Continuing the diary of Corporal John Sangway, dispatch rider with XVII Corps.

30^th Oct

Came into hospital with “special” flu a week ago, 23^rd. Damnable. If this is typical of hospitals out here, Florence Nightingale never finished her job. I have seen disinfectant once. I have had my medicine half the times ordered. I have slept on the floor all the time in verminous and dirty blankets. There is no ventilation at night & it stinks. People play horribly on pianos outside your door. The latrine arrangements are foul & frightfully inadequate & there is no water at night to wet your parched tongue. Can’t think of any more horrors at the moment. And yet I am feeling better. God knows why!

Nov 1

Left hospital, God be thanked. When shall I get free of vermin!