During the 1918 reverses suffered by the Turks on various fronts large
numbers of mules were captured and sent to the veterinary bases to be
reconditioned, sorted, and shod, for issue to various units in need of
them. It was no mean feat to handle and shoe the worst-tempered brutes
in the world. They had been made perfect demons through privation.
"Ninty," a shoeing-smith (late of Grange Road, Bermondsey), was laid
out and savaged by a mule, and carried off to hospital. At night his
bosom pal goes over to see how his "old china" is going on.
"'Ow are ye, Ninty?"
"Blimey, Ted, nineteen stitches in me figh an' five in me ribs.
Ted--wot d'ye reckon they done it wiv? A sewin' machine?"--_A. C.
Weekley (late Farrier Staff Sergeant, 20th Veterinary Hospital,
Abbassair), 70 Denbigh Road, East Ham, E.6._