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A veteran interview with

Alison Harris

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About Alison Harris

Alison Harris was serving as an assistant purser on the Uganda when the ship was unexpectedly requisitioned for service in the Falklands War. Originally a school cruise ship, Uganda was swiftly converted into a hospital ship, with public rooms transformed into wards and a helicopter pad built over the swimming pool. Alison’s role involved maintaining detailed records of personnel onboard, including injured British and Argentine soldiers. She recalls the surreal experience of maintaining a sense of normality—printing daily menus and holding quizzes—even as the ship sailed into a war zone.

Despite the challenges, including water shortages and harsh weather, she speaks of the camaraderie among the crew and the deep friendships formed. Alison reflects on the Uganda’s vital but often overlooked role in the conflict, feeling privileged to have been part of an extraordinary chapter in history.

Credits

Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
Martin B
Transcribed by:
Kye Alexander-Sparks

Transcripts:
Please note that transcripts and closed captions in the video player are automatically generated by Vimeo.

If you would like a version of the transcript that has been transcribed manually by Kye Alexander-Sparks, please complete this form or email info@legasee.org.uk.

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Home | Veterans | Alison Harris

A veteran interview with

Alison Harris

Alison-Harris-who-served-on-the-hospial-ship-Uganda-during-the-Falklands-war

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Cite this interview:

MLA Style:
Harris, Alison. A Veteran Interview with Alison Harris. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, 19 Jan. 2022 https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alison-harris/. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
APA Style:
Harris, A. (2022, January 19). A Veteran Interview with Alison Harris [Interview by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alison-harris/
Chicago Style:
Harris, Alison. 2022. A Veteran Interview with Alison Harris. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, January 19. Accessed May 21, 2026. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alison-harris/
Harvard Style:
Harris, A. (2022). A Veteran Interview with Alison Harris. [Interviewed by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee, 19 January. Available at https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alison-harris/ (Accessed: 21 May 2026)
Vancouver Style:
Harris, A. A Veteran Interview with Alison Harris [Internet]. Interview by M. Bisiker. Legasee; 2022 Jan 19 [cited 2026 May 21]. Available from: https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alison-harris/
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