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One young man : $b The simple and true story of a clerk who enlisted in 1914, who fought on the western front for nearly two years, was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme, and is now on his way back to his desk. — John Shaqi

History

One young man : $b The simple and true story of a clerk who enlisted in 1914, who fought on the western front for nearly two years, was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme, and is now on his way back to his desk.

World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, British

"One of its members came round the ward, speaking cheery
     words and offering to write home for us. It sounds a small
     work, but it was a boon to those of us too weak for even a
     postcard, or those who had lost or injured their right arms.
     The nurses are far too busy and cannot do it, and other
     patients are in a like condition. I always looked out for
     that gentleman of the Y.M. I was not allowed to read or sit
     up, and the days dragged horribly. Thursday evening came and
     many were sent to Blighty. I worried the doctor as to when I
     should go, and always received the non-committal reply,
     'When you are fit to travel.' Saturday, however, found me on
     board of a hospital ship, and at 9 o'clock that night we
     arrived at Southampton. Ant-like, the stretcher-bearers went
     to and fro, from ship to train. For some reason or other
     they dumped me in a corner with my head nearest the scene of
     activities, so that I was unable to interest myself in
     watching the entraining of others. I feverishly hoped they
     wouldn't forget me and put me in the wrong train. I was not
     forgotten by one person, however. He was not an official,
     not a R.A.M.C. man--no, just a Y.M.C.A. man, ministering to
     our comfort, lighting cigarettes for the helpless, arranging
     pillows, handing chocolate to a non-smoker, with a smile and
     a cheery word for every one. He asked me where I lived and
     spoke cheerily to me of soon seeing my mother and friends,
     and then left on a like errand to another chap. This, as I
     look back, was typical of all the work of the Y.M.C.A. Its
     helpers are always at the right place doing the right thing.
     That is why they have earned Tommy's undying gratitude."

Next day this one young man was being tenderly and graciously cared
for in a hospital in Wales. He had finished his bit. To the office he
wrote:


                                        _July 12th, 1916._

     "The Hun has put me completely out of action, and I hope
     within a few months to be amongst you all again--for good,
     and certainly in time for the autumn session.

     "The sight of my right eye has completely gone out, but as
     long as the left one keeps as it is I shall not be seriously
     handicapped. My glass eye will be an acceptable ornament.
     The left hand will mend in time; when healed, it will be
     pushed and squeezed into its original shape. Apart from the
     wounds I feel very well, and my rapid recovery has surprised
     all. The first three days in France were critical, and
     mother was sent for. However, I pulled through and feel as
     active as ever--at least, I do whilst in bed."

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

One young man : $b The simple and true story of a clerk who enlisted in 1914, who fought on the western front for nearly two years, was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme, and is now on his way back to his desk.

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