Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/158

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138
ADVICE TO OFFICERS

time, some direct, some oblique, and some retrograde, and all at a rapid pace, a sharp look out is necessary to prevent losing one's regiment; for, if once separated from it, it is no easy matter to find it again.

11. POSITION OF SURGEONS.—During a general action, the position of the medical officers is immediately in rear of their regiments, far enough away to be beyond the reach of round shot, and yet near enough to see the last graze.

The surgeons of brigades generally unite, and establish a joint hospital in rear of the centre regiment, thus affording the very great advantage of mutual advice and assistance. Should the line advance, the surgeons advance with it; should it fall back, they fall back accordingly; should the rear be threatened, they must advance to the column; or should the brigade be broken, they must take shelter under the nearest regiment, or in the field hospital; for no guard is allowed to regimental hospitals, further than the band boys. Most operations are performed on the spot, either with or without chloroform. Wounded men, of all arms, that come their way, are to be attended to as ready as those of their own brigade, even the wounded men of the enemy. During the Punjaub campaign, wounded Seiks were to be found in most hospitals, receiving the same care as our own soldiers. It must be borne