St. Dunstan's Hospital near Brighton, England, and Hongkong may appear a far cry, but at the moment there is a very close interest between the two for one of the patients in the hospital is P. Ben Courtney, of the Ist Batt. The Middlesex Regiment, and well known footballer in Hongkong. He will be remembered in general sporting circles in Hongkong as well as in his own Regiment, wherever it may be at present, from his popularity on the football field and hockey circles. In either game he was a utility man capable of putting up a good show in any position but his favourite position was in the half back line. He several times represented Hongkong in League and Interport representative games and his Regin.ent in its intercompany sports.
But last February he was the victim of an accident, while on duty, when a lorry overturned and he suffered a perforated eyeball and other eye injuries. His Regimental M. O. and also a civilian specialist in Honkong diagnosed the need for an operation and Courtney was sent home.
Here is his own story—"left Hongkong feeling very sad and depressed for the doctors had warned me of losing my sight in both eyes. "What a home going. I had visions of a long and dreary stay at a military hospital and many other thoughts of a useless future. After a brief stay at Metley I was sent to St, Dunstan's, I never thought I should have been sent to such a fine place and I would like the fellows out there (Hongkong) to know I am being so well looked after. They have operated and there are hopes of my being double-sighted once more."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.