bits of dead Hunes all over the place. a lot blown up after having been buried once. Monday Oct 16 up 4 A.M. Get some mail. (two from Belle) could not read them until daylight, hear Sergt Griffiths got hit last night & sent to C.C.S. I arrive at Sunken Road dugout via a new trench, brought back a Suffolk man, he was hit in the foot so had to go overland stay at Cemetery until 6.30 PM. Tuesday Oct 17. called 3 AM for Sunken Road R.A.P. very cold. only one squad sent up I put in the day at Cemetery a coalbox spoiled our dinner & we had to go below. R.A.M.C arrive at 1.30 to take over. left at 6 PM carrying two stretchers each. for Tramway crossing Fritz busy round our corner all the afternoon, return to Chalk Pits at 9 PM. very tired & a slight cold in my head. Wed Oct 18 Sleep until noon. then shave & clean up & get some dinner, write to my dear chum & Sam. a squad sent up to Courcelette last
▸ Where was he?
▸ The war at this time
Casualty Clearing Stations
The medical chain on the Somme runs from Regimental Aid Posts at the front line, through Advanced Dressing Stations and Main Dressing Stations, back to Casualty Clearing Stations (CCS) several miles behind the lines. Serious wounds are stabilised at the CCS before evacuation to base hospitals. The system is overwhelmed during major attacks. Stretcher bearers carry wounded through miles of mud. A single carry can take hours. Motor ambulances wait at collection points, but the final mile to the front must be done on foot.
