval Reserve, and it was suitably honoured in a celebration at TPMH. RNR personnel had proved an effective element of the augmented personnel during Op TELIC, and it was fitting that on 16th May the White Ensign was raised at TPMH, in the presence of Lieutenant Commander Hall, Senior Naval Officer, RAF Akrotiri and Lt Lentell, Senior RNR nurse, TPMH.

On her farewell visit we welcomed a very fond favourite, of TPMH, the PMRAFNS, and RAF Akrotiri. Group Captain Reid was due to retire as DNS (RAF), and Matron in Chief PMRAFNS in the coming months. All PM's wined, dined, and entertained Gp Capt Reid over the duration of her visit. Being a former Matron of TPMH, and remembered for her kind donation of a stained glass window, depicting the hospital crest, in the entrance to the Officer's Mess, RAF Akrotiri, Gp Capt Reid was destined for a place in the TPMH annals.

In this, the anniversary year, one individual was to retire from TPMH leaving behind her an anniversary legacy. Mrs Ismini Neofidou had worked at the hospital, for almost all of its 40 years. It was with sadness that she retired from her role as a Health Care Assistant on Ward 6, as the longest serving member of TPMH staff.

As the hospital began to settle back into a routine, busier than that of pre-Op TELIC, a further significant change was to take place.

Wing Commander Williams was to depart in August, on her promotion to Group Captain, and promotion to Director of Nursing Services (RAF), and Matron in Chief PMRAFNS. A farewell catamaran cruise, in August, heralded the departure of the outgoing OC Nursing Wing. Time spent at anchor, alongside TPMH, proved poignant to all those on board.

As the anniversary due near, Group Captain Broadbridge, as CO, Wing Commander Beaumont, as OC Nursing Wing, and Squadron Leader Choppin, as OC Support Unit, led TPMH toward its celebrations.

An anniversary committee was formed, led by Squadron Leader Nigel Tue. The planning culminated when October saw a fun day at TPMH, commencing with a charity fun run. Over 100 runners took part, many sporting fancy dress, in the 2 miles canter along Jubilee Way, finishing outside the hospital. Staff, and residents of RAF Akrotiri, thoroughly enjoyed what proved to be a memorable day at TPMH, the highlight being a fly past by a Griffin helicopter of 84 Squadron.

November 21st 2003, saw the anniversary itself celebrated with a day of formalities for the unswerving servants, past and present, of The Princess Mary's Hospital, Royal Air Force Akrotiri. A re-opening of TPMH Chapel, by Major General Pearson, Commander British Forces Cyprus, in the presence of hospital staff, was followed by a service of re-dedication in the hospital gardens. The evening saw many of the hospital staff join together for a formal evening of celebration.

As has gone before us in the past 40 years, looking forward to the next, we shall continue in our efforts to "strive to heal".

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