Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Stretcher Bearer's Heroism.

Mrs. H. J. Scoones, Church street, Red Hill, Brisbane, has received the following letter from Private H. Buchanan, written from Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli: —

"Dear Mrs. Scoones, — I am sure you must think we are rather a poor lot for not writing to you before this giving you a few details of your son George's death. It is only a few weeks since we had permission to do anything of the kind, so I hope you will forgive us for our neglect. The first thing I am able to say is that your son died a hero. I was with him at the time he was wounded, also when he passed away. You have lost a good son, and we a brave comrade. His duty was always first with him. He gave his life for his King and country, a death that we must all be prepared to die. At the time he was wounded he and myself were on our way across an open patch to attend a wounded man. When about half way across we came to a very dangerous spot. A Turkish machine gun started to play over our heads, and I called out, 'Down, Scoones,' both of us lying on our stomachs. We remained there about half a minute, until the gun ceased. Up we got again, and had just started to run, when they opened on us again. They had been waiting for us. However, we kept on going, and it was useless to get down again. When almost to safety I heard a groan, and saw George stumble and fall. I lifted him up and carried him to safety. I at once examined his wounds and did all that was possible for him. I knew he was badly wounded, and that his only chance was to get him to a medical officer. I was between two fixes. I knew that to remove him was to do his injuries no good. I also knew that his case was hopeless unless he was immediately operated on. He said, 'What are you going to do with me?' I said, 'You will have to be taken back the way we came.' He would not hear of me risking my life across the open patch, but I had my duty to do, so after waiting a few minutes until the firing eased off a bit I picked him up, and started back. When the Turks saw me carrying a wounded man they never attempted to interfere. However, I managed to get George back to the doctor (Captain Butler), who did all that was in his power, but George lapsed into unconsciousness shortly after and passed away quietly. His last words to me were to thank me for all that I had done for him. His words were: 'Thank you, old chap; 'you did your best, but I don't like my chance.' I tried to put heart into him, but he said, 'It's no good, they got me this time.' His eyes opened soon afterwards again, and he seemed as if he wanted to say something. It was too late, however, and he passed away. I think, in writing to you, I am fulfilling an unspoken request. He is buried in our little cemetery, where we have erected a cross over his grave. I have taken a photo of it, and will send you a copy first opportunity. I am unable to say, any more. All my comrades wish me to express their deepest sympathy with you. That you may be able to bear up in your hours of grief is the wish of us all." - from the Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser 26 Nov 1915 (nla.gov.au)