Bringing in the Wounded from no Man’s Land

“We see in our picture, by Matania, a party of R.A.M.C. men bringing in the wounded from No Man’s Land after an action on the Western Front. They are hauling the men over the broken ground so as not to draw the enemy’s fire. The work of the R.A.M.C. between the lines is extremely dangerous, and one which calls for great personal bravery. After an attack has taken place the work of bringing in the wounded begins. Creeping on hands and knees―for no standing thing can live in No Man’s Land during the daytime―the R.A.M.C. party approaches the wounded and hauls them back over the broken shell-pitted grounds to the British lines in safety. Any slight depression in the ground is taken advantage of in this dangerous work. In many cases the work can only be performed at night.”
A scene of desolation and death, where the dead and the wounded lie as they have fallen, and the work of rescue is a task of the greatest danger. Often the work can only be done at night, and even then the risk is great, for sometimes a star-shell, like “a thin, luminous thread,” rises up into the dark sky and bursts into dazzling radiance over the scene. Then if any movement is seen the rifles crackle down the line. Again, often a searchlight shines upon the battlefield, making all as light as day. Still brave men face all this, and gradually drag the wounded back into the British lines. I have known officers and men who have had to lie with their bleeding wounds in shell holes half full of water, and unable to move, for twelve or twenty-four hours, until they could be rescued. How blessed to have Christ with you on that storm-swept battle scene.
Lance-corporal Roberts tells us of one who was brought in dying. He says: “I have just lost a real chum. He was badly wounded as he went up to the firing line. He told his comrades he was not afraid to die as he was ready. As they carried him down the trench he was clasping his Testament and smiling, and tonight around the grave I carried on the message to those present. His life has been a fine testimony for the Master. The night I rejoined from hospital I heard him speaking to the men on the gun team, telling them they knew not the hour or the day when the Son of Man should come.”
Yes, the dear fellows want Testaments. My reader, help us now to send the Word of God to these brave men. Do not hesitate and say, “I’ll think about it.” While you think, men are dying. Send to me today. See the last page.