Gradually the advanced troops fell back

TCD MS 10516 folio 40 verso

TCD MS 10516 folio 40 verso

[14th September 1916] so much difficulty on a stretcher, had since died. I sent his body off to the station. The village on our flank caused us no trouble; the hostages had secured our safety in that direction. Gradually the advanced troops fell back on the hospital. Casualties came in and were evacuated as fast as the men retired. I do not think the retirement was for a moment delayed as a consequence of casualties, though this is usually anticipated in a withdrawal before an uncivilized enemy. Every wounded man was returned to Nasiriyah as fast as the rearguard could retire.
I found plenty to do at the Field hospital, and more useful, though less exciting, work than running about in the firing line. We pushed back the Ambulance section in accordance with the withdrawal of the troops; the system worked with mechanical accuracy.