Field Hospital and Flying Column: Being the Journal of an English Nursing Sister in Belgium & Russia

"Field Hospital and Flying Column" by Violetta Thurstan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book details the experiences of an English nursing sister during World War I, specifically her journey to Belgium and later Russia to aid the wounded amidst the unfolding chaos of war. The narrative speaks to the harrowing realities of war, as experienced by nurses on the front lines, giving readers an insight into the emotional and physical challenges they faced. The opening of the text sets a vivid scene, beginning with a reflection on the start of the war, marked by a ceremonial tattoo in Salisbury Plain. Thurstan describes the fervent atmosphere in London as nurses and volunteers clamored to be deployed to the front lines, highlighting the urgency and desperation of the situation. As she quickly receives orders to travel to Belgium, the reader is introduced to the chaotic preparations and the somber realizations of what war entails, such as the influx of refugees and the immediate need for medical assistance. Notably, the author emphasizes the mix of excitement and dread among those involved, foreshadowing the profound experiences and challenges that lie ahead within the context of wartime nursing.