Catalogue

Interview
1162, LO/509/459
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Thomson, Kathleen Mary, - , Interviewee, Female, Midwife
Speaker: Johnson, R, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Outlines church going background in Leicester, feeling of wanting to work in missionary field, how came to take up nursing. Sketches training at Ramsgate General Hospital, pay, becoming midwife in London during Second World War blitz. Recalls importance of Anderson shelters. Mentions joining Civil Nursing Reserve at Adambrook Hospital, Cambridge; surviving bombing at Ramsgate General Hospital, sheltering in caves. Explains nurse shortages after war caused married women to be able to return to nursing, joining Leicester General Hospital in charge of labour ward. Talks about hospital, nurses' homes, antenatal classes, large families possibly due to limited contraception, superstitions, dealing with illegitimate children, attitudes to miscarriages, abortion.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: To age 14
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Shoe worker
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 11/11/1988
Playing time: 40 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.