International Women’s Day at Cambridge URNU

On the 8th March 2018, to coincide with International Women's Day, Cambridge University Royal Naval Unit (CURNU) welcomed guest speaker Nicci Pugh for a presentation and discussion with staff, students and guests.

Nicci served on board Her Majesty's Hospital Ship Uganda as a Senior Nursing Officer in Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARRNS) during The Falklands War between Argentina and Britain in 1982.

Staff, students and guests were all shown an informative and fascinating presentation which illustrated, with many original and previously unseen images, life on board a hospital ship working in The South Atlantic Ocean during The Falklands War.

Lieutenant P Hesse RN, Commanding Officer of Cambridge URNU said, “Hosting Nicci at the unit presented a fantastic opportunity for the students to meet a very inspiring woman, who served her country during an important conflict for the Royal Navy and for Great Britain.

“International Women's Day allows for us all to focus on inspirational women, past and present, who will encourage future generations to continue developing and strengthening the important global subject of women's rights.”

The presentation was followed by an interesting Q&A session with Nicci and a book signing of 'White Ships, Red Crosses'.

The students then had a more informal fireside chat in the Wardroom which was particularly beneficial to the students applying to join the Royal Navy as Medical and Nursing Officers.