October 20, 1916: Flora Sandes waits for action

Flora Sandes was the only English woman to serve in the Serbian army. The following was taken from pages 34-35 of her memoir, Autobiography of a Woman Soldier. Her recent biography, A Fine Brother, puts this day at October 20, 1916.

"One day Miladin and I were lying together side by side behind a little rock about as big as a portmanteau, within a few yards of the Bulgars, whilst the rest of our vod were scattered behind nearby rocks. The Bulgars were behind a sort of natural fortification immediately above us, which we had taken once, and had been driven out of the same morning, at dawn, by a counterattack. We were sick at heart, and burning to retake it. We lay there till late in the afternoon, motionless, peering round the edige of rocks and firing a few shots and the fancy took us to keep the enemy from making a sortie and bombing us. From force of habit we talked in whispers as if we were stalking game, though the Bulgars must have been acutely aware of our proximity. 

We were hungry, having had nothing at all since supper the previous night, and so wet and cold that the only thing I could think of to keep up my spirits and while away the time, was to repeat the 'Charge of the Light Brigade,' which, as a child, I thought the most wonderful poem in the world. Over and over at intervals I repeated it to myself, though accepting for the fact of being 'in the mouth of hell', there wasn't much in the poem that would fit our case."

From Autobiography of a Woman Soldier, page 34-35. A full-length biography of Flora Sandes, titled A Fine Brother, was written recently.

Her story is also included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I. 

August 13, 1916: Spinal injuries on the Italian Front

Radiographers Gleichen & Hollings at work 

Lady Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings were English radiographers who worked on the Italian Front during World War I. The following letter excerpt, dated August 13, 1916, gives Gleichen's impressions of tragic spinal injuries sustained during the Battle of Gorizia. The letter was later included in Gleichen's memoir, Contacts and Contrasts. 

"What has been so horrid since this advance is that we have been called to nearly every hospital to decide about fractured spines. Of course, if metal is lying on the spine an operation may help, but if, as we find nine times out of ten, it has passed through the spine and lodged in the other side of the body, it means that no operation will help and the wounded man just has to wait a fortnight, three weeks, or even three months to die. And they always ask us if their backs are broken, nearly always. It is so hard to answer, but I have become such a hardened actor, andso has Nina, that we invent whatever we think will give them confidence. We had five at Dobra yesterday all the same and all going to die, and three at Crauglio and three more to-day."

From pages 202, Contacts and Contrasts, by Lady Helena Gleichen

The story of Helena Gleichen's work on the Italian Front is included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I.

August 10, 1916: Helena Gleichen, British Radiographer, describes the Austrian dugouts

Radiographers Gleichen & Hollings at work 

Lady Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings were English radiographers who worked on the Italian Front during World War I. The following letter excerpt, dated August 7, 1916, gives Gleichen's impressions of the second day of the Battle of Gorizia, aka the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo. The letter was later included in Gleichen's memoir, Contacts and Contrasts. 

"Today more work and already orders pouring in for to-morrow.

We feel much left behind. The observation balloons are in front of us now instead of miles back and the Italians have taken possession of the 305 guns that used to bombard Cormons, ammunition and all. the Austrians had underground passages under the river Isonzo to bring up their ammunition and their dugouts had sofas and pictures and arm-chairs and piano-fortes. We have seen lots of the clubs which the enemy use as weapons. These clubs sometimes have two iron rings, sometimes three with spikes all round. What do you think of that for modern civilization? I believe Lord Northcliffe is coming here for the night to-morrow. I wonder if you know him. We are looked upon as the curiosity section, I can't think why except for the profusion of cases we get through and the miles we travel."

From pages 201, Contacts and Contrasts, by Lady Helena Gleichen

The story of Helena Gleichen's work on the Italian Front is included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I.

August 10, 1915: Gabrielle Petit writes a letter hinting at her work for British Intelligence

Gabrielle Petit was a young Belgian woman who worked for British Intelligence during World War I. The following, a letter Petit wrote to her fiance's sister on August 10, 1915, hinting at her upcoming work for British Intelligence, is excerpted from page 52 of Gabrielle Petit: The Death and Life of a Female Spy in the First World War. 

"Dear all,

I have received your express [message], thank you very much. I am going, come what may! Constant guessed right [about Petit's plans]. I do not understand why Eva did not immediately realize for herself, for after all, with a character like mine, nothing should come as a surprise. I have been told [when being recruited by British Intelligence]: 'It seems to me that you love your fiance very much; since he makes a sacrifice, do as he does (but not as a competitor, put your pride into it).' I said 'Yes.' Anyway, if I had joined a field hospital, I would have run the same risks and it would not have served me later on, whereas now, I have friends in high places who very much have my best interests in mind...Do not write me any more -- the letter wouldn't have the legs to run after me."

From pages 52 of Gabrielle Petit: The Death and Life of a Female Spy in the First World War.  Petit's story is also told in the YA collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I: 15 Remarkable Resisters, Spies, Soldiers, and Medics. 

August 16, 1918: Ella Mae Bongard, Canadian nurse on the Western Front

From the diary of Ella Mae Bongard: 

"Today one of my patients, Capt. Samuels died. He had a fractured femur and a huge G.S.W. of the hip. They found a gas bug in the culture & he got so much worse they decided to amputate but he died on the table. He was such a good sport, just this morning he was coaxing me to move his bed outdoors but of course we couldn't with the traction on, so he said get me a propeller on this thing and I'll fly out. 

I've cried myself sick."

From page 52, Nobody Ever Wins a War: The World War I Diaries of Ella Mae Bongard, R.N.

July 30, 1915: Gabrielle Petit describes her demeanor during an encounter with the Germans

Gabrielle Petit was a young Belgian woman who worked for British Intelligence during World War I. The following, a letter Petit wrote to her fiance on July 30, 1915, telling how he narrowly escaped Germany arrest, is excerpted from Gabrielle Petit: The Death and Life of a Female Spy in the First World War. 

"Not finding you, they came to my place, in hopes of making me confess; oh, what a hard time I gave them! I have shown them exemplary rudeness and astonishing arrogance...The officer took one of my photos; I asked him why. He went all cagey. 'When you'll return to Sauerkrautland,' I told him, 'do show that picture around: it shows a Belgian woman who has guts.' The effect was immediate. I wonder if he got over the insult...So you see, dear little fiance, that I have followed close upon your heels. Unfortunately, it might be two or three months before I see you again...

I am set to pass a little exam on Monday, 2 August and to leave London on the 3d. Some patience, and you will be able to congratulate me a lot. Be good, be brave, be loyal; be prudent, danger lurks everywhere; in whichever manner one serves one's country, one is always exposed to danger...

My good and dear little one, be brave; think of she who aspires to see you again and who kisses you with all her soul.

Your faithful and devoted fiancee,
Gaby"

From pages 51 of Gabrielle Petit: The Death and Life of a Female Spy in the First World War.  Petit's story is also told in the YA collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I. 

July 28, 1915: Gabrielle Petit writes a letter hinting at her new role as a spy for British Intelligence

Gabrielle Petit was a young Belgian woman who worked for British Intelligence during the First World War. The following, a letter Petit wrote to her fiance on July 28, 1915, is excerpted from Gabrielle Petit: The Death and Life of a Female Spy in the First World War. 

"Dearest, best fiance,

As you can see, I get around quite a bit: first at Folkestone, now in London. I await orders from my superior. I will not enroll at the field hospital. I have something much more useful to do; later on, you will know everything. I will have done my duty well, you will be most pleased. But do pray that nothing bad will happen to me. Still, do not get upset; there is danger everywhere...If I succeed in my endeavor, I will ask my superiors to obtain a leave for you, which I will spend with you...Dearest fiance, be very brave, very prudent, and pray for us...

Forever your faithful fiance,
Gaby"

From pages 50-51 of Gabrielle Petit: The Death and Life of a Female Spy in the First World War.  Petit's story is also told in the YA collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I. 

July 6, 1918: King George addresses women war workers

A CALL TO ARMS.

"The great Procession of Homage of  Women War Workers received by the King and Queen in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace on Saturday last, when an address of congratulation upon their Silver Wedding was presented, was a magnificent success. Princess Mary was present in her uniform of Commandant-in-Chief of the V.A.D., and V.A.D. workers took precedence of all other branches of women's work, including the Trained Nurses of the Metropolitan Asylums Board led by Miss Ambler-Jones. The King's Reply to the Address, delivered in a resonant voice, was distinctly heard by some thousands of people present, and His Majesty spoke most sympathetically and appreciatively of the part played by women in the great war.

'The Queen and I,' said the King, 'are touched by the thought that the first expression of loyalty and devotion on the occasion of our silver wedding should come from this representative body of women who, by their services, have assisted the State in the full mobilization of its man power. In our visits to various centres we have had opportunities of seeing and appre- ciating the great part which the women of our land are taking in all branches of war service, and everywhere we have been filled with admiration at their achievements, an admiration which I believe to be shared by the whole nation.

'When the history of our country's share in the War is written no chapter will be more remarkable than that relating to the range and extent of women's participation. This service has been rendered only at the cost of much self-sacrifice and endurance.'

Referring to nurses and V.A.D. workers His Majesty said, 'They have often faced cheerfully and courageously great risks, both at home and overseas, in carrying on their work, and the Women's Army has its own Roll of Honour of those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. Of all these we think to-day with reverent pride.'

There should not be to-day an idle woman in the three kingdoms. All able-bodied women between the ages of eighteen and forty, not otherwise employed, should enrol themselves as full-time workers in one of the great organizations of those who are prepared to make every sacrifice in order to assist their country at this supreme crisis in its history."

Video showing some of the procession towards the palace:

May 2, 1915: Diary of Alice Kitchen, Australian Army nurse

Australian officers and nurses in happier times.

Australian War Memorial EO 5197

“May 2^nd. Another strenuous day; over 50 officers in our section. We are all worked to breaking strain with so many dressings to do, meals to get out, & so much marble underfoot. So far we have had so little time to think and no time to ask the men much about their experiences yet. In fact one’s brain seems incapable of taking in anything and remembering it. And there is scarcely time to ask them how they are. They seem to have had a dreadful lot of casualties: some surmise 3000, others say far more than that. We were sorry to hear that Lt. Legge had gone but by this time perhaps all the men we looked upon as friends have been blotted out of this existence.  The hospital ships were not nearly enough to bring away the wounded & several transports were pressed into the service as conveyances for wounded . . . We have not been allowed out, all leave stopped till further notice.”

Australian sisters on board S.S Mooltan, 1915 [AW Savage, photo album, PXE 698, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales]

Diary excerpts from the Alice Kitchen Papers, Special Collections, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne.

May 1, 1915: Diary of Alice Kitchen, Australian Army nurse

“May 1^st. Another strenuous day. Some worked till late at night, others till nearly 11 pm. Batches of wounded came in, many bullet wounds, every room crammed & such a muddle & disorder...Many of the wounds are slight, some marvelous escapes & some horrible injuries. 25 or so died on the boats coming over. Such dreadful news for so many at home to hear. It all makes one realize the awfulness of war. . . . One dreads to hear who next has gone . . . Worked till nearly 11 p.m. Another train expected in at midnight… At present I find it difficult to remember even the names of the patients for an hour or so & the transferring of patients from one ward & one hospital to another is very trying..."

Australian sisters on board S.S Mooltan, 1915 [AW Savage, photo album, PXE 698, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales]

Diary excerpts from the Alice Kitchen Papers, Special Collections, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne.

April 29, 1915: Diary of Alice Kitchen, Australian Army nurse

Australian officers and nurses in happier times.

Australian War Memorial EO 5197

"April 29^th. Some of the wounded arrived today, our first real war heroes from Turkey. They were mostly minor injuries from bullet wounds about arms or shoulders. We had 50 tonight. Was on duty all day…All seem ravenous for food & full of excitement & all eager to hear the news. We hear rumors of their doing very well & also of heavy losses in some battalions. Very little news of the 8^th. It all makes one feel the ease with which the spark of life is extinguished & the impossibility of rekindling it. God grant all we are interested in may be spared. How horrible war is.”


Diary excerpts from the Alice Kitchen Papers, Special Collections, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne. 

December 9, 1917: A Canadian nurse on the Western Front votes for the first time

Nursing Sisters at a Canadian Hospital in France voting in the Canadian federal election. December 1917. Photographer: William Rider-Rider Source: Library and Archives Canada (Credit: William Rider-Rider / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-002279)



The following is an excerpt from the diary of Ella Mae Bongard, a WWI Canadian nursing sister:

"Voted tonight in the Canadian elections. A Canadian officer came out from Havre to arrange it. I feel quite important now. You may be sure I voted for conscription despite party politics for I don't want to see Canada drop out of the war at this stage."

 --December 9, 1917.

When Bongard penned the above she had been in France less than two months and had experienced only one large convoy of wounded. This lack of experience may partially account for her eagerness to keep Canada in the war. But her entry seven days earlier, December 2, 1917, regarding a large convoy of wounded from the Battle of Cambrai, flatly contradicts her later eagerness:

"...I've never realized the war so much until this last convoy. I wonder if it's ever going to end. It seems so senseless to keep sending well men up the line to be shot to pieces..."

Excerpts from Nobody Ever Wins a War: The World War I Diaries of Ella Mae Bongard, edited by Eric Scott.

May 5, 1915: Diary excerpt from an Australian nurse regarding Gallipoli casualties

Australian soldiers and nurses, Egypt, 1915.

Australian War Memorial photo.

Diary excerpt from May 5, 1915:

"...Everyone has felt the awful strain of the last week & there is so much personal element with it. If we had been nursing strange troops we may have felt it less, but among our own people the horrors of war are brought home more intensely. Almost everyone on the ship has some relation or friend at the front & so you are constantly dreading to hear the latest news in case it is some one we know or are interested in. God preserve them all but that seems an impossibility unless the war ends quickly."

From the Alice Kitchen Papers, Special Collections, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne.

August 21, 1915: Italian-American journalist describes the Italian Front & two types of trenches

Italian-American journalist Magdeleine ver Mehr wrote the following on August 21, 1915. Her entire account can be found on pages 140-141 of Lines of Fire: Women Writers of World War I. 

"Yesterday was the most thrilling day of my life. I passed it right in the very midst of the war zone, having been fortunate enough to be allowed as the only woman correspondent to join the other representatives of the Italian and foreign papers who are up here in the Trentino. Being an Italian by birth, this experience is doubly wonderful to me as it enables me to see at close quarters the splendid work which my countrymen have done and are doing, and also to have had the privilege of being the first Italian woman to cross the new boundary line between Italy and Austria.

It was an unforgettable moment, and as we advanced further into what, till a short three months ago, had been Austrian territory, I felt as if I were treading on sacred ground, consecrated by the blood of my people who had willingly given up their lives to restore to Italy that which was hers...

Two sorts of trenches are seen, those built with cement, and those dug out in the ground, earth filled up on top.

The cement ones are like catacombs, they are more comfortable and probably better than the others, but they are infinitely less picturesque, also they give the impression that war was becoming an institution...

The old-fashioned trench gives the war a less permanent feeling. It is open at the back, the walls are of earth, the rain enters, the wind blows through, and the sun shines on it, but though more primitive, it is more comforting as one feels that it is only a hurried makeshift as quickly abandoned as built...".

From page 140, Lines of Fire: Women Writers of World War I.

August 21, 1915: Mail call on the Italian Front

The following was written on August 21, 1915, by Italian-American journalist Magdeleine ver Mehr whose entire account can be found on pages 140-141 of Lines of Fire: Women Writers of World War I. 

"As we went along a heavy gray motor lorry passed us. It carried the post. We caught it up and saw it stop. Suddenly where we had only seen an encampment of white tens and tethered horses grazing in ths sunshine, we beheld a swarm of men rushing up from all sides and surrounding it. Eager hands were held out, the dialects of the North and South mingled, voicing the same question: 'Any letters for me?' For an instant all those men were carried back to their old life, the life they forgot in the many duties that filled their days. They were no longer soldiers, they became private citizens. Civilization caught them in its grip again..."

July 9, 1917: The Russian Women's Battalion of Death goes into battle

Bessie Beatty in Russia

The following was written by American reporter Bessie Beatty and later included in her 1918 book, The Red Heart of Russia:

"All the world knows how they went into battle shouting a challenge to the deserting Russian troops. All the world knows that six of them stayed behind in the forest, with wooded crosses to mark their soldier graves. Ten were decorated for bravery in action with the Order of St. George, and twenty others received medals. Twenty-one were seriously wounded, and many more than that received contusions. Only fifty remained to take their places with the men in the trenches when the battle was over.

The battle lasted for two days. Among the pines and birches of the dusky forests they fought. With forty loyal men soldiers, they became separated from the main body of the troops, and took four rows of trenches before they were obliged to retreat for lack of reinforcements.

I heard the story from the lips of twenty of the wounded women. No one of them can tell exactly what happened.

'We were carried away in the madness of the moment,' one of them said. 'It was all so strange and exciting, we had no time to think about being afraid.'

'No,' said Marya Skridlova; 'I was not afraid. None of us were afraid. We expected to die, so we had nothing to fear.'"

Members of the Women's Battalion of Death with male officers.

Maria Bochkareva is second from right. 

A portion of the Women's Battalion during a physical exercise

The story of the Russian Women's Battalion of Death (including reportage from Bessie Beatty) is included in Women Heroes of World War I. 

July 31, 1917 report of the July 9 advance of the Russian Women's Battalion of Death

The following, an excerpt from an interview of a member of Russian Women's Death Battalion regarding their July 9th offensive, was published in the Chicago Daily Tribune, July 31, 1917. The journalist was Rheta Childe Dorr.

"We went into action a fortnight after our arrival at the front, under heavy German fire. Given the order to advance, we rushed out of our trenches. After the first attack I was attached to a machine gun, carrying ammunition to advanced position under the fire of hidden German machine guns. We were advancing and constantly in danger of capture by the Germans.

On one trip over newly captured ground I saw what I considered a wounded German officer lying on the ground. I went to help him with my gun in my right hand and the machine gun ammunition in my left. Seeing me he jumped to his knees and pulled out his revolver, but before he could shoot I dropped the ammunition and killed him.

How did I feel on taking a human life? I had no sensation, except to rid my country of an enemy. There was no sentimentality. We were trying to kill them and they were trying to kill us -- that is all. Any Russian girl or any American girl in the same position would have the same feeling.

No, I do not feel that I did anything exceptional. Any well girl can do the same."

From "Interview with Arno Dosch Fleurot" from Lines of Fire: Women Writers of World War I.  The story of the Russian Women's Battalion of Death is included in Women Heroes of World War I. 

Maria Bochkareva, May 21, 1917: recruiting speeches.

Maria Bochkareva

Maria Bochkareva was the founder and leader of the Russian Women's Battalion of Death. The following May 21, 1917 incident, involving several recruiting speeches, was set to print when she dictated her memoirs after the war. Part of this speech also appears in her chapter in Women Heroes of World War I: 

"'Men and women citizens!' I heard my voice say, 'Our mother is perishing! Our mother is Russia. I want to help to save her. I want women whose hearts are loyal, whose souls are pure, whose aims are high. With such women setting an example of self-sacrifice, you men will realize your duty in this grave hour!'

Then I stopped and could not proceed. Sobs choked the words in me, tremors shook me, my legs grew weak. I was caught under the arms and led away amid a thunderous outburst of applause..."

Later that evening, Bochkareva addressed a crowd of 2,000 women volunteers (which later thinned out to 300 due to Bochkareva's authoritarianism):

"'Women! Do you know what I have called you here for? Do you realize clearly the task lying ahead of you? Do you know what war is? War! Look into your hearts, examine your souls, and see if you can stand the great test. At a time when our country is perishing it is the duty of all of us to rise to its succour. The morale of our men has fallen low and it is for us women to serve as an inspiration for them. But only such women as have sacrificed their own personal interests and affairs can do this.'"

From pages 159-161 of Yashka, My Life as Peasant and Soldier. A portion of this also appears in "Maria Bochkareva: Women's Battalion of Death" from Women Heroes of World War I.

The Women's Battalion of Death

Florence Farmborough, July 27, 1916 (14th on the Russian calendar), at the bedside of a young dying officer

Florence Farmborough, Imperial War Museum Q 107169

Florence Farmborough was a British nurse who worked on the Eastern Front with the Russian Army. The following is the July 14 (the 27th on the western calendar) entry from her diaries, published as With the Armies of the Tsar: A Nurse at the Russian Front, 1914-1918.  

"Yesterday, something happened which touched me deeply. Among the few wounded brought to us in the morning was a young officer of the Vyatski Regiment. We were exceedingly proud of this regiment; it had fought so long and so valiantly, and several of its wounded had passed through our hands. This young officer was found to be severely wounded in both legs. One leg demanded immediate amputation; the wound was jagged and torn and fragments of rusty metal were extracted from the swollen, discoloured flesh. The leg was amputated high above the knee. Our suirgeons were very worried, and the ominous word 'gangrene' was bandied from mouth to mouth. 'We might have saved him had they brought him here 24 hours earlier' said one of them ruefully. But those 24 hours had been spent on the cold, muddy earth, near the enemy's wire defenses. He was placed on a narrow bed in a small, empty room. Smirnov and I kept vigil at his bedside. His wandering mind was often on the battlefield, leading his men to victory, and, in a frenzy of patriotic fervour, he would swing himself from side to side and his strong arms would pound the air, while Smirnov and another stalwart orderly would seek to prevent him from crashing on to the floor. We knew that he could not last another day; the first stage or mortification was well-advanced. The terrible odour of putrefaction which accompanies that form of gangrene was harassing us desperately, but we knew that it would not be for long. Before Death came to release him, he became calmer -- he was back at home, among those whom he loved. Suddenly he seized my arm and cried, 'I knew that you would come! Elena, little dove, I knew that you would come! Kiss me, Elena, kiss me!' I realised that in his delirium he had mistaken me for the girl he loved. I bent and kissed his damp, hot face, and he became more tranquil. Death claimed him while he was still in a state of tranquility. How I longed to be able to tell that unknown Elena that her unseen presence had helped him to die in peace."

Russian officers with their men

(via The History Place) 

Excerpt from pages 211-212 of With the Armies of the Tsar by Florence Farmborough

Agnes Warner, August 14, 1916: The King of Belgium and gassed soldiers

Agnes Warner was a Canadian nurse who worked on the Western Front. The following letter, dated August 14, 1916, was later included in the book, Nurse at the Trenches: Letters of Agnes Warner, a World World War One Nurse. 

"We have had a strenuous and exciting week. It began with a visit from the King of the Belgians, who came to decorate three of my men who had fought in the trenches with conspicuous bravery. He visited all the wards and talked with the soldiers. Like all the royalty I have met to far, he is  extraordinarily simple -- wore no decorations or distinguishing marks of any kind. We were all presented to him in turn and shook hands with him.

King Albert of Belgium

The next day we got twenty gas cases and several badly wounded men -- one Canadian from Ontario and two English boys, one was a policeman in London. I asked the Ontario man how he happened to get to our Ambulance, he said, 'he'd be blessed if he knew,' he was working on the lines which run right up to the trenches when the warning for gas was given. He started to put on his helmet and the next thing he knew he was in a 'Red Cross' ambulance on the way to the hospital. He is getting on splendidly but we lost four of the gas cases. It is the worst thing I have seen yet, much worse than the wounded, and the nursing is awfully hard, for they cannot be left a moment until they are out of danger."


From page 86, Nurse at the Trenches: Letters of Agnes Warner, a World War One Nurse. 

Helena Gleichen, August 8, 1916, third day of the Battle of Gorizia

Gleichen & Hollings at work

Lady Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings were English radiographers who worked on the Italian Front during World War I. The following letter excerpt, dated August 9, 1916, gives Gleichen's impressions (with the help of field glasses) of the previous day, August 8, the third day of the Battle of Gorizia, aka the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo. The letter was later included in Gleichen's memoir, Contacts and Contrasts. 

"The whole landscape was one mass of flame and smoke. The village just beneath us was red with smouldering fire, and shells were bursting every two minutes over it. The bridge over the Isonzo was broken in many places and great holes and gaps showed the water through them. As we watched we saw the first gun appear down the road towards the bridge going at a good smart trot. As it came fully into sight, it broke into a hand-gallop. A big high explosive burst at the other end of the bridge, but the gun kept steadily on, swung round the bend and off up into the town. It was followed closely by another and yet another. Shells were by this time bursting all round them and we were breathless for fear one should be hit. Then just as two guns were on the bridge at the same time, came a big shell, bang in the middle of the bridge; a huge smoke went up, and nothing could be seen of the bridge or of the guns. As the smoke lifted, we saw that one gun was down, the other making a detour to avoid it; it seemed as if all must be killed -- a mass of struggling men and beasts -- and a groan went up from the officers standing near us. But no, they picked themselves up, hauled the horses to their feet, and, as the Military Tournament in London, quickly put on another wheel, and were up and off before you could count five. There was a roar of cheering from all the men who had been standing just below us..."

From pages 200, Contacts and Contrasts, by Lady Helena Gleichen

The story of Gleichen & Hollings on the Italian Front is also included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I.

Helena Gleichen, August 7, 1916, second day of the Battle of Gorizia

Gleichen & Hollings at work

Lady Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings were English radiographers who worked on the Italian Front during World War I. The following letter excerpt, dated August 7, 1916, gives Gleichen's impressions of the second day of the Battle of Gorizia, aka the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo. The letter was later included in Gleichen's memoir, Contacts and Contrasts. 

"They have been at it with big guns now for twenty-four hours and they say that we have taken the two most strategic points already, I suppose I had better not mention names, besides, you get them in the newspapers much quicker than you will get this. Nina and I had to take our interrupter to Palma Nova yesterday to try and get it mended and on the way went to our own little observatory at Langoris. You never saw anything like it. All the things that look likes trees are explosions, the tall ones high explosives and the little ones shrapnel. On our way back the fog and smoke was so thick that you could see nothing but the actual bursting of each shell...

Last night was thrilling; firstly, the quantity of prisoners marching by and all the soldiers cheering, and then the crowds and crowds of troops waiting at the end of our road, for their turn to go up. There was a moon which just dimly showed them, and as well went by a motor arrived with a staff officer to give directions where they were to go. the motor then swished on through all the waiting soldiers to pass on orders to the next lot, it was like a glorified field-day all day long, with despatch-riders tearing past us, men on sweating horses galloping with messages, cars full of generals hurrying up for the attack, and one thing  not a field-day, twenty or thirty or forty ambulances waiting under the hedges and coming past very slowing in the evening with wounded, mostly slightly wounded, looking very pleased with themselves for getting off so lightly...

This morning an urgent telegram from the head of the sanita to go up to Medona to examine a general who had been wounded. We were rather pleased with ourselves as we were packed and up there within thirty minutes of receiving the telegram. The General, a most cheerful soul, is the most successful of the lot, having been the one to take the mountain of Sabotino yesterday. Then, while we were radiographing, in came the King and stayed while we did it...Four thousand prisoners taken and everyone screaming with excitement. We are lucky to be right in the thick of it like this."

From pages 195-197, Contacts and Contrasts, by Lady Helena Gleichen

The story of Helena Gleichen's work on the Italian Front is included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I.

Helena Gleichen, August 6, 1916: First day of the Battle of Gorizia

Gleichen & Hollings at work

Lady Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings were British radiographers who worked on the Italian Front during World War I. The following letter excerpt, dated August 6, 1916, gives Gleichen's impressions of the first day of the Battle of Gorizia, aka the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo. The letter was later included in Gleichen's memoir, Contacts and Contrasts. 

"There is unceasing noise in the distance, and we purpose to go up to our observation post today to see what we can. Our work always begins the day after an attack, so I expect we shall not have much to do today...

The noise is earth-shattering today and I suppose will be much worse tomorrow. We shan't be going such long distances between our hospitals now as we are reserved for our own army from this moment on and most of our work will be much nearer home."


From pages 195, Contacts and Contrasts, by Lady Helena Gleichen

The story of Helena Gleichen's work on the Italian Front is also included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I.

Canadian Nurse Clare Gass, July 23, 1916

Clare Gass

Nurse Clare Gass worked with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. She kept a diary and the following is excerpted from the July 23, 1916 entry:

"CC (Convalescent Camp) in AM as usual.
Red Cross Hut in PM. It is a busy place.
The Australians are splendid lads. As Capt. Evans says 'They are here for the job.'

After dinner Ruth & I bycicled [sic] out to the Souverin Moulin through Rupembert to the St Omer road then down through the woods by the steep hill to the village & the Chateau..."

From page 133, The War Diaries of Clare Gass. 

Canadian Nurse Clare Gass, July 22, 1916

Clare Gass

Clare Gass was a nurse with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France. She kept a diary and the following is excerpted from the July 22, 1916 entry.

"Yesterday morning's explosions was from the destruction of the Ammunition Supply stores just ouside Calais in a little village which was practically blown to pieces. Nineteen bodies have been recovered but there are very many missing.

Fire aeroplanes appeared over the village about 11 PM & dropped bombs on the Ammunition sheds. The wires of the flash lights had been cut by spies & our guns could do nothing to the German airships which got away leaving the terrific work of explosion to go on late into the morning. The loss is about 5 million pounds worth of ammunition besides the village & a terrible toll of innocent lives."

From pages 132-133, The War Diary of Clare Gass. 

Canadian Nurse Clare Gass, July 21, 1916

Clare Gass was a nurse with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France. She kept a diary and the following is the July 21, 1916 entry.

"All night long terrific & continuous explosions which shook our huts have been going on in the direction of Calais & have lasted with diminishing violence till 10 AM.

Very big convoys of Australians from Armentiers last night also. We admitted 720 patients in our hosp. from 6 PM to 10 AM this morning. CC had about 300 cases too. I went to the Red Cross Hut all afternoon. 46 cases there all bad wounds. These lads had made an attack in the face of a terrific shell fire. Canteen for our boys after dinner."

From pages 131-132, The War Diary of Clare Gass, 1915-1918. 

Florence Farmborough, July 21, 1916 (Russian calendar)

Florence Farmborough, Imperial War Museum Q 107169

Florence Farmborough was a British nurse who worked on the Eastern Front with the Russian Army. The following is the July 21, 1916 entry from her diaries, published as With the Armies of the Tsar: A Nurse at the Russian Front, 1914-1918.  

"The patience, the sustained endurance of the heavily-wounded is heart-rending. They may be in the same position for hours, seldom asking for anything, unless it be 'Water! Water!' If anyone should ask me what I consider the outstanding qualities of the Russian soldier, I would have no hesitation in replying: patience and endurance. Sometimes, as I watch them lying there on their beds of straw, so still and composed, despite the pain which their wounds must be causing them, I try to imagine what they are thinking; I am sure that in spirit they are back in their homeland, surrounded by those whom they love.

We have to be thankful for the lovely, dry weather, otherwise we should be at a loss to know where to put all our wounded for transport is still a great problem. In one nearby yard, some 800 men are awaiting transport; it is, we know, dangerous to keep them so close to the Front Lines, but there is no alternative...

We have just been told some exciting news: that Tsar Nicholas may be coming to our Front. I am sure our soldiers will go wild with joy at seeing their 'Little Father' in their midst. It is said that he is anxious to thank them in person for their wonderful loyalty and courage...

There are funerals here every evening; we seldom have time to attend them. Our orderlies lay the bodies side by side, cover their faces with their military coats, or with strips of white sheeting, strew on them leafy twigs and wild flowers and, when the earth has been flattened over them, often drop to their knees and bow their heads in prayer...

The soldiers, themselves, have not seemed over-elated by the success of their recent attacks; they say that, in reality, very little has been achieved. In one engagement, they succeeded in occupying three lines of the enemy's trenches, but were beaten back; they pressed forward and occupied them for the second time; again they were driven back. They describe the enemy's gunfire as being terrible and devastating; but in some sectors our shells and grenades had managed to destroy many complicated lines of the Austrian wire-entanglements..."

From pages 215-216 of With the Armies of the Tsar by Florence Farmborough

Agnes Warner, letter dated July 16, 1916

Agnes Warner was a Canadian nurse who worked on the Western Front. The following letter, dated July 16, 1916, was later included in the book, Nurse at the Trenches: Letters of Agnes Warner, a World World War One Nurse. 

"Another rainy day and cold as the dickens, but we are glad to get through the summer without extreme heat or a pest of flies.

My tetanus case is really getting better.

Last week I went to a concert given at R for the soldiers who are resting. It was one of the nicest I have been at. I did not want to go, for I don't feel like any kind of gaiety, but Mrs. T insisted. There were only three ladies present, the rest of the salle was filled with soldiers just from the trenches. The concert was held in a stable."

From page 83, Nurse at the Trenches: Letters of Agnes Warner, a World War One Nurse. 

Helena Gleichen, July 2, 1916

Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings on the Italian Front

Helena Gleichen and Nina Hollings were English radiographers who worked on the Italian Front during World War I. The following letter excerpt, dated July 2, 1916, was later included in Gleichen's memoir, Contacts and Contrasts. 

"The fighting has come at last and there are great doings here and lots of successes; it is interesting to note that the Italians have acquired in a single night the detestation of their enemies. There had never been that feeling here until the other night, when nearly a whole division was gassed. The poor lambs had never realized what it meant, had had no gas drill, had read about it, but, I think, thought the Western Front had made a fuss about nothing/ and then it came...They had their masks in their pockets and never thought of putting them on, and the result was quite awful. The hospitals have been crammed with gassed men...

One day Nina and I were called to a dressing-station which had been established in a school near Sdraussina, not very far from the Carso, where a lot of fighting was going on. Arrived there we found the courtyard blocked with men just down from the trenches, some sitting, some lying against the walls, all more or less gassed. They were a terrible sight, some struggling for breath, some already dead...

Then we were asked to X-ray a man who had just been brought in badly gassed and evidently in the last gasp. The surgeons were very anxious to see for themselves what effect the gas was having on the lungs. On looking through the screen we found that the lungs had shriveled and looked like a piece of coke about two inches in diameter..."

From pages 185-186, Contacts and Contrasts, by Lady Helena Gleichen

The story of Helena Gleichen's work on the Italian Front is included in the young adult collective biography, Women Heroes of World War I.