Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front 1914-1915 offers a compelling and intimate look into the life of a nurse during World War I. Written by an anonymous nursing sister, believed to be Kathleen Luard, this diary provides a firsthand account of the harrowing conditions and experiences faced by medical personnel on the front lines.

The author's descriptions are vivid and detailed, bringing to life the chaotic and traumatic events that unfolded during this tumultuous time. From the horrors of battle to the struggles of caring for wounded soldiers, the reader is given a glimpse into the physical and emotional toll of war.

What sets this book apart is the personal insights and reflections of the author, who grapples with the moral dilemmas and emotional burdens of her work. Through her writing, she reveals the humanity and compassion that drove her to continue caring for others in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Overall, Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front 1914-1915 is a poignant and enlightening read that sheds light on the often-overlooked role of nurses in war. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by medical personnel during times of conflict, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Book Description:

The title is, I think, self explanatory. The nurse in question went out to France at the beginning of the war and remained there until May 1915 after the second battle of Ypres when she went back to a Base Hospital and the diary ceases. Although written in diary form, it is clearly taken from letters home and gives a vivid if sometimes distressing picture of the state of the casualties occasioned during that period. After a time at the General Hospital in Le Havre she became one of the three or four sisters working on the ambulance trains which fetched the wounded from the Clearing Hospitals close to the front line and took them back to the General Hospitals in Boulogne, Rouen and Le Havre. Towards the end of the account she was posted to a Field Ambulance (station) close to Ypres (Ieper, or in First World War speak ‘Wipers’)