Evie's War by Anna Mackenzie Page A

wonder where Edmund is now?
24 April, Deans Park
    Shocking news from Flanders: the Hun has resorted to a hideous and cowardly form of attack, being the use of poison gas. French and Canadian troops have been badly hit, but stood bravely regardless and drove the Hun back. It is difficult to fathom the depths to which the Enemy will stoop.
Sunday 25 April
    The papers are filled with reports of the chlorine gas, which kills men where they sleep or stand before ever leaving the trenches. I am secretly glad New Zealand’s Forces are not yet engaged and at the mercy of such a despicable attack.
27 April, 1st Eastern
    Captain Miller discharged to a Hospital nearer his home — I was quite sorry to see him go! It will be rather dull without his irrepressible humour. He has donated three gramophone records for our collection.
28 April
    Sister placed a newspaper under my nose when we paused for tea. The New Zealand and Australian Forces have engaged the Enemy in the Dardanelles! Apparently the landing was a great success, the men fighting gallantly to secure a hold on the Peninsula from which they will expand until we control the seaways. British Warships are in attendance and additional troops arriving daily.
1 May
    Letter from Edmund. It would seem he is in the thick ofthings, though he cannot say much. I said a prayer in the Hospital Chapel that he should be kept safe.
5 May
    Alarming news from the Eastern Front; Russia’s Forces in disarray. More than ever it is down to our boys to show how things should be done.
6 May
    A group of us attended a theatrical show in the recreation room this evening. It was a pantomime, which Winifred thought rather droll, but it was a pleasure to see the men laughing like boys.
    Matron has requested volunteers for extra shifts over the coming days, which means we are expecting a big intake.
8 May
    German U-boats have sunk a passenger liner, the Lusitania , causing the deaths of more than 1,200 civilians. Such behaviour is untenable for a Christian Nation.
13 May
    Too exhausted to write the last few days. Everything hectic. We have seen first hand the effects of gas and it is vile.
18 May
    Sent a telegram on Friday to say I could not get down for the weekend, only to be accused by Mother of selfishness! Father made a surprise visit this afternoon and insisted on speaking with Matron. The upshot was that he hasbeen assured of the value of the contribution I make, after which I was discharged for an hour to enjoy a delightful tea (Father no doubt thought I stuffed myself in a very unladylike fashion, but we have scarcely had time to eat the past week). As well I have three full days off beginning Thursday night, with instructions from Matron to reassure my family of my well-being. Father says he will come up to fetch me, even though, as I told him, I am perfectly capable of catching a train!
21 May, Deans Park
    I feel positively lazy, having done nothing since I arrived but sleep and eat and sleep again. Mother studied me narrowly and announced it apparent that I was overworked and that she would not allow my return to Cambridge until I am properly rested. I replied that I felt thoroughly rested already, which sentiment I immediately spoiled by yawning. Millie, sweet girl, said she thought I looked very fetching in my uniform, to which Aunt M added that the blue of the dress sets off my eyes, but that she thinks the style of cap unflattering — as if such considerations matter one jot! I could tell them that the oversleeves are inadequate to protect one’s clothes from all manner of unsavoury fluids — of which blood is by far the least horrifying — but on balance decided it were better to hold my tongue.
22 May
    Uncle Aubrey being home for two days, my aunt is endeavouring to enlist his support in insisting I resign on grounds of being overworked. He, sensible man, chooses to ignore her. He is looking tired — I do wish my aunt would notice that instead of focusing all her