Orders were given that we were leaving camp at 6 p.m.  for an all-night march, and all our kits had to be carried.

One day's rations were issued, which consisted of one tin bully, four biscuits, one bottle water, no tea or cocoa.  The water on no account was to be touched unless orders given.

Paraded at 6 p.m. Orders:  no leaving ranks, no talking or smoking, if anyone falls out must be left behind, and do the best he could.  It was a lovely night, and we were directed by a searchlight from the river.

Nobody knew what was going to happen, or where we were bound for.

10 p.m. first halt, and a much-needed one, especially carrying all kit.

10:15 p.m. :  Started again, and marched until 4 a.m., and when halt was given, all fell down and went fast asleep.

5 a.m.  I was sent for by the Colonel and gave orders that latrines had to be dug.  Arrangements were made and put men on duty.

9 a.m.  Orders were given to march and away we went.  An aeroplane came over and gave us the order.  We marched until 2 p.m., and then made another halt.  We were told that was the place for a dressing station, so made all arrangements.

4 p.m.  Oh, my God!  What's happened ?  The noise of guns and rifles is terrible!

The attack had started.  The infantry were going on splendidly.  Bullets were dropping all around us, but the excitement was too much.  At last, the Cavalry came dashing along and we knew that we were advancing.

Orders came that we had to advance, so we packed everything up and dream't of being in Kut the following day.

10 p.m.  Settled down again, but so hungry and thirsty, but wounded were arriving and must be attended to.  Working all night attending to wounded until 5 a.m., and then I sat down and fell asleep.  Noise of guns began to get worse, and seemed to be getting nearer.  We were asking everybody for news and couldn't get any and had no idea of what was happening.  Graves had to be dug for the dead - then orders were given to parade at 9 a.m. for a retreat.

It was heart-breaking, so I dashed up a small hill to see if I could see what was really happening.  I could see the Turks quite plainly rushing about, and our men retiring as quickly as possible.

Again the Taube came over and dropped bombs all amongst us, but even the wounded didn't realise the danger, and it was impossible to do anything for them.

Everything was ready to retreat and Colonel Sloane came dashing up on his horse, and said I was to be in charge of all waiting cases, and if any man fell out he was to be left.

Still hungry and thirsty, hadn't tasted food for two days, and water bottle empty.  My feet ached and were bleeding, but still I had to go on.

Shells were dropping around us, but thank goodness, no one was hurt.

One o'clock:  our first halt, and we had only done about 4 miles.  Seemed more like 40 miles.  The wounded were in an awful state, and were begging for water, but still, we had none.  On and on until 7 p.m., and then we reached Orah, a distance of 22 miles.  The sights of boats helped us along, otherwise am sure we would never have reached it.  On the march, one of our batteries halted and turned round and fired into the enemy, and one of the Infantry Rgts.  took up a fresh position, and held the enemy for 12 hours before reinforcements arrived.

On reaching Orah, I was greeted by several medical officers who gave me tea and biscuit.

As the convoy came along, an officer who had received a wound in the leg, but had managed to march all day, looked across to me with hunger written on his face.  I rushed across with some tea, but he refused it and asked for bread.  I gave the tea to some wounded soldiers and rushed back to camp and got some bread and butter.  When I gave it to him, he thanked me ever so much, and said it was the first bit of food for three days.

Our day's work had not finished, but had to attend to the wounded which numbered over 600 and that was only one Field Ambulance.

About one in the morning, I lay down in the open and tried to sleep, but it was useless, and by 5 o'clock my Indian sepoy got up and made me some tea.  So far had not had any rations for 3 days, and my stomach was like a lump of lead.

I made enquiries about ration, but could not get any satisfaction.

At 9 o'clock a message came for me from A.D.M.S., and I had to go immediately, a distance of 3 miles.  The Colonel thanked me for all the good work I had done and said I must be knocked up, but was sorry that our Field Ambulance must go up again that afternoon.

I must have looked very sad, and had a beard of 4 days' growth.  He took pity on me and got me transferred to 113th Indian Field Ambulance.

It was a day of rejoicing, for my luck changed, and I met my good friend, Sergt. Kelly.  A tent was given us, and how pleased I was to have a roof over my head.

We started well by having an excellent feed - curry and stewed pears;  seemed almost too good to eat - and a most delightful sleep in the afternoon.  Tea was served at 6 o'clock, and a good drop of tea, but just as we were enjoying it a shell came over and burst right over our heads.  "Mercy, what's that" ?  and a dash for helmets when small pieces came through the tent.

The major started rushing about and said  "everybody in their tents!"  I was ordered to rush across to my men who were at the other end of camp, and found all three tents empty.  Two men were sitting round a fire making tea, and didn't care if 30 shells came over.  Well, of course, orders must be obeyed, and after some great deal of talking, I got them in the tents when another one burst and a large piece flew right by my head, so near that I felt the draught.  I dropped into the tents for a minute, and the Indians wanted me to stay, but I said,  "No, if I am to be killed I will with an Englishman."  I dashed across to my tent and frightened poor Sergeant Kelly.  He said I was as white as a ghost and the wet was pouring off me.

A wireless message was sent to say they were shelling a hospital, and the reply came,  "Shift in 24 hours."  That, of course, meant more work.  However, we slept the night peacefully, and prepared for a new home.