"There were remarkably few men suffering from bullet wounds, most of those who came under our notice being injured by shell and shrapnel. In few cases did we find it necessary to perform amputation. This was due chiefly, however, to the improved methods of treatment of compound fractures and the better antiseptic method employed.

"We had some German wounded in hospital, and they too displayed remarkable fortitude. Our Tommies and the Germans were splendid pals, but the two types are absolutely dissimilar in every respect. The German is a quiet, docile sort of individual altogether unlike the Tommies, who were always cheerful and full of fun.

"The trenches were close enough and the Tommys and Germans would indulge in some good natured badinage. The Germans too rigged a target for the Tommies. During the lulls in battle the Tommies' voices could be heard singing 'It's a long way from Tipperary' and a little later some in the German trenches would take up the strain with mouth organs and concertinas, the men joining in the chorus, the words of which, of course they improvised."

Dr Russell said the retreat of the British Army from Mons would go down in history as one of the finest feats in the annals of the British army.

"One or two of the officers had lost their reason due to lack of rest and sleep.

"The men suffered intensely and whenever the army in its retreat was compelled to temporarily halt, owing, perhaps to a block in the road, the men would fall down on the road and in a second almost they were sound asleep. It mattered not that shells and shot were falling thick amongst them."