We have had an exciting day as the Prince Alexandra of Serbia was
expected to see our Field Hospital. He and his suite arrived on
horseback. The Prince is the most delightful man, so very friendly and
easy to get on with. Mrs. Stobart presented me. He was much interested
in the kitchen departments, and shook hands with me three times. He
seemed delighted and interested in all the hospitals. A Field Hospital
seems quite a novelty out here. I talked to his horse, a charming
creature called "Sugar."
Dr. May returns to London to-morrow to bring out new equipments, as we
are to have six more Dispensaries and a Civil Hospital. I have been
doing out lists for new stores all morning.
I am having a lovely Serbian dress given me. I made some good Serbian
cheese to-day; it is quite easy to make and it is really nice. I wish
friends would send me newspapers; they would be very welcome. I picked
up a cannon ball and horseshoe to add to my treasures. We had another
bad storm; the rain drops are as large as a 2_s._ piece. It is really
amusing when it gets windy as every one rushes to their tent to
tighten their guy ropes, and when it has been raining some little time
they have to be loosened. In the night it is not so pleasant turning
out of a nice comfortable bed. But for all this camp life is very
delightful.
The Serbians have been at war for the last four years. They fought
first against Turkey, then against Bulgaria, and twice against
Austria-Hungary.
Valievo was in the hands of the Austrians at the beginning of
December, 1914. Then the Austrians captured Belgrade where they
remained for thirteen days. On December 15 Belgrade was recaptured by
the Serbians. Of the army of 300,000 who crossed the Save River,
nearly half was put out of action. More than 41,500 prisoners were
taken together with 133 guns, 71 maxims, 386 ammunition wagons, 3,350
transport wagons, and more than 3,250 horses and oxen. The dead and
wounded Austro-Hungarians left on the battlefield exceeded 60,000.