Original subtitles

SISTER WILSON: I suspect Sister Shepherd's

offense may be of a different kind,

isn't that right, Mrs. Cook?

ELSIE: Fit for active duty.

Return to unit.

ALICE: Thank you for the lift, lieutenant.

Harry-- Harry Moffitt.

[yelling]

Elsie, where are they all from?

Gallipoli.

At times like these, menmake rash declarations.

I was wrong utterly to take advantage.

I just need a friend.

What shall we drink to?

Your safe return from ANZAC Cove.

Fate willing.

OLIVE: High command want a General

Hospital closer toANZAC, so they're setting

one up on Lemnos Island.

[music playing]

[bagpipes playing]

Where's the hospital?

You're looking at it.

Sisters, get yourpersonal supplies together--

antiseptics, bandages, anything you have-- quickly, go.

Orderlies, get down to the supply chief.

Tell them Rachel Wilsonat number three has asked

for whatever-- drinking water, food,

and utensils they can spare--

hurry.

Just lie back.

Deep breaths.

I'm here.

How long have they been here?

Just two days.

Olive, there is no more water.

Sister?

SISTER: Just lie back.

I'm here. Just lie back.

That's it.

But where's the other orderly?

- Major Woolf had a job for him.- What?

That's all they gave us?

Do they know how many soldiers we have here?

Well, they said their orders were to give

no more than two gallons.

Perhaps they were worriedwe'd get carried away

and build a swimming pool.

Thank you, sister Haynes.

A few sips each.

That's all we can do.

Come with me.

Can I get some water?

Just a couple-- a couple of sips.

All right.

They're in agony.

It's something.

Here you go.

That's it.

[groaning]

I'll get you some more food.

Lie back.

Keep your eyes open.

Can you see me?

Keep your eyes open.

This man, he needs water.

All right. OK.

A couple of sips.

[music playing]

Tell me what you make of this.

Dear Alice, the slopes of the peninsula

are sprinkled white as a shrub, the boys

are calling the Gallipolirose, burst into flower.

It's as if a giant has shaken snowflakes

over these grim, green hillsand the bees, swarms of them,

all abuzz around us, even as wego about our dreadful business.

It's a lovely letter.

Harry writes beautifully.

He writes about bees, Elsie.

He writes about landscapesand insects and sunsets.

He writes about everything under the sun

except how he feels about me.

Do you really think his feelings have changed?

I'm not even sure I knew what they were.

Well, surely he wouldn't write so

eloquently to just any woman.

Hmm.

I suppose not.

At least I know he likes bees.

[explosions]

SISTER WILSON [VOICEOVER]:Spirits were high on the voyage

from Egypt, my girls full of pride

to be serving so close tothe gallant men of ANZAC.

But the situation when we arrived yesterday

was just too awful for words--

no equipment, no beds, no surgery, no water.

A good many died.

They were beyond hope when they arrived.

If only we could do more and had more to give.

As for our circumstances, ourCO Colonel Fieschi and his

contingent have been here week.

And while they have theirown quarters erected,

there is still much to be done.

Colonel?

Excuse me, Colonel?

It's rather urgent I findout where our supplies are.

They were sent fromEngland in different ships,

so we are getting things bit by bit.

I counted 167 patients.

Is there someone from the waroffice I can contact in London,

see where they've got to.

We are doing all that we can.

Are the engineers sinking wells,

given that the condenser never arrived

and we haven't any fresh water.

There will be, but we need permission

from British high command first.

The two gallon allowanceworks out at less

than half a cup per patient.

Colonel there is nothing here.

Sanitation-- the nurses' latrines

are swarming with flies.

And we need a screen toshield them from the men.

Matron, we have a lot to do today.

And frankly, a powder roomis not high on the list.

I never asked for nurses in my unit.

And if it were up to me, we would not have

women in a forward zone at all.

And yet here we are.

The medical orderlies areas competent as any nurse

and far more resilient.

So if you are looking to change the Army's

opinion of your profession,Lemnos is your challenge.

They've opened a sick and typhoid ward.

It's rife in the trenches, apparently.

You and I are on the venereal disease ward.

It's highly contagious, you know?

Be sure you practice the utmost sanitation.

Sister Cook has nursedbefore, Sister Hallowell.

But I'm sure she appreciates your advice.

It was kindly meant.

She was trying to be helpful.

The woman could complain forher country, and you know it.

Sister Cook, you're wantedon the telephone, in my office.

[music playing]

Sister Elsie cook speaking.

I see. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Thank you.

There's been a battle at Gallipoli, a place

they're calling Lone Pine.

Lieutenant Cook?

Captain-- he's been made a captain.

He's been shot in the head.

But he's alive?

Yes.

Yes, he's alive.

Where are they taking him?

Alexandria.

British number 19 general.

You want to go to him?

Oh, yes.

Yes, right now, this minute, if I may.

Now?

Sister Cook, your ward.

I-- I have to see him, Miss, please?

We are so short staffed, nurses are

already working 14-hour shifts.

I'll cover Sister Cook's shift.

I'm at the dressingstation, but the orderlies

can take care of that.

I can be assigned to the VD ward.

Very well.

A week's leave.

Oh, thank you, Miss Gould.

Sister Cook, Godspeed.

You'll make the 11:30, if you hurry.

Well, I have to go back to the lodge.

I haven't any clothes.

I'll send you some clothes.

And money--

And here.

I can't.

Don't be silly.

Thank you so much.

Telephone when you getthere and you've seen him.

Oh god, Alice.

Stay strong.

Excuse me?

A single second class to Alexandria, please?

Oh please?

Um-- uh--

[non-english speech]

Ugh.

It's rotten fly.

Oh, no.

Ugh.

Olive.

[groans]

Sisters, I'll see to it thatquarters are erected today.

It's a bit of a shaky start,but we must do our utmost

for our brave boys on the peninsula

who are contending withfar fewer comforts than we.

Ow.

[trumpet]

That's our convoy.

Olive, will you look out for the others?

Try to keep their spirits up.

You're all great nurses, but it's

important that we rise to thechallenge together, as a team.

I know just the thing.

Are we downtrodden?

No.

Then let your voicesring and altogether sing.

[music playing]

We've run out of bandages.

What about our personal things?

Well that's what I mean.We've got nothing left.

There's just too many.

It's all right, Sister Daley.

What about the supply ships?

They gave me all theycould spare this morning.

Sisters, follow me, please.

We need to improvise.

Make strips three inches wide.

We should be able to get 40 or so together.

Come on, Agnes, no time for mock modesty.

They'll need to be sterilized.

Sister Daley, I have to find the CO,

so you'll process the last few patients.

Oh, if any from the 2nd Light Horse come in,

could you let me know?

It's my brother's regiment.

I'll tell the other girls.

Uh-- this one to s ward.

I think there's room.

Excuse me, I'm looking fora wounded Australian officer.

I believe he may have been taken here.

Follow me.

Cook, you said?

He is 2nd battalion AIFofficer commanding day company.

You must have a record of him.

He was wounded at Gallipoli on the 6th.

They were all wounded at Gallipoli.

Jesus, my head.

That's another convoy.

Try the officer's ward.

Where's that?

[groans]

Who are you?

Have you a CaptainSydney Cook on this ward?

How did you get in here?

He's my husband.

He must be here.

You're Australian.

First AGH in Cairo. I got a message.

And I have you permissionto be in this hospital?

From my Matron in chief, yes.

Ah, but not from theimperial matron in chief.

Oh, you colonials.

I'm sorry, but you can't just turn up.

You'll have to leave.

But please, I must find Syd.

He's-- he's 29.

He's tall with fair hair and very blue eyes.

The chap in bed 12 has blue eyes.

Syd, it's me, darling.

It's Elsie.

I'm here.

What-- what's his injury?

Major trauma to the Broca'sarea, left motor cortex.

Is the bullet lodged?

No.

But he's been unable to speak since he got here.

But with rest and care, he may recover.

May I sit with him?

[music playing]

Oh, sorry-- sorry.

[knocking]

I'd like permission to transfer.

I'd like to work here, at number19, and care for my husband.

Sister Cook, I understand your desire,

but specialing of patientsisn't possible, I'm afraid.

We simply don't have the staff for one-on-one.

If you could just place me on his ward,

I'd pull my weight with all the patients.

I've done surgical nursing,medical, dressing stations,

post-op.

How long have you been in Egypt?

Since January.

The whole campaign?

You're quite experienced.

[knocking]

Very well, Sister Cook, Ishall write to your Miss Gould

and square the transfer.

Thank you very much.

I'll start ward work right now.

You look quite done in, my dear.

Why don't you start in the morning?

ALICE [VOICEOVER]: Dear Olive,since you left for Lemnos, we

have been very much down to it.

So many new wounded from Lone Pine.

And with Elsie away caring for Syd,

we are pretty well flat chapped.

I hear that your new numberthree Australian General

Hospital is getting yourshare of Gallipoli casualties

too, though, of course, you receive

only the lightly wounded.

The worst come to us, here in Egypt.

Lucky you.

I can picture you enjoyingyour island in the Aegean,

luxuriating in your trusty deck chair.

Luxuriating?

Oh.

Anywhere in here?

OLIVE: Helen of Troy.

Ugh, I can't hold on.

It's Lemnocitis. - All right.

I'm coming.

Clearly, it's not just we Canadians who are

coming down with Lemnocitis.

I don't have dysentery.

I'm here this time every day.

Well, I hope you don't mind us here.

Our latrines had a queue three yards long.

Oh, thank you.

Lucky hygiene isn'timportant in our profession.

I wonder what they're lining up for?

Agnes, is that where they'rehiding the lemon pudding?

I heard there was a transport coming,

so I've signed up to nursethe invalids back home.

You should both apply.

You can't leave.

Well, I'd come back toEgypt on the next transport.

Yeah, but you'd still be leaving Lemnos.

The men on those ships need care too.

We are desperately understaffed.

You really mustn't leave.

I solemnly pledge myself, before God,

to practice my profession faithfully

and devote myself to the welfareof those committed to my care.

The Florence Nightingale pledge.

Agnes, we all took it.

I'd like to know howwe are to uphold it here?

Well, what about the nursing services one?

I pledge to do all in my powerto alleviate the suffering

of the sick and the wounded, sparing

no effort to bring comfortof body and peace of mind.

Don't preach at me, Olive.

You made a pledge.

Agnes, not-- we made a promise.

We made a promise to these boys signing

up that we would care for them.

I didn't sign up to be humiliated,

to strip off my under things,and sleep on bare ground.

I didn't sign up to watch men suffer and die

and to just stand by useless.

So you're running away?

Don't you care what they'llthink of you back home,

your family?

No.

Ah.

Colonel, supplies.

I thought the officers had fresh fruit?

I eat the same as the men in the trenches.

When is this order likely to arrive?

A week, maybe more, if the weather turns

and the ship's can't land.

Given our situation, could youperhaps speak to your superiors

and get this expedited?

Do you think we are the onlyhospital in the Allied forces?

No, but we're the closestGeneral Hospital to Gallipoli.

The closet to the front,the stricter the rules.

This is your first war, correct?

Yes, Colonel.

I fought in the Abyssinianwar in the Boer war.

We cannot, and we will not, save everyone.

But the sooner you come toaccept military regulations,

the easier your job will be.

A disciplined approach, it's the only way.

How is Mrs. Fieschi?

We met on the voyage over from Australia.

I hope she's keeping well in Egypt.

[music playing]

I stay till evening rounds.

ALICE [ON PHONE]: And the MO seemed hopeful.

Hopeful, yes.

That's good.

Of course there's a concussion,

and a brain bleed, threatof infection, the--

What's the ward like?

I-- I haven't seen it yet.

Are you all right?

I'm staying strong.

OLIVE [VOICEOVER]: Dear father, well here

I am, on my barren little Lemnoswith its beautiful ocean views.

We now have a very nice mess and we're

getting plenty of fresh air.

Father, I know you feel my being here is foolish

and that you and mother haddifferent hopes for my future,

but doing whatever my bit is in this war

is a duty, a duty as serious to me

as is my duty to God and to you.

I hope you will understand.

As for your concerns for my well-being,

I'm very well and gettingquite fat on the quality grub

they're feeding us.

No mail from home since I've arrived on Lemnos,

but I'm hoping for some bonzer letters soon.

Heaps of love.

From your loving daughter, Olive.

Ooh.

That's it.

You'll-- you'll be fine.

[groaning]

Right.

We need to get her to Major Sherwin.

You should have come sooner.

Dysentery can be fatal, as you well know.

How long do I have to stay here?

That depends how many daysyou ignored your symptoms.

I'll start you on twice dailyemetine injections and fluids

every two hours.

[SINGING] Oh, are we downhearted?

No!

Then let your voices ring.

[crying]

At this rate, the sick willsoon outnumber the wounded.

Major, come quickly.

Matron Jag is not breathing.

[music playing]

Roll her over.

Grace.

We've lost the Matron.

[crying]

I'm so sorry.

[music playing]

Ready.

It doesn't appear to be closing.

His level of consciousnesshas improved.

Should we-- is there morewe could be doing for him?

We're doing all we can.

Keep up the current treatment regime.

What is the current regime?

12 hourly foments.

12 hourly?

We haven't enough staff to do it more often.

I could have seen off SisterCook's luggage on my own,

you know?

It was very nice of you to come with me.

What are friends for?

Shoe shine?

Shoe shine?

[non-english speech] Besides,I imagine I need a breath

of fresh air as much as you.

How are things at Luna Park Auxiliary?

Busy.

I was hoping I might lureyou down there actually.

We've a few newly arrivednurses who could do with someone

of your experience.

I don't think Miss Gould would let me

go, especially now with Elsie--

Sister Cook away.

Of course not.

Are you keeping well?

Very well, thank you.

What ward have they got you on?

VD.

Ah, another losing battle.

Merci beaucoup.

[non-english speech]

COLONEL: Matron Wilson?

Good morning, Colonel.

I heard about the Canadian Matron.

Jesse Jagard.

I know you have a largenumber of nurses out of action

and I wanted to make sure you know

there are places on thenext transport to England.

Fresh food and better sanitation

would go a long way inlowering our morbidity rate.

Unfortunately, war does not allow for luxuries,

and you need to accept that.

Half of your nurses willdie before this war is won,

but not on this island, andnot while I'm in charge.

I hope you are feeling well, Colonel.

I know a large number of officers

have fallen ill as well.

It is a thorny path we are traveling,

but those with the rightdisposition will prevail.

Hmm.

These flies are the limit.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was

a colony of them in my hair.

They say we've taken Achi Baba.

Is that who we've been aiming for?

I wish I was doing something useful.

Sisters, there's a transport in.

Would anyone like to apply for duty in Egypt?

Or be invalid at home?

I will, miss.

And-- and me, miss.

I will.

Yeah.

You've been very ill, Sister Haynes.

Better now.

I'm ready for the four-minute mile.

You've improved, but thesanitation on Lemnos hasn't.

If you get sick again, you--

you might not bounce back so easily.

Let the delicate ones go first.

Clarice!

I thought I heard the male bugle.

Sister Watson.

Three for you, Sister Tate.

Sister Denton, news from Ontario.

Oh, thank god.

There must be a stackof unsorted mail in Cairo.

[SINGING]: Nobody loves me, everybody hates me.

I think I'm gonna eat some bugs.

[SINGING]: Big ones, smallones, round ones, skinny ones.

Watch them wiggle and squirm.

[music playing]

Are you hungry?

Bed three has been asking for a drink.

Actually, can you do them all?

Here you go.

There you go.

Syd-- again.

No appetite?

Excuse me.

[knocking]

COLONEL: Well Major, it's like you're

doing a splendid job here.

Thank you, Colonel.

How is the brigadier?

COLONEL: Very well, thank you.

Miss Oram, may I have a moment?

You'll have to wait, Sister.

I'm afraid I can't.

Excuse me.

I trust you have a verygood reason to interrupt.

I want to special my husband.

Sister Cook--

He needs four hourly foments, not 12.

And he needs morefrequent dressing changes.

He needs help with eating.

I have already explained that we

don't have the staff for thatkind of intensive nursing.

I'll do it.

You're already here as a special dispensation.

Miss Oram, without thoroughgoing

nursing my husband will die.

His wound will become infected and he'll die.

If he's specialed, he stands a chance.

Please, let me give him that chance.

Have you been in pain?

Eat up now.

That's it.

There.

Now, let's have another go.

[music playing]

What are you doing?

I want to be discharged.

My temperature hasn't beenabove 99 in four days.

I'm back on solid food.

And in terms of movements--

I take it you didn'tapply for a transport then.

Matron Wilson has a hard enough time

staffing these wards as it is.

Well, it's too soon for you to go back to work.

I feel better.

If you work a 16-hour shift, you'll be back

in here before you know it.

But what am I supposed to do here?

Just look at you all day.

Well, I can't be that hideous.

What if I was to take you toone of the local villages?

I'd need a chaperone, butSister Daley has the day off.

Dooley, get three donkeys ready.

Yes, major.

[music playing]

So your father's a clergyman.

Well, that would explainwhy you're such a martyr.

They must be proud of you--

becoming a nurse.

My parents weren't enthusiastic about it.

But they didn't try and stop me either.

Story of my life, really.

Don't encourage her.

She'll give up eventually.

I've been curious since I got here.

Where in the Bible would I find out

about St. Paul's visit to Greece, cause

I'm sure he came to Lemnos.

I don't think I know.

You ought to know.

I'll tell your father on you if you don't.

[laughing]

Acts.

St. Paul's visit to Greece.

It's, uh, chapter 20, verses two to three.

You read the Bible, Mr--

Dooley.

Yes.

I was taking holy orders in the Church of England

before all this.

Has it always been your calling?

Oh well, no, I was, uh-- part way

through masters of law at Melbourne University

when war was declared.

So you traded in the churchto work with the devil?

Well, I think it's time to be getting back.

You need to rest.

uh-- Dooley, could you to bring the donkeys?

Yes, Major.

Anyone for the last fig?

See that star up there, the real bright one?

It's rumored to be the star--

Star of Bethlehem.

I know.

Where have those wise men got to anyway?

Look, I know you're stilltoo ill to have it, but, um--

you must try the horseflesh.

Horseflesh?

Mm.

Oh.

[laughing] It's a Turkish delight?

Thank you.

You didn't think I was going to get

you to eat that one, did you?

OLIVE: I'm hungry enough to most days.

Never seen a sunset like it in Australia.

Yeah.

Well, you've been ill, Sister Haynes.

We should get you backbefore another storm hits.

You should call me Olive.

I'm Noel.

But everyone calls me Pat.

Come on.

[groaning]

Have you still got pain passing urine?

Make sure to drink plenty of water.

I hate the stuff.

Fish poop in it.

Milk, then.

Or have a maid bring up a jug of Evian.

Oh, yeah. Spring water.

That's a fancy drink for a pretty girl like you.

Well, handsome men can drink it too, you know?

I haven't got the dosh, notsince the army stopped my pay.

Withholding the wages of menwho contract venereal disease

is a deterrent, private.

A deterrent from what, Sister?

Immoral behavior.

Immoral behavior, hey?

I reckon they'd do betterto deter us from breathing.

They do, Bob.

Only that deterrent comesat the end of a Turkish can.

[laughing]

You should be ashamed ofyourselves making jokes.

What will your wives and your mothers

think when they hear you're unfit for service

because you dallied with the French girls

at the red light district?

Hello there.

From your friend at Gallipoli.

How is he?

Fine, as far as I can tell.

It seems you and I are plowing the same field.

I'm giving the new recruits alecture on the dangers of VD.

Oh, didn't realize youhad a particular interest

in the subject.

Oh, uh-- well, highcommand is keen to reduce

the number of non-efficients.

But they're stuck on the moral,rather than the medical aspects

of the problem.

I felt I could contribute some science.

Well, I think that'smarvelous of you, Xavier.

Yes, it's important that the Medical

Corps pulls together on this.

Oh, and how!

Those boys need to realizethat VD is not the common cold.

You're working a VD ward.

I don't suppose you'd be interested in helping

with my class?

If you think I'd be of use, I'd be happy to.

Really?

That'd be marvelous.

Thanks.It's a bit of a sea of faces.

Hello. - Good evening.

Hello.

Sister Cook is who I was telling you

about from the AustralianArmy nursing service.

She's specialing her husband.

I hope he is improving.

Perhaps, I think.

Thank you.

Sister Cook, your AustralianArmy nursing service,

it's a reserve service? - It is.

Yes.

So you're not members of the regular army?

I suppose not.

Yet you wear the scarlet cape.

All nurses do in Australia.

Oh, I see, in Australia.

In England, only the imperialregular nurses are allowed

to wear the scarlet cape.

Civilians, reservists, andVADs don't wear them at all.

[music playing]

Please get better.

Please come back to me.

[crying]

And so, if the malady suffererseeks medical advice swiftly,

upon contact with the gonococci bacillus,

provided the subjective symptoms are slight,

treatment can be limitedto an abortive application

of a 5% solution of protargol.

If however, treatment is deferred,

anterior urethritis can evolve into the more

critical posterior urethritis.

Swallowed a dictionary, mate?

[laughing]

These are the proper terms, private.

I advise you to listen.

So the great difference betweenacute anterior and posterior

urethritis, rests in the fact--

Oh, speak English.

[laughing]

Major Leopold, perhaps at this point,

you'd like me to displaysome of the equipment used

in the treatment of venereal disease?

The hypodermic for injections ofhydrogen peroxide and potassium

iodide, three times a day.

Three times a day.

[groans]

The catheter, which is inserted into the penis

so that solution of various chemicals

can be sluiced up the urethrafor a complete bladder

wash out, four times a day.

The syringe for a daily, deep urethral cleansing.

Thank you, Sister.

Yes, and we use this for lancingpenile gonorrheal abscesses.

You were most inspiring.

They'll all think twice beforeheading to the French girls

now.

Your lecture was the thing, Xavier.

Very educational.

That's not true, but very kind.

Though we do make a rathergood team, don't we?

We do, yes.

Sure you can't use me in the wards?

You're on light duty, Sister Haynes--

doctor's orders.

Only on Lemnos could clearing out a tent

be classified as light duty.

What we have here is a modern design.

A rustic yet harmoniousblend of canvas and rope.

Stepping onto the porch, one is immediately

struck by its spaciousness andits commanding harbor views.

This is undoubtedly the finestdwelling on Lemnos Island.

[laughing]

Well this island is no placefor sisters, especially one

as pretty as you.

Ernest, you're here.

I'm with the 1st Light Horse at the rest camp.

We'll be back to thepeninsula after a spell here.

Ah, beg pardon, uh--

Sergeant Lawrence, Sister Haynes.

We're pals back in Melbourne.

Looks like you could use a hand.

Thought we'd never get here.

Did you see all those warships?

Such a lovely view.

I wonder if we'll be stationed here?

His father is a mechanic.

It must have been terrible to give him up,

but I suppose one must abideby one's parents' wishes.

Listen to you.

Ernest is a nice enough fellow, but he

is no major Sherwin, hey?

He seems rather keen on you.

Oh, well, he's kinder than most MOs,

but that is not what we're here for.

Mr. Dooley seemed nice.

The orderly?

[laughing]

Good evening, sisters.

Please welcome the NZ ANS.

New Zealand's army nursing service

has officially come on board.

Matron Cameron and her staff will be billeted

with us for a few nights.

Please, sit down.

Sit down.

Sit down.

Thank you.

But I'm afraid that'swhere the good news ends.

Due to the rough weather,we haven't been able to get

a boat out to the supply ships.

Consequently, we're at half rations.

I ask you to remember the men in the trenches.

Remember with what high idealsof service you started out.

We're all part of the Armynow, be it Australia's

or New Zealand's, we're all working

for a victory that will come.

[gags]

Excuse me.

I wasn't expecting--

Lime juice, to prevent scurvy.

Certainly lucky to have a dentist on the island.

[trumpet sounding]

What's happening?

All sisters to the wards.

There are 200 wounded coming from the Harbor.

You don't have to.

You're not in our unit.

We're helping.

[men groaning]

Mm.

What are we going to do here?

Uh-- this will require a transverse

incision so that the wound candrain as freely as possible.

But we'll, uh-- see to thatin the operating theater, sir.

All right, look at me.

That's it.

Suspected brain injury.

If his pupils dilate, or younotice any other changes,

notify one of the sisters

Are you inoculated for typhoid, Poppy?

Yeah, on the way over.

Matron?

Yes?

Watch him closely.

Matron Wilson?

Yes?

Thank you.

[music playing]

The copper's out.

Who's not doing anything?

Griggs? You?

I'll light the fire, sir.

Go on then.

Miss Wilson?

Oh.

[whimpers]

He's labeled as a headcase, but the wind is healing.

I think it's typhoid.

Yes, we'll move him to the infectious ward.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Mr. Griggs, I--

[music playing]

I asked you just stay with him.- I sent him outside.

That boy's life could havebeen saved if Mr. Griggs

had followed my direction.

Nurses do little towardthe actual saving of life

in war, though they maypromote a more rapid recovery.

My nurses rank as officers.

They don't act like it.

Half of them can't tell thedifference between the call

to attention and the call to mess.

I know the orderlies haveother responsibilities,

but I need to know where they are,

so in situations like that,I can redeploy my resources.

The medical orderlies must stay under my

and my nurses' command.

Mr. Griggs, you will not leave your post

again, unless the order comesfrom myself or the sister

in charge.

Yes, Matron.

[music playing]

[distant artillery]

My word, those Tommys drill well.

We couldn't do it like that,and I'm not going to try.

I'm sorry?

I said those Tommy soldiers,they put us rough-house

Aussies in the shade.

OFFICER: Left! Right!

Left! Right!

Left!

Right!

[crying]

Miss Wilson?

Yes?

Can I make you a cup of tea?

No, thank you.

I'm fine.

I feel terrible.

I didn't even know she was upset.

Imagine, losing your brother.

She just kept going.

Excuse me, Sister Hallowell?

It's Sister Ross-King.

Sister Hallowell is in the stores.

Oh.

Right then.

Is there something I can do?

I was just wondering if shemight have time do my eyes now?

But I can wait.

Let me have a look.

[gasps]

She's been real busy.

I can wash them, if you'd like.

Oh, would you?

That'd be bonzer.

It's Jimmy, isn't it?

What part of Australia are you from, Jimmy?

Townsville, Sister.

You've been there?

Yes, I have.

When did you last clean his eyes?

Jimmy is your patient.

When did you last clean his eyes?

Sister Hallowell, do you know how infectious

gonorrheal conjunctivitis is?

The slightest transferof matter and my own eyes

could be at risk.

He could lose his sight.

Orderlies should work this ward.

I mean, we shouldn't have to risk

our health for these filthymen, their filthy habits.

Jimmy's not filthy.

He's a nice, clean boy whohappened to contract VD

from using his tent mates towel, as you

could have discovered, if you'd actually

bothered to talk to him. [laughing]

Yes, well, we're not all of us croquettes

with the patient's, Sister Ross-King.

I beg your pardon?

I've seen you being familiar with the men,

clad-eyeing every officer.

I've seen you, playing the field.

Keep your beady eyes closed then.

Lorna!

[laughing]

Did you get your marching orders?

New Zealand commandwanted us here on Lemnos,

but we've heard British highcommand have a different plan.

We're off toAlexandria on the morrow.

And then after that, who knows.

You'll have to excuse thelack of milk and saucers--

and sugar spoons.

You'll find shabby is en vogue here.

The shabby sisters.

Not at all.

I just hope the cake hasn't turned.

We pinched it from the ship, soI'm not sure how fresh it is.

Any baksheesh is good baksheesh.

What's baksheesh?

Now I really feel ancient.

I wish we could just stay here with you lot.

No, you'd rather be anywhere but here.

It must have been hard adjusting to camp life.

It's nothing compared towhat those boys at Gallipoli

are going through.

I just hope I can be as strongas you wherever we end posted.

[snoring]

That's what you've got to beworried about, a tent mate that

snores like a trumpet.

Don't miss the food too much.

I mean, I know that you will.

Goodbye.

You know, we'll be keeping some for you.

I'm going to miss you terribly.

Are you absolutely positivethere's no room for stow away?

Not even if you really tried to squeese?

But in the meantime, I want you to have this.

Oh, Poppy.

Come here.

Right straight away, won't you?

I'm starved for mail.

Speaking of being starved.

Got you some more baksheesh.

Thank you.

SISTER: If it becomes swollen, let me know.

Raise your leg a little.

That's it.

A little bit more.

There we go.

SOLDIER: Thank you, Sister.

19--

Syd, did you say something?

19

Today's the 19th.

Do you want me to read the paper to you?

S-s-- 11 months.

[music playing]

That's right.

It's our anniversary.

We've been married 11 months today.

[laughing]

[music playing]

SISTER: What did you say to make her do that?

[chatter]

Good evening.

Thank you.

Would you mind passing the salt?

[explosion]

Harry?

Alice.

I need to sit now, damn it.

ELSIE: My husband isn't just anyone.

He's the son of the honorable Joseph

Cook, former prime minister of Australia.

I know Harry is a good man.

But is he the right man for your?

Sister, am I going to lose my feet?

Prep him for surgery now.

OLIVE: Our boys are gettingslaughtered at Gallipoli.

And the ones that pull through, get

sent straight back to be killed.

I feel like a chewed uppiece of string most days.

[music playing]