Babyjane, it sounds as though your Mum was a very brave lady. My sincere respects to her and you.
I was 21. Andy, the driver was 23 and there were 2 17 year olds in the back. Andy was impaled on the steering wheel and the youngsters were both 17, broken necks = instantaneous death. Thank goodness, the knew no pain. Andy took 20 minutes to die and there was nothing I could do to help him. Survivor guilt is well documented now, but back then it didn't exist officially. It either makes you tough or swamps you. I experienced both, not pleasant.
One silly story about being in hospital and bored silly. I was in my chair, practising my reverse bathroom door opening techniques. Half way up ward, turn 180 so back facing bathroom door. Select your best reverse gear and charge, with luck the door flew open, missing saw another chunk of plaster out of the corner of the doorway door! To alleviate my boredom I got sent down to the Red Cross room. There a RM decided to take a bet with me. He said I couldn't play a full game of snooker in my chair, he stood to loose £50.00. A lot of money in 1976! He lost and his mates made him pay up. The cream cakes were on me that day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Moral of the story, don't take on a 21 year old WRAF unless you are ready to loose your money. I was in the Royal Naval Hospital here in Plymouth. I'd been transferred there from Middlesex due to my Dad's very poor health. Enjoyed the hydrotherapy, hated the gym and questioned by Chief Petty Officer physiotherapist's parentage many times
However, on discharge home, I was one fit girl.
