Joyce Connolly was based in Kiriwina, New Guinea as a RAAF nursing sister. She enlisted in the air force because she had "always wanted to fly". After realizing that you do not always get to fly in the air force she enthusiastically pursued opportunities in the medical air evacuation service where she obtained a position during the war.
Joyce had no serious qualms about the proximity to the war that her work required because that is what she joined up for. Joyce’s decision to enlist was not motivated by any desire to advance her career, gain better wages or improve the social and political conditions faced by women. It was quite simply about her desire to make the contribution that her skills gave her the potential to do. Joyce wanted to actively participate in the war effort- she just wanted to serve. It was through that service that Joyce gained a sense of having valuably contributed to the nations defence.
For this Sydney girl exposure to the tropical world of New Guinea was fascinating. The scenery was spectacular and quite removed from anything she had experienced before. Interaction with the indigenous people allowed her to discover first hand many of the commonalities and human traits that exist across vast cultural and language divides. Joyce had enough personal exposure to the New Guineans to identify them as individuals, see them as friendly, and develop a sincere fondness for them.
Joyce’s work in air evacuation took her close to the most violent fighting, despite not actually being based on the front lines. In treating severe wounds and sickness Joyce was confronted with the impact of battle on the soldiers and on individuals. However, not being based in the front lines did not shelter the nurses from the harsh tropical conditions, they too felt the effects of tropical diseases. Joyce came down with Dengue fever in Nadzab during her air evacuation days, and experienced the rains and mosquitoes in only a partially more sheltered way than the troops by virtue of slightly better quarters than the troops.
Australian Medical:
Joyce ConnollyClick images to enlarge.
AWM 124731
AWM OG0885
