front cover

page 1

...In time of war everyone has an idea that they ought either to join the Army or Navy and if they are unfortunate enough to belong to the female sex, ammunition work or nursing!..

page 2

...Of course we politely thanked the damsel of 35 or more and pelted through the pouring rain 3 miles home. Determined not to be outdone wrote to the good lady asking for an appointment...

page 3

...we should be interviewed by ‘The Matron in Chief’ at St Johns Gate, Clerkenwell the following Monday Sept 6th...

page 4 & 5

...can honestly say I felt then that I could not go to France, would have given anything to say – I’ll stop at home – but, I was under instructions from the War Office! The War Office is not going to be played with, so there was nothing for one to do...

page 6

...we went to Army and Navy Stores where we had to spend a cheque given us at Headquarters £4.160 on our camp kit. The rest of that day was spent rushing about from place to place for the little extras that were required before starting on our journey...

page 7

...We arose at 6am, went down to breakfast and arrived on Charing X station at 7:30am where all was bustle and confusion...

page 8

...It was pouring with rain by now and none of us felt too happy wondering what we were going to do next. Whether we were going to be happy in the new life...

page 9

...When we arrived a sister said she had sent for the matron who would be round in a minute. She duly arrived and proved to be a charming lady. Very much like Mrs Fletcher to look at...

page 10 & 11

...My first job was to help get the dressing tray ready with the staff sister, sterilise the instruments, prepare lotion and then go round each patient with sister and help with the dressings...

page 12

...Had a convoy during night and were still coming in...

page 13

...Off duty at 5pm and went to nurses club where there is reading and tea room downstairs and writing room upstairs. Pay 2 francs, warmth, very comfy...

page 14

...Of course I’d forgotten that once having made her understand she would speak French. Oh! How we laughed afterwards...

page 15

...They first held a service in the French R.C Church. Then paraded to the cemetery where all the British soldiers who die here are buried...

page 16 & 17

...Excitement reigns supreme. R. P is packing, patients are being transferred and shipped for home and blankets are being packed in bundles as fast as they can. Nobody knows anything definite but that we are moving. V.A.D’s are very anxious – wonder where we shall land...

page 18

...Went for a long walk to Ambleteuss, about 4 miles. Glorious morning, back in time for lunch – nothing else exciting. Have heard we are to stay at same place under new management...

page 19

...Had tea and pancakes at a little inn and walked home in the moonlight...

page 20 & 21

...Had orders at lunch – at last. We’re to go to 13 General – The Casino... ...First day of duty not at all bad. I have 4 very nice Sisters over me – fairly busy – worse cases than I have had before – amputations etc...

page 22

...One man had severe haemorrhage at 6pm – has a wound in back and bullet came out in front – immediate operation.Man doing well. I have got a lovely cold developing. Had two letters, one from Mim and one from Mrs Herbert – wonderfully cheered...

page 23

...A letter from Eason – great joy. There has been an attack on Ypres – convoy in this afternoon – gas cases principally...

page 24

...Went to a Panto at Conval. Camp. Was splendid – taken by Assis. Matron in motor...

page 26 & 27

...About 4pm heard awful explosion like bomb. Shook the whole place. All rushed to window to see what was happening but could see nothing. Appears they were firing mines from the fort and this one was very near – thought at least we were being shelled...

page 25

...Two men had eyes removed and the shrapnel removed from boys forehead. Marvellous the size of the piece – it is a miracle it didn’t kill him..

Inside Back Cover

In time of war everyone has an idea that they ought either to join the Army or Navy and if they are unfortunate enough to belong to the female sex, ammunition work or nursing!