PREOCCUPATION AND SHELLS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."'
Srn,—Most of us must admit that " C. F." is right in saying that pre- occupation is one of the greatest factors in banishing fear. An experience of mine, which is common to many out here, makes mo believe it. We wore heavily shelled in a battery some time ago and men wore killed and wounded. I felt the greatest reluctance to enter the danger area whore my duty as M.O. took me. I was aware of every shell arriving either near or far, and must admit know only too well what fear was. For about ten minutes I was busy dressing an officer who was wounded in the head, and as far as I remember no shells came dangerously near. The next day a sergeant who was in a dug-out told me a largo shell burst ton yards away, and my patient and I had a narrow escape. The strange part is that to this day I cann of remember that shell, which ai any other time would have caused me grave consternation. This, surely, is explained by the condition of mind at the time ; ono of con- centration on a particular job.—I am, Sir, &c., G. F. H. B.E.F., France.
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