Kris Massie's memories of Kitwe.
Part 33 : Finale
I took him home the following morning and shot off to Ndola Hospital to check on Marguerite. I found her after she'd had an awful leg fracture and other cuts and bruises attended to, her tongue had also been virtually sliced in half. Her concern for Gloria had me telling her a 'little white lie' in that she was in another part of the hospital – how could I let her know that our friend had not lived when she was herself in shock, stoical as she was.
How fortuitous was this, the local doctor was all for amputating her leg and there in the middle of Africa was No3 in the world, Orthopaedic Surgeon! They sometimes did this travelling around to gain more experience. He emphatically informed the doctor that he wouldn't live if he as much as touched Marguerite's leg ... so with much steel work, nuts and bolts, she kept her leg!
The following days were busy ones, visiting Maguerite and keeping an eye on Ron. I decided to tell Marguerite about Gloria after faithfully promising the ward sister that I would be responsible for any relapse in her condition. Marguerite had come to the conclusion even before I apologised for my small evasion from the truth. She asked me to arrange for Jim's cremation and service as she would not be leaving hospital any time soon.
We then had to positively identify bodies, never easy. Ron insisted on coming with us, so with a lovely Zambian nurse we entered the mortuary and she opened first Jim's drawer. His face showed horror and then the other drawer where Gloria on the other hand looked beautifully peaceful. When I turned around Ron had his arms around Gloria, hugging her and the nurse was on her haunches in the corner crying at the sight of Ron. Eventually after the grieving interval we had a dreadful time trying to get Ron to let Gloria go. When we finally did and left, we had to positively carry him to the car, he just wanted to go back …
Ron then wanted me to return to England with him when he took Gloria's ashes home. I am afraid that this was one function he had to do himself. We moved into his flat and just before he left, he asked me to collect her clothes for a charity shop, again no easy task. He said to look in her dressing table drawer, there I found her letter, written before the drive to Lusaka in which she described having seen her father's face in the mirror, he was beckoning to her … She had also filled the freezer with meals on a day when she normally didn't … I leave you to ponder on this.
Jim's cremation went well and Marguerite was transferred to Nkana Hospital in Kitwe where she stayed for almost a year before being released. She spent some time with good friends before returning to England as Jim's work permit was solely in his name despite the fact that she had also been employed. Jim went with her in her suitcase, undeclared due to the hassle of obtaining export and import licences!
So a new life began in 'Merrie England', very sad at leaving Zambia, and what a change!
I flew from Lusaka to London Gatwick on 4th October 1981 to take up my transfer. I was met at Lusaka Airport by Nickey who had previously worked for Zambia Airways and was now with British Caledonian. We chatted in the Departure Lounge and I started to get edgy as the last passengers were boarding when he said he'd take me out to the aircraft. I was led away from the economy steps with Nickey saying too many people and it was easier from the front section. I still hadn't realised … and as soon as we entered first class he led me to my seat right there! What a surprise and what a lovely gesture. Hugs all round with Nickey saying 'we don't want you to go' but, it was too late.
I said adieu to Africa with a heavy heart.
BCal Office in Kitwe. Zambia - June 1975
Kris Massie [nee van Woenssel] (reservations), Viv Jackson, Terry Lesch (secretary) and Barbara McLoughlin (supervisor).
(Terry sadly lost her battle with cancer and is no longer with us)
Don Whiting (Mgr Zambia), Dave Gerrard (Mgr - Cargo Sales) and Chris Tear (Sales Mgr) can also be seen in the photo
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