‘The answer to that is simply nowhere near enough – perhaps a thousand.’ He paused to let the number sink in while appearing totally defeated. ‘Yes, it’s impossible, and most of the nurses have had no experience and hardly any training before arriving in Mudros, though they’re full of good intention. What greets them is shocking – beyond their, or your, imagination. Most nurses cannot cope with the horror. Hats off to each one for trying but men with their guts hanging out, or arms and legs blown off . . . screaming with pain, well, it’s not what they imagined when they signed up.’ His eyes flicked to Gertie. ‘Half of them leave in the first month. The situation is impossible; but we have a consignment of ANZACs due in from Australia and New Zealand any day now, mostly practised nurses, though I doubt any of them have experienced war wounds. We shall see.’

Nurse Josephine was silent for a moment and the surgeon took that opportunity to terminate the conversation. ‘Now if you’ll excuse me, ladies, I have to examine your Corporal before dinner as he’s staying on board until we return to Athens, Malta, or Alexandria. I’m awaiting orders. We sail at 0900 hours. Be on board by 0800 hours sharp.’

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

SHELLY

Dover, present day.

DJ ORDERED COFFEES WHILE SHELLY dried her eyes. Sunshine bounced in from the wet pavements outside.

‘DJ,’ Shelly said, looking into his eyes. ‘You’ve no idea how long I prayed for this moment.’

‘So why didn’t you instigate it?’ he asked, and although it could have been an aggressive question, there was no animosity in his voice.