Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of Thomas Henry TILTON and Mabel nee MARK
Of Winchelsea, Vic.

Trained at Launceston General Hospital

Did not marry

"THE GREY BATTALION." by May Tilton
published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney;
310 pages, 6/-.

Australians everywhere owe a good deal to Messrs. Angus and Robertson for the special manner in
which they are producing books of real Australian interest. Their books on the war, from various
angles, have captivated the real reading public, and now comes another very excellent book, telling
of the war from the pen of a hospital sister.

Field-Marhal Sir W. R. Birdwood, popularly known among the Australians as "Birdie," in his foreword, says:-"I have read with great interest Miss Tilton's vivid description of her war reminiscences. " They
recall to memory recollections of the" devotion to duty shown by our Army Nursing Service
throughout many different theatres of war - a devotion that, sustained and uplifted our men
through many dark and difficult days. It carries through its pages a sense of privilege felt at being
able to give such splendid support to our men -a sense which, in spite of hardship endured, enabled Miss Tilton and those associated with her to carry on with courage to the end, and gain experiences which I know they are proud to remember. I feel sure this book will make a wide appeal to numerous readers, and I wish It every success."

The backbone of this narrative, as readers will have already gathered, is the diary of an Australian Army Sister during the war, from August, 1915, to the end. Miss Tilton served in Egypt, England, France, and Flanders.

Miss Tilton was well equipped for the work she undertook, and did so well. She had served in a general hospital for five years, and well understood the necessity for care and attention. Her tender heart and her fine character, two "very essential features in a good nurse, won her the respect and affection of all who came under her care. Referring to the first 20,000 who left Australia for the front, she writes:-"A feeling of thankfulness filled my heart that I was free to offer my services and follow these men."

That spirit pulsates through every page of this narrative, which is told in the true conversational style which carries the reader forward with ever increasing interest. Through Sister Tilton's eyes the reader sees the war and the troops not only from a different, but from a very interesting angle, where in are seen the cheerfulness, the humor, the endurance, the unselfishness, as well as the heroism and the agony, which the Australian troops went through.

In addition, we get an unconscious portrait of an Australian Nursing Sister of whom all Australians may well be proud. One of the best books which the war has produced from the Australian standpoint.

The World's News Wednesday 03 January 1934 page 35