GALLANT NURSES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17533, 27 January 1919, Page 8

GALLANT NURSES

REFUSE TO LEAVE WOUNDED. Thoro aro many stories told of tho bravery of nurses on active service, but one of outstanding merit has just been related by a nurse, who, after three years in Franco anil Belgium, returned to Auckland by tho last transport. During tho retreat near Armentieres, a British hospital, which had not been informed of the retreat, was being conducted without thought of any approaching danger. It was not until one day a nurse, while standing at the door of tho hospital, noticed two horsemen approaching. When they drew up to the door ono of them, said: "Why haven't you moved back? Don't you know there is nothing ilxstweon you and the Germans over that hill?" As no word had been received at the hospital tho officers dismounted, and reported to tho officer in charge tho true facts. He at once sent for the matron, and told her to get the sisters away to a place of safety. Tho unanimous answer from tho sisters to this request was: "Wo will not leave hero until all tho boys are safe." " I am with you," replied the matron, and reported the reply.to the officer, who said: "I'll have you all court-martialled."

" Very well, sir; you get on with the court-martial, and we will get the boys to safety," was her answer. ■ The work of moving tho men was then started. Fortunately there was a train at the railhead, and this was quickly filled with tho seriously wounded. Those able to walk set off on foot, while every vehicle was pressed into service to carry others. When all had been sent off the sisters procured an old farm wagon and proceeded to follow the men they had saved. Prior to the removal of the patients one of the sisters had her head blown off, and two othew were seriously wounded. These two wore carried to safety on stretchers by two wounded men.