A LETTER FROM A WOUNDED SOLDIER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1615, 26 September 1916, Page 4

A LETTER FROM A WOUNDED SOLDIER.

The splendid spirit of resignation and cheerfulness with which our boys at the front bear with their wounds and suffering is typified in a letter written by a wounded lad, Rifleman W. T. Christian, now .in King George Hospital, London, to-the-Rev. AY. Raine: “I had just come off duty, and retired for a few moments' rest in the dugout, and I had just gone nicely off to sleep when the Germans started shelling us. The fifth shell that I heard come over burst through the roof and gaye me my wounds, besides covering me with dirt. I received a severe head wound above the left eye, besides my right hand being badly bruised and burnt and a few small cuts which are hardly worth mentioning on iffy left wrist. I am sorry to say that my left eye had to be removed so as to save the other. I-felt very little pain at the time, and what I did feel was from the burn on my hand, and what pain I have felt since is from the wound being dressed. I have not been out of bed since it happened, so I have had plenty of time to think of things. 1 can only thank God that I am still ' alive with only such trilling injuries. It is only this last week that I have been able to use my right hand, and have the bandage taken off. The only effect that I at present feel is giddiness in the head when I sit up, and weakness. I have got very thin on it, not that they do not give me enough to eat, for I can get as much as I want. The Sisters.here are very good and kind, and look after yon well, and if all our lads that get wounded and are sent to a hospital here or in France their relatives can rest assured that they are getting the best of attention and care. see by the papers that the Germans are getting all they want, and good enough for them. I only wish I was able to do my bit. I do not know whether I will be sent to the firing line again or whether I will be sent back to N.Z. I have to get out of died and get strong again before I can do or say anything in that matter."