Episode 5

Vera 'Jack' Holme

1918-1921. Louise Ironside dramatises the diaries of Vera 'Jack' Holme A former actress and suffragette, Vera had spent the war years as a member of the Women's Volunteer Reserve serving with the Scottish Women's Hospital in Serbia. At the end of the war Vera - known as 'Jack' - was busy finding a role for herself both in love and duty. Estranged from her long term partner, Evelina Haverfield, Vera spends much of 1918 fundraising for relief work in Serbia. . But Vera is drawn back to the country she loves when Eve invites her to help establish an orphanage for the children of the Serbian war dead. But Vera's delight at being back in Serbia with Eve is shattered when Eve dies of pneumonia. In the aftermath of the unexpected death Vera must cope with mounting responsibilities at the orphanage as well as her own grief. Now as her time in Serbia draws to a close Vera is faced with shaping a new life for herself - but where, and with who?

Dramatised by Louise Ironside

Other parts played by members of the cast.
Additional research by Jane Mackelworth
Producer/Director: David Ian Neville.