Original subtitles

New Zealand's army nursing service

has officially come on board.

New Zealand commandwanted us here on Lemnos,

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

Nurses do a little toward theactual saving of life in war,

but they may promote a more rapid recovery.

My nurses rank as officers.

The medical orderlies must stayunder my and my nurses command.

We made a promise to these boys

signing up that we would care for them.

I'm Norvel.

But everyone calls me Pat.

He writes about everything under the sun

except how he feels about me.

The sooner you come toaccept military regulations,

the easier your job will be.

Please come back to me.

19.

I never asked for nurses in my unit,

so if you are looking to change the Army's

opinion of your profession,Lemnos is your challenge.

[music playing]

[singing in non-english]

Oh!

What is all this?

Delivery from the Red Cross.

Clothes, tea, chocolate.

Smokes.

I'm glad they did not forgetthe most important autumn.

Alice Ross King, eat your heart out.

They sent just 20 more of those.

Marvelous.

[bugle playing]

Oh, mail!

No, Sister.

It's the 1st brigade heading back to Anzac.

ALL: Yay!

Quick, let's gather up some things.

[MUSIC PLAYING - "ARE WE DOWNHEARTED?"]

ALL: [SINGING] And let your voices ring,

and altogether sing.

Are we downhearted?

No!

Not while Britannia rules the waves.

Not likely!

While we have Jack upon the sea,and Tommy on the on the land.

It's a long, long way to Tipperary,

but we're not downhearted yet!

Sisters, a word.

I'd like to address the issue of our authority.

As part of the Army we have honorary rank.

I'm a captain.

Sisters are first lieutenants, and staff

nurses are second lieutenants.

That's not how it plays out.

The orderlies ignore everything we say.

They're not all bad.

GRACE WILSON: As officers we should

be professional andcourteous to lower ranks,

but we mustn't fraternize.

You will not socialize outof hours with privates, NCOs,

anyone under the rank of second lieutenant.

A disciplined approach, sisters.

It's the only way to earn their respect.

My cousin is a private here.

He said he'd take me to oneof the villages on my day off.

Does this mean I can't go?

GRACE WILSON: That is the order.

Back to the ward, please.

[shell echos]

HILDA [VOICEOVER]: My dear Alice.

I'm sorry I haven't written for so long.

We've been flat chat, but the other day

when a patient mentioned your name

I realized how very -hand mycorrespondence has become.

Lately we've had as many casesof illness as we have injuries.

[shell explosion]

Dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid, trench foot.

One shudders at what our boys are enduring.

The sickest are being sent to Cairo.

[shell explosion]

MAN 1: Turn the lights down!

MAN 2: They're attacking us again!

MAN 1: Lights be doused.

Lights to be doused.

Lights to be doused.

HILDA [VOICEOVER]: Bombardments continue.

At night we've often beenordered to show no lights.

Certainly the closest I'll come to being

the lady with the lamp.

Have you heard from Olive and Elsie?

I do so miss you all.

Fondest regards, Hilda.

P.S. The chap who asked me if I knew you

is one who's been sent to Cairo.

DOCTOR: Sister Steele?

I need you in the ward now.

HILDA [VOICEOVER]: P.P.S. Hisname was something Moffitt.

Harry.

Harry.

Alice?

Hello.

How are you?

Laid waste by an army of typhoid bacillus.

I tried to send you word, but--

I got your letters.

You received mine?

Yes.

I'm so glad you're back, Harry.

I'm so glad you're safe.

I'm happy.

I'm happy to see you, too.

Hello.

Things are quieting down at Luna.

In fact it seems we're to winddown the auxiliary hospital

and allow back the ice rink.

It makes me wonder if perhapsthis Dardanelles campaign

is coming to a close at last.

Are you unwell?

Harry's-- Lieutenant Moffitt'sbeen invalided from Anzac Cove.

He's got typhoid.

Poor fellow.

How's his fever?

His temperature's 102.

He looks so ill.

Typhoid takes some recovering from.

In fact, I've seen men emerge from a bout

permanently weakened.

You take care, too.

Typhoid sufferers can remaincontagious for some time.

Don't want it becoming acase of nurse, heal thyself.

[bugle playing]

Earnest invited me intothe NCO's mess for supper.

Now I have an excuse not to go.

You weren't planning on going?

CLARICE DALEY: Of course not.

Besides, the officers invitedme to the recreation tent

for a special dinner.

Are you going, Florence?

No, I'm as tired as 60 cats.

Looks like you're stuck here, Olive.

There goes my letter writing.

Lucky I'm not getting any.

Go on, then.

Have fun.

[bugle playing]

[speaking non-english]What is that idiot playing?

TILLEY: We shouldn't be here.

PRIVATE REGIS: Trust me.

TILLEY: I don't know.

[laughter]

Oh, goodness.

[gasp]

Sister Tilley, my order was plain as day.

What is going on in here?

What do you think you're doing?

What is going on?

TILLEY: Private Regis has a tendency to drink,

and I thought if I spent some time with him

I could wean him off the habit.That's all.

GRACE WILSON: It's 11:30 at night,

and you snuck into the stores tent.

TILLEY: I'm so sorry, matron.

I've just been so miserable and so cold.

[sobbing]

Oh, I'm so--

FIASCHI: Matron?

Come with me.

She made her resign?

I was in the officer's mess last night,

and I'm not in trouble.

That's the point youwere in the officer's mess.

And you weren't there alone after lights

out with a sack of potatoes.

But firing her is as sillyas a hat full of worms.

She's a good nurse.

Clara, Fiaschi found out.

Matron had no choice.

She told the CO?

No, no, no, the bugle boy got some other bloke

to cover for him, but the dill played the call

to retreat instead of lights out,

which was all it took to send Fiaschi

charging into the night.

OLIVE HAYNES: Like a bear with a sore head.

I guess if ColonelFiaschi found out, then--

OLIVE HAYNES: My father would disown

me if that's how I came home.

And my mother would die.

And then come back to life, strangle me

in front of the neighbors,and die all over again.

At least you wouldn't be on Lemnos.

How are you doing?

There you go.

How are you feeling today?

Cooler.

His temperature's down this morning, so fingers

crossed he's on the mend.

He hasn't had any breakfast?

We've been busy.

Really?

We served it on our ward 20 minutes ago.

Typhoid patients need more thanjust sponge baths to regain

their strength, you know.

I'll just see to these.

I hope-- did you sleep?

A little.

Been dreaming.

Do you remember the last time we were together

before I went to Gallipoli?

Groppi's Cafe.

You had rock cakes.

HARRY MOFFITT: Yes.

Do you remember how I said this campaign

would be a chance for Australiato make a name for itself?

One day the pommy Colonelcame into our trenches.

He asked my CO if I'd lend my platoon

to mix in with his troops.

He wanted to buck up his men, you see.

Give them courage.

Because one Anzac is worth a dozen Tommies.

You didn't tell me that story in your letters.

No.

Lots I didn't write to you about.

What else?

HARRY MOFFITT: A story I heardabout two stretcher bearers.

Found a Turk behind their lines.

They took his rifle and madehim lie down on the ground,

and one sat on his chest whilethe other one slit his throat.

You were right, Alice.

We're not going to win this thing.

This whole campaign is just awaste of time, effort, lives

Yes, but as you said, peopleback home know about Gallipoli.

Perhaps it won't be all for nothing.

Perhaps.

Did you think about otherthings while you were there?

Happier things?

Poetry, songs, punch lines of jokes.

Here you go, love.

There is custard in Cairo.

Shouldn't you be getting back to your own ward,

Sister Ross-King?

I'll come back.

ELSIE COOK: Just slow.

That's it.

I need to sit.

Just a couple more.

I need to sit now, dammit!

I'm sorry.

There's no proper convalescent care.

They're all crammed in together.

He is making progress, though.

ELSIE COOK [ON PHONE]: Well, his speech still

gets tangled up now and then.

I just wish he could get more attention.

The MO said that with head wounds,

most recovery happenswithin the first few weeks.

How's Harry?

Not strong, physically.

And his spirits are low.

If you're really worried aboutSid, insist on better care.

I can't ask any more favors around here.

They're sick of the sight of me already.

Well then have them get rid of you both.

How's the headache?

Much the same.

Carry on.

Captain Perrin?

I think-- I think Captain Cookshould be sent to England.

Do you indeed?

He needs a proper convalescent hospital.

Places are limited.

The medical board don't take just anyone.

Captain Perrin--

Sister Cook, I've made myself clear.

But I haven't.

My husband isn't just anyone.

He's the son of the honorable Joseph Cook.

Former prime minister of Australia,

and current member of HisMajesty's Privy Council.

I fail to see what difference that makes.

Mr. Cook is a greatsupporter of the war effort,

and he'd be most unhappy tothink that the AIF he helped

establish was in any way remissin its duty of care to his son.

He might even find cause tocomplain to the imperial CMO.

Conversely he'd be inclined topraise those who helped him.

There's a ship sailing for England a few days.

I'll talk to the medical board.

Thank you.

I imagine you think I'm queue jumping.

But I wish every one of thesemen had someone here to special

them.

To put their best interests first.

I'm sure they do, too.

ELSIE COOK: Might I be attachedto the hospital ship that will

convey my husband to England?

I'm afraid that won't be possible.

Miss Oram--

If the rumors of our withdrawal

from Gallipoli are true-- andI don't say that they are--

but if they are, we could wellbe facing an influx of wounded.

The arrangement was that youwould work here at number 19

while your husband was here.

As he is leaving us, I am sure Miss

Gould will be delightedto see you back in Cairo.

And we'll be delighted to see you go.

I need a new bed.

Every second night it breaks.

If I had one spare, sister.

I have some spare wood.

I'll be taking that for next time.

You're doubting my handiwork?

Just need to reinforce the legs.

That's fine, Private Dooley.

You can go.

Have you tried your horse flesh yet?

No.

The ants got to it.

Afternoon, Matron.

Kind of Fiaschi.

Did you know there are hot springs on Lemnos?

Marble floors, crystal clear water.

Who would have thought this funny old island

had a spa hidden away?

Don't let me keep you.

Poppy's baksheesh.

Oh.

Oh, Poppy.

Did you hear we've taken Achi Baba?

Oh, again?

My father sends me clippings from home.

The papers make it out like we're taking

this, that, and the other.

They have no idea what's really going on.

It's balderdash.

OLIVE HAYNES: This bloaterpaste is heaven sent.

Baksheesh from the Aragon?

No, actually it's from the New Zealand nurses.

You want baksheesh go to the village.

I pinched a dozen figs last week.

Is the Aragon that fancyboat everyone talks about?

Apparently they get fillet steak sent

him from Fortnum and Mason.

Well, we can't have themworking on empty stomachs,

can we?

OLIVE HAYNES: You know, I hear they

all caught venereal disease,the officers on the Aragon.

Sister Haynes.

- Really? - Yes.

Covered in sores from head to toe.

He's not an officer.

He shouldn't be here.

I didn't invite him.

He must have heard from the MOs.

OLIVE HAYNES: He still keen on you.

You shouldn't tease him.

Is that true?

About the Aragon officers having VD?

No.

Oh!

OLIVE HAYNES [VOICEOVER]: Dear Alice.

It seems winter is well and truly on his way.

[thunder]

I hope Hilda is knitting up a storm

as the boys on the peninsula will

see me knitting all the socksand vests she can produce.

We're rubbing along pretty well here.

I was concerned for a bitthat Clarice, Sister Daley,

had a thing for a ratherunsuitable bloke from the Light

Horse, but it's all onhis side, so he will just

have to lump it, poor chap.

Yes, we've become a very close band of brothers--

that is, sisters--

we Lemnosites.

Temperature's gone up slightly.

Have you been having night sweats?

A few.

Well, let me know if they're worse,

and I'll get the MO to have a look at you.

HARRY MOFFITT: Thank you, sister.

Hello there.

That girl's got hands like turnips.

I thought she was going tobreak the thermometer the way

she was brandishing it.

She seems quite competent to me.

You don't see the things I do.

I'm actually not at all happy with her care.

They're fine.

With typhoid it'simportant to get fresh air.

That clod's got you tucked in so tight.

I'm quite comfortable.

I have a good mind speakto Miss Gould about it.

HARRY MOFFITT: Why would you do that?

I bet you she hasn't evenbeen putting alum in the water

for your sponge bath.

Alice, stop it.

What is this nonsense?

Concern for you.

Well it's making me worse.

I'm just trying to help.

I need peace and quiet, not you having

some sort of queer tantrum.

I just need you to--

What?

What do you need?

Nothing.

Sir.

Get the CO onto your quartermaster

about any spare beds or stretchers?

Yes.

It seems we may well be needing them.

Yes.

Especially [inaudible].

There you go.

I don't know if you have a batman on the ship,

so remember I've put yourtoothpaste in the side pocket.

I'm going to England?

That's right.

Sorry.

I'm afraid I'm still a little slow up top.

You'll be fine.

England will make you fine.

But you won't be there.

We'll see each other again just

as soon as I can organize it.

I'm full of plots and plans, don't you worry.

Come on, Captain Cook.

The Endeavor awaits you.

OLIVE HAYNES [VOICEOVER]: Dear Poppy.

I guess you haven't had muchtime to acquaint yourself

with Egypt, as I've heardthat you and your hospital

are off to Salonika.

Mind every second day we hear we've

taken Achi Baba or Hill 971,and I've given up trying

to separate fact from rumor.

Fly season is over, thankfully,but apparently we're

in for some very cold weather.

Wherever you're you going, Ihope the company is every bit

as interesting as the scorpions, moles,

spiders and snakes that have made life on Lemnos

so enchanting.

We ought to tell Olive about that nougat

that we had in Alexandria.

What is that thing?

MAN: They're targeting us!

[screaming]

[explosion]

CLARICE DALEY: Germany's committed a war crime.

Attacking a hospital ship?

The Marquette was atroop ship, Sister Daley.

British command hadn't made provision

for the New Zealand Army,so they had to travel

on a military transport.

With the troops? The munitions?

The Germans were within theirrights to target the Marquette.

As terrible as that is for us.

How many nurses drowned?

- 10. - 10?

How many were on board?

GRACE WILSON: 36.

Poppy and Lorna.

Do we know?

Survivors are being taken to Egypt.

I don't know who we've lost.

But I'll understand if some of you

feel they need to take 24 hours off.

10 nurses.

10 of us.

That's a whole 10, just gone.

I can imagine what those lamebrained officers are saying.

That we're too weak.

But I bet those nurses werehelping men onto lifeboats

right until the end.

[sobbing]

GRACE WILSON: Sister Haynes?

Olive?

Can I bring you anything?

I don't want you getting sick again.

OLIVE HAYNES: No, I'm fine.

Thank you, Matron.

POPPY [VOICEOVER]: Dear Olive.

Please don't worry your kind heart about me.

I'm all right.

It was an appalling experience,and the saddest day of my life,

too.

Lorna and I kept together, butshe was not as strong as I am,

and she simply couldn't do it.

But it is all over now.

I just feel a bit different, somehow.

I'll go softlier and sadlierall my days, I think.

But these are sad andserious times, are they not?

Thought I might find you up here.

Oh?

I was at number one the other day.

I saw you.

You seemed upset.

I hope your friend LieutenantMoffitt hasn't relapsed.

No.

He's getting better.

Alice, forgive my presumption.

Are you and he engaged?

Do you have an understanding?

No.

Perhaps.

Oh, I don't know.

What do you know of Lieutenant Moffitt?

He's from a small town near Melbourne.

He's an accountant.

What of his connections?

His family?

What did his father do?

I think he's a draper.

I think-- I know Harry's a good man.

I'm sure he is.

But is he the right man for you?

Oh, I don't know.

Alice, you rememberbefore the campaign began,

I advised you not to rushinto attachments made in war.

Is this unknown young man whatyour mother would want for you?

She'd want me to be happy.

Of course.

She'd also want you to be secure.

Taken care of.

I'm not much of a romantic herobut I have other qualities.

I have a medical practice in London.

I have a good income, a house.

My family can trace its historyto William the Conqueror.

Can Lieutenant Moffitt offer you that?

If he's not speaking plainly, then I shall.

I love you, Alice.

Very sincerely.

You don't find me repulsive, do you?

No.

I like you very much.

Then marry me.

Marry me. I'll take care of you.

I need to think.

Of course.

Take all the time you need.

HARRY MOFFIT [VOICEOVER]:A book of verses

underneath the bough, a jugof wine, a loaf of bread,

and thou.

It's good to see you outside.

Convalescence established?

His fever is gone, and the rash.

Sister Martin, can I have a moment alone

with Lieutenant Moffitt?

Just make sure he doesn't get cold.

I'm sorry about the other day.

It's fine I was tired, too.

Harry, what are your feelings to me?

What do you mean?

I need to know how you feel about me.

I told you the very firstI saw you in the hospital

how happy I was to see you.

- Happy to see me. - Yes.

Harry, I've had a--

I have my future to think about.

Well, you have a decision to make Alice.

I won't play games.

You're doing it again.

Why don't you just tell me how you feel?

- But I have. - When?

My letters.

Your letters?

They were filled with landscapes and sunsets.

How much do you love the sunsets.

Nothing about me.

That is how I feel about you.

Whenever I enjoysomething, I think of you.

Only you.

Just don't go on about it.

Perhaps I should've made that clearer.

A book of verses underneathabout the bough, a jug of wine,

a loaf of bread, and thou besideme singing in the wilderness

were paradise enow.

That's how I feel about you, Alice.

The whole bang world's a paradise to me,

because you're in it.

But if there is someone else.

I don't-- I mean--

there isn't anyone else.

Great.

Right.

Bonzer.

We should get you inside.

Sister Martin's right.

It's important you don't get chilled.

[door knock]

ALICE ROSS-KING: Elsie!

I'm afraid you're back to sharing.

There's a war on.

We all have to make sacrifices.

ELSIE COOK: You've heard we might be

pulling out from the peninsula.

ALICE ROSS-KING: We've been clearing beds,

and no more letters are beingaccepted for Anzac Cove.

They've made it.

Syd and Harry.

They've made it through.

[clank]

[breaking ice]

[wind whistling]

[SHELLS EXPLODING IN THE DISTANCE]

MAN: Thank you, sister.

They're gettingfrostbite in the trenches.

It's too awful.

I need a basin of warm water, no hotter

than we're 104 degrees.

Thanks for the bonzer tea, sister.

Corporal Keogh!

I didn't recognize you withyour swank new hairstyle.

I didn't want to bring thelice back with me, did I?

Well, you're with me now.

I'll look after you.

Sister, am I going to lose my feet?

Where's that water?

Sister?

You need to prep him.

I was thinking I could special him, Matron.

I know we don't see muchfrostbite in Australia--

I just need a basin of warm water.

We need to prep him for surgery.

Now.

We froze out there, sister.

I passed a sentry frozento death at his post, still

standing.

You dear brave boys.

What will I be doing now, eh?

Whether I make it or not, I'm a cripple?

Don't be foolish.

You're going to go home a war hero.

And with a da like yours,no one would think to mind.

Your voice, sister.

It's a touch of home.

MAN: You make me so happy, Clarice.

Excuse me.

How could you be so foolish?

Olive.

Do you want to be sent home in disgrace?

You know what happened to Florence.

Sergeant Lawrence has asked me to marry him.

And what did you tell him?

I said yes.

Oh, Clarice.

You don't love him.

They'll make you resign.

You better go and break it offnow before he tells anyone.

Olive, I'm going toEngland and getting married.

That's it.

But your parents.

He's a wastrel.

I'd sooner face theirdisapproval then spend one more

day on this wretched island.

I have frost nip on three toes.

That is nothing compared to the boys in A ward.

They'll get a medal for valor.

What about us?

I don't know if I can endure it without you.

CLARICE DALEY: Well, You can go, too.

Go home on a transport, get invalided to England

and marry Major Sherwin.

Take your pick.

Why are you so determined to stay?

[sobbing]

GRACE WILSON: Olive?

What's wrong?

[sobbing]

Why you poor thing.

Come here.

Here you go.

They treat us like dirt.

The brass don't care.

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.

My hair is revolting.

I haven't received a singleletter from Australia.

I'm so sorry, Matron.

You've lost your brother, Ihave no right to complain.

He was shot by a sniper, you know.

He probably didn't even know what hit him.

That's one comfort I can take from his death,

that he fell in action.

Not everyone gets that option.

Some get here in incrediblepain and endure hours of agony

before being seen to.

Suffering is suffering, whetherit's from a lice infested

trench or a leaky tent.

Your miserable.

All right?

It's all right.

But there are still men thatneed your help, if you've

got strength to keep going.

[sobbing]

[snipping]

Matron!

Matron.

Matron, it's Colonel Fiaschi.

[gasping]

Beriberi.

If he stays I doubt he'llmake it through winter.

Colonel?

You've contracted severe beriberi.

I must send you to Egypt where at least you

stand a chance of recuperating.

You have worked yourself to the bone,

and it hasn't been for nothing.

You set the highest exampleof discipline and fortitude

for our unit.

But everyone has a limit, even you.

Please don't lose sight of the bigger picture.

Good.

[applause]

SISTER: Congratulations, Clarice.

[interposing voices]

SISTER: Travel safe, Clarice.

And good luck. - Hip-hip.

ALL: Hooray!

Hip-hip.

ALL: Hooray!

[applause]

Oh, to be in love.

You've reached one yearsactive service, Sister Haynes.

You could apply to go home, too.

Yes.

I think one years serviceis enough for anybody.

But I'm one of the stronger ones.

It would be a waste.

And modest, too.

Three cheers and a tiger for Sister Haynes.

ALL: Hip-hip-hip hurrah!

One years service, for king and country.

And many happy returns.

Not on this island, Banks.

Some baksheesh from the Aragon?

You know, I've heard that they've all got VD.

How scandalous.

[bugle playing]

Mail, Olive.

There's never any for me.

Quite a bit came through today.

Thought I might have seen Haynes amongst it.

[laughter]

Alice.

Writing to see how my holiday has been.

ALICE ROSS-KING [VOICEOVER]:Dear Olive, I do hope

you're keeping warm and well.

You know, it seems I owe you an apology.

The other day a patient overheard

me talking about the so-calledLucky Nurses of Lemnos.

Another one from Lemnos.

Most of these officers are from Lemnos.

I wonder why the nursesthere couldn't handle them?

We're getting the worst cases after all.

The island life must have slowed them down.

Excuse me, nurse.

Could I have a word.

Wonder what I've done?

Right now.

Yes, Colonel.

Let me tell you somethingabout the nurses on Lemnos.

He said that if we came withincooee of Lemnos's sisters

we'd have to look to our laurelson account of the fine service

you're all doing.

He also spoke very favorably ofMiss Wilson, and the noble way

she carried out her duties.

It's clear he credits thesuccess of your hospital

largely to theprofessionalism of the nurses,

and said as much to the restof the officers in the ward.

Matron?

Good morning, Sister Haynes.

What have you got there?

Dear Olive--

[muttering]

Colonel Fiaschi.

[muttering]

Well, we've certainly had more adventures

than most other hospitals.

You're a real trooper, Olive.

That's just a polite way of saying I'm bossy.

[MUSIC - "OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL"]

Merry Christmas, everyone.

[applause]

Merry Christmas, Private.

It's good to sleep in a bed again.

Thanks, Sister.

Jimmy.

How are the eyes?

Good as new.

I'm rejoining my regimentin a couple of days.

Heading to France.

Well, you be careful, now.

No sharing towels.

I've learned my lesson, don't you worry.

Will you excuse me?

Hello. - Hello.

Oh, sorry this is my friend Major John Prior.

Major Prior, this is Alice,Sister Alice Ross-King.

Lovely to meet you, Major.

And you too, Sister.

In the flesh.

Major Prior heads up the first field bakery.

He's a good man to know.

Speaking of which, I'd better see

how the Christmas puds myblokes have been slaving over

are traveling.

Sister.

[music - "good king wenceslas"]

Happy Christmas.

I had them made in the bazaar.

Thank you, they're lovely.

Lovely.

I'm sorry, Alice.

I haven't got you anything.

Doesn't matter, Harry.

I have everything I want.

Season's greetings, Lieutenant.

And to you, Private.

Now I know it's not mistletoe,but we're not at home.

And needs as must do orwhatever my mum used to say.

Thank you, Private, that will do.

Oh, go on, sir.

No one's going to mind. It's Christmas.

[cheering and whistling]

On your way, thank you.

[horn blowing]

G'day, sisters.

Did you hear?

We bluffed the Turks good and proper.

We got out of Gallipoli without a man down.

I know.

We had wards for up to 2000 casualties prepped,

but-- hello, Sister.

Sister Cook.

Sister Ross-King.

One chap told us that hisbattalion left their mess table

in a trench with a notethat said Dear Johnny Turk,

you are a fair fighter, but we don't

like the company you keep.

I have such wonderful reportof you both from the Sicilians.

Hilda!

[music playing]

PHOTOGRAPHER: Right, ladies.

Ready.

[click]

Thank you. - Is it?

PHOTOGRAPHER: That's all.

Thank you.

Could you please take one with mine?

Go, go, go.

Big smile.

ALICE ROSS-KING: Miss Wilson, come back.

Come on.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Big smile.

Very nice.

Thank you.

Olive?

You can take electric lightsfor granted, but after Lemnos

I never shall.

And the bathrooms.

You just turn on the tap and hot water comes out.

It's the simple things.

So, whither next, ladies?

I imagine France.

It's something of a hot spot.

So as long as there are electric lights,

I'll go anywhere.

- Oh my God. - What?

Syd's been declared unfit for all service.

He's being sent away forthree months to recuperate.

Sent where?

Home.

[interposing voices]

It seems another nurse isneeded on the next transport

to Australia.

ELSIE COOK: When does it sail?

Tomorrow.

That's wonderful.

I'd like to be consideredfor the position, please,

Well, it's tough nursing.

Chronic VD sufferers,dipsomaniacs, mental cases.

I don't mind.

- Good. - Thank you, Miss Gould.

- We'll miss you. - I'll be back.

I remember how ill you were on the voyage over.

Chewing cloves is supposedto ward off seasickness.

Oh, thank you, Hilda.

And once Syd's well, thisis for your voyage back.

What are you doing?

I'm coming to Alexandriaovernight to see you.

Alice, it's your day off.

You should stay here and sleep.

Not catch a train to Alexandria and back.

As you say, it's my day offand I shall spend it as I like.

Now where's Olive got to?

Here!

It was right at the back of the store's cupboard,

but I couldn't have you leavewithout these most essential

piece of nurse's equipment.

This too, s'il vou plait.

Thank you.

Take care.

Bye, Elsie.

I'll see you in France.

This is us, Sargent.

Sister Elsie Cook reporting for duty.

I'm assigned to the mental cases ward.

You're married.

Yes.

Isn't it the rule of theAustralian Army nursing service

that members have got to be single?

Or widows.

Yes, but under the circumstances

that rule has been overlooked.

The circumstances here? In Egypt?

Yes.

Well that contravention of standing orders

won't be allowed in Australia.

But when you get there thearmy will expect its rules

to be followed to the letter.

So you'll be dismissed. - What?

- Dismissed?- Soon as you dock in Sydney.

I still want to serve.

Well, I suppose if youdon't go back to Australia

then the status quo can remain.

But if you do sail, that's it.

There'll be no returning overseas.

All those not sailing, off the ship now.

All those not sailing,off the ship immediately.

What do I do?

I don't know.

If you go home, you'll be with Syd.

You'll be happy to give him proper care.

Once he's recovered they'llsend him back to the war,

and I'll have to stay behind in Australia.

Maybe the war will be over by then.

I'm so sorry.

Don't be.

Give my love to Syd.

And mine to Harry.

Well.

Hooroo, Sister Ross-King.

Hooroo, Sister Cook.

HARRY MOFFITT: Where do you imagine

living once the war's over?

Where do you want to seek your fortune?

Melbourne, I suppose.

Or Perth.

Sydney, Washington.

Anywhere.

Tierra Del Fuego?

Anywhere.

Well, rock cakes.

Fancy that.

My dashing lieutenant of the open mouth.

Give that thing here.

Would you like me totake one of you together?

Yes, thank you Sister Steele.

What do I do?

Press that button down there.

Well, I must be off.

Oh no, Hilda.

Oh, no, no.

I-- I need some wool fora vest that I'm knitting.

Will I'll see you back at the lodge?

Yes.

What a glorious--

What?

I was going to mention the sunset,

but I can talk about you if you'd like.

Oh, well.

It is a very beautiful sunset.

It is.

It is the most beautifulsunset that I have ever seen.

After the war when we're married,

I'll give you a dress that color.

Married?

Are you going to marry me Harry Loewy Moffitt?

If you'll marry me, Alice Ross-King.

Nursing staff of number one AGH ready for duty.

I'm afraid number one isn't ready in return.

Here we go again.

But high command havedecided that until we're open,

you are to be deployed at British number 11.

Is this your idea of a joke?

I beg your pardon?

You call yourself a military nurse.

You're slatterns the lot ofyou, lowering the standards

of our profession. - That's quite enough.

Everyone's talking ofan offensive east of here.

Someplace called the Sun Valley.

The wounded are from British as

well as Australian divisions.

Many have been lying in no man's land for days.

Expect gunshot wounds,shrapnel, tetanus and gangrene.

I've got a telegram from Harry.

He's in France heading to the front,

and he's going to pass through Rouen.

I'm going to see Harry today.- Dooley?

Sister Haynes.

You remember me.

Of course I do.

You do now concede that Dooley likes you?

Possibly, but--

And you like him too?

Whatever my feelings this isn't the time

for that sort of thing.

Next Tuesday is April 25th, a year

since the Gallipoli landing.

[music playing]