The Grey Battalion

by May Tilton

Angus & Robertson, 1933, First Edition
Black and white photographic plates,

Condition: Good
Some edge and shelf wear, some rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, missing half title page, a little foxing to edges and edge of pages, small chips at inner spine at front endpapers, some discoloration to covers (see photographs)

“The backbone of this narrative is the diary of an Australian Army nursing Sister during the War, from August 1915 to the end.  Miss Tilton served in Egypt, England, France and Flanders.
Five years of public hospital life in Launceston immediately before 4 August 1914, equipped Miss Tilton professionally for the work she did so well.  And a tender heart and fine character won her the respect and affection of all who came under her care.  Referring to the first twenty thousand that left Australia for the Front, she writes: “A feeling of thankfulness filled may heart that I was free to offer my services and follow these men.” That spirit pulsates through these pages.
Through Sister Tilton’s eyes we see the war and the troops not only form a different, but from a very interesting angle: see the cheerfulness, the humour, the endurance, the unselfishness, as well as the heroism and the agony.  More than that, we ger an unconscious portrait of an Australian Nursing Sister of whom all Australians may well be proud.”