1915-01-14al

There were two letters published in the Hamilton Times of January 14, 1915. They were sent not by a soldier, but by a nurse, a nurse working on a hospital train, whose duties took her very close to the trenches.

The letter was provided to the Hamilton Times by Mrs. Charles E. Counsell, whose sister was that army nurse:

“December 17, 1914 –

“We have had very busy journeys again.

“Such dreadful wounds ! It does seem so terrible that men have to suffer and go through such harrowing times for the sake of their country.

“Everyone is getting tired of the war, and no wonder.

“Things seem to be going on much the same; there has been another big attack from one side, with very many losses. The poor Germans have been very badly cut up. Each time they have been in action they have had an exceedingly rough time.

“If there is any chance of getting a German sword, I shall be delighted to send it to you.  I have seen a German bayonet, jagged, with a shell case. A Belgian picked it up. Now I have a German, English and French one.

“We shall be very glad of cigarettes. We give hundreds away each journey.

“You can imagine we hear of tales from the men. They are really very amusing. Although looking (and feeling) awfully ill, it is marvelous how cheerful they are.

“This is a queer life, living on a train. I have been on for three months now, and one gets about a good deal. I am keeping a map and marking all the places I go to.

“What we miss more than anything is a bath. It is difficult to carry any quantity of water; also I should love a fire.”

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“December 26, 1914

“On Christmas morning, we took 240 wounded down to ---, after leaving 18 very bad cases, who were unable to stand the journey, at the base.

“Luckily, the train was stationary until after 2 p.m., so all the orderlies were able to enjoy a good Christmas dinner in peace.

“There are over forty men on our staff. As for us, we are all so done up and tired. I have not had my clothes off for three days.

“We went to bed until 8 p.m., and by that time, the train had travelled some miles, and we had our Christmas dinner while going at full.

“Each fresh attack that takes place now seems more fierce than the last, and the last train load of wounded were terrible cases.

“Such a queer thing happened. Among the 23 wounded officers I had the other day was a brother of Dr. ---. He struck me as being rather like him, and spoke in much the same manner, so I asked him his name, and then it dawned on him who I was, as he had seen my photo and had heard often of me.

“Poor chap; his back was injured. He had led a charge and took some German trenches, which had been mined, and the majority of his men had been blown up. He was injured and left in the open, exposed for hours and hours. Another brother of his was wounded in the leg some weeks ago.

“The train is shaking so much it seems impossible to write.

“We have a rotten division today, which is not fit to wheel a barrow.

“Thank you both so much for the shawl and sweet pink jacket. They are so nice and snug the nights that I do go to bed. The chocolates also I was so thankful to have, and was able to give them to several patients on Boxing Day.

“You can’t think how cold it has been lately, as we have not been able to get coal. Otherwise the train can be kept quite warm

“The Prince of Wales came over to our train one day. He seemed very interested in it. He looked such a boy and so shy. The Princess Mary has given every soldier a little brass box, engraved on the outside with the King and Queen, and ‘Christmas, 1914.’ Inside are cigarettes, tobacco and a card, also a photo of herself. I believe we are to receive the same with chocolates in.

“Queen Alexander sent each of us on the train one pound of tea, tin of biscuits and a box of sweets some time ago.

“What shocks they are getting in England with bombs and things. Perhaps, it will do good and wake them up a bit. Am sure few realize there how serious this war is.

“We are living in a wonderful life, with battles of aeroplanes, waterplanes, submarines, etc. It is all like a bad dream. Who would have thought such things would come to pass even a year ago?

“Just at 12 p.m. on Boxing Night, we were crossing the Seine at Rouen. Just there is a glorious spot. I wish you knew it, and in the moonlight, it looked lovely, while all the bells were ringing, which added greatly to the charm of the place. I love Rouen.

“Today, it is very cold, and we have run out of coal and water, so if we do not reach the base tonight, we will not be able to wash in the morning. That is the worst of it – long journeys without stopping long enough to fill up necessaries.

“The next thing we shall run short of will be rations. Luckily there are no patients on; only three medical officers, one interpreter and 40 odd non-commissioned officers and men besides ourselves”^{1
"The second letter was dated December 31:
"Thank you ever so much for your parcel of chocolate and cigarettes, received today. It is most kind of you to send them, and I only wish you could see the delight of the Tommies when they get the cigarettes and chocolate. They are the two things they rejoice in more than anything. Christmas has been very busy and such a number of wounded. On Boxing day, we brought 264 down to base, and all wounded. Before that there had been more sick. The frost bites are very bad, and many poor fellows have had to lose their feet - it seems more than being wounded. I have not seen any of the Canadian army yet. Am on the look out for any from Hamilton. They will probably be out shortly. Train duty is very interesting work, in a way, as we get men straight out of the trenches. On the other hand, one feels one could do much for them if they were not in a train. One is a bit handicapped. However, it is the only way to get them to the hospital.}

 

¹ “Army Nurse at Front on Hospital Train : Harrowing Scenes Which They Go Through for the Sake of Their Country”

Hamilton Times.   January 1, 1915