10.5.15
My dear Mother
I’m afraid I have neglected you lately, but I have been exceedingly busy, with very little time or inclination for letter writing.
We have a continuous flow of patients in and out of hospital, often taking in 200 or more, and sending on a like number in one day.
All incomers have to have a good bath, all their bits disinfected, and deficiencies made good; a diagnosis made (in the army that seems to be regarded more important than treatment), suitable food and treatment given, and a decision made as to whether each man will be fit within a specified time, and if not whether he can travel sitting or lying to England. As convoys come and go at a few hours’ notice you may imagine the whole business means plenty of organization and rapid work. The net result is that we are working much more as a clearing hospital than as a base HP.
I’ve had many of these gas cases, not the worst kind, but bad enough – nothing can bring home to one more the utterly debased nature of the Germans, and no treatment can be too harsh for them. This Lusitania blow makes one still more angry: I’m afraid the USA are too intent on keeping themselves out of this war to join in crushing utterly these fiends. Of course it would mean practically a civil war first for them.
Tonight we hear that Italy has come in, but await confirmation.
Many MOs pass on from here to regiments and ambulances and I think quite likely I’ll be making a move soon. Now undoubtedly they have no more doctors than they can do without here, we are very shorthanded at No 9, but can manage with an effort, and everyone is giving that.
It is hot here now, and one gets a bit stale at times. I got a lovely ride this afternoon through the forest, which is at its best in fresh green colour. Where is Cyril now? I’m so glad Mela is better, and hope she’ll stand the hard work all right.
George has had longer in hospital than I, but there is a certain routine which perhaps I escaped as an MO whose services were wanted once!
With much love to all
From your loving son
Arthur
