Dulcie Philips is a lovely resident who recently reached a very impressive 101 years young! With over a century of life behind her we wanted to share her very interesting life story with you all.
Little Dulcie was born in Chiswick, London, United Kingdom in 1921. At the age of 18 she was enlisted to help Great Britain during World War 2 as an orderly nurse for the Royal Air Force and served for the entire 5 year duration of WW2.
During this time, she was promoted through the ranks up to the role of sister. Which she says was an easy succession due to her dedication and natural knack for the role.
Dulcie says there were many people who shaped her time whilst she worked in the RAF. Servicemen who had lost limbs and friends, but still managed to push on with courage and share a smile with Dulcie when they saw her.
She says the victory by the Allied Forces was a moment of immense joy and great relief, after five years of suffering and loss for civilians and servicemen everywhere.
She was de-mobbed from the RAF following the victory and end of WW2. She did not return to nursing after she served, but Dulcie says her 5 years counted for a lifetime. Dulcie met her late husband, Robert, whilst they were both serving in the RAF. They married in 1944 and had their son Peter in 1957.
Dulcie was fortunate enough to be able to stay home and raise her son. She is so incredibly proud to have served her country, where she nursed men and women who fought for the safety of their lives and homes.
Dulcie is confident the experience made her a happier person, always holding close the mantra that, “life is short and to not sweat the small stuff”.
Thank you for your service Dulcie, and for sharing your story.
