Field Experience Journal

Field Experience, Journal — Alistair


My wound is almost completely healed. Well, I say completely, a part of me is missing. A whole three quarters of my index finger lost forever to the sands of Gallipoli. I must admit that I figured I would be more upset at losing a body part. But after what I've seen, I guess a finger is a very small thing. And I'm still alive. There is always that. I am most grateful to still be alive.

There was another wire laying party tonight. Rather than be terrified of the prospect, it was exhilarating. We were out in the middle of no-man's land, taking fire of all kinds with artillery pounding in the distance. The Turks never saw me in the black of night. I escaped and the mission was a complete success. One of the lads lost bits of his fingers though. I guess that makes us closer, in a way.

I've been working with the nurses, and combined with my on the field experience with combat medicine I must say that I am improving. Pretty soon I'm going to be able to keep up with Doc. Young and the others from the red-cross treating the injured. That'll be something special. At the same time though I wonder if that means they'll hesitate to put me on the front line. Why does that worry me?

In any event, I should probably get some rest while the lines are quiet. Who knows what tomorrow shall bring. Hopefully not my final words.

Private Alistair Lydgate

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