Again I had most expert medical treatment, and the nurses, both Scotch and English, were very kind. As the weeks went on, I gradually threw off the poison, and my wounds became healed.
I received a visit from my charming Parisian friends, Madame and Mademoiselle Lefranc, who were very kind. Mr. Holt, of the British Red Cross (now a captain in the Army), was also a good friend to me. He kept my spirits up by amusing stories, and by impressing upon me the necessity of making an effort, and trying to get to London, he did much to save my life.
At last the tide turned, and when I landed in England on June 25 I was much better, though considerably fatigued by the long journey. I was taken to Lady Ridley’s Hospital, 10 Carlton House Terrace, and there spent another two months, being well nursed and surrounded by luxuries. My relatives and friends were all kindness; and this did much to revive me and to fill me once more with the joy of life.
I made rapid progress, and was discharged from hospital early in September, when I moved into lodgings for a three weeks’ final treatment from Dr. Carl Westman. This Swedish doctor, a clever and charming young man, was instrumental in bringing back full use to my right shoulder, which otherwise would have remained permanently stiff. On September 28 I was at last enabled to leave London for Cragside, and once more reached home after several months’ sojourn in strange parts, having passed through many vicissitudes and experiences.
Afterword:—
I spent a pleasant convalescence, and joined the 7th (Reserve) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, stationed at Alnwick under Lieutenant-Colonel J. Gillespie, T.D., at the end of January 1916, having been passed for light duty. I continued to make progress, and was enabled, after a time, to attend a musketry course at Strensall, and a general one at Cannock Chase. Altogether I was awarded £250 compensation for my wounds, and I am glad to state that I am now in a position to repay the Government all the money spent on me by personal service, and leave home to-morrow, en route to rejoin the old first line of the 7th in Flanders. There I hope I may be enabled to partake in those final great victories which will bring about the ruin and destruction of that plague-spot which has arisen on God’s fair earth, the German Empire.
Press Bureau: Passed for Publication.
‘SWEEP’ VILLERS.
BY ARNOLD LUNN.