PREVIOUS - DECEMBER 1914


CROWN COPYRIGHT: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WO95/3988

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JANUARY 1915

No entries in the original for 1st, 2nd and 3rd January

04.01.15
Abbeville
Left Abbeville early for Boulogne in order to meet Miss Sydney Browne RRC., Matron-in-Chief TFNS who was arriving with gifts from Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, with gifts for the Territorial Nursing Staff. Instructions were sent from the War Office requesting that every facility should be given.
After going to the ADMS office, I sent the telegram to HQ notifying the arrival of Her Majesty’s gifts for the Regular Service which had been returned from GHQ in error instead of forwarding them to Boulogne as instructed. Arranged for an Ambulance to be at the steamer to convey the gifts to the Hotel. Miss Barbier and I with the car met Miss Browne and conveyed her to the Hotel where a room had been taken for her.
Miss Wilson RRC and Miss Beadsmore Smith RRC came to dinner and Miss Browne had quite a reception from many Territorial Nurses who were staying at the hotel and doing duty at 13 Stationary Hospital.

05.01.15
Boulogne
The Red Cross kindly arranged to place a car at Miss Sydney Browne’s disposal during her visit: thus enabling her to visit the various hospitals where TFNS Sisters are stationed in the most comfortable manner. I spent the morning arranging about the gifts and giving Miss Browne a correct nominal roll. She left. Miss Barbier began visiting the hospitals in Boulogne, while I went to the Rawal Pindi Hospital, where more Nursing Sisters were required (4 ) and where I arranged 2 from 11 General and 2 from 13 General Hospitals should join.
In the afternoon visited 14 General Hospital and visited the Sick Sisters, all of whom were progressing favourably. Visited No.12 Ambulance Train and saw the OC as well as Miss Allen QAIMNS the Sister in charge. The train is now in good working order and everything is going satisfactorily. Went to the RTO and arranged about the Sisters who were to arrive the next day leaving by train for Le Treport, Rouen and Havre where nurses are now needed.

06.01.15
Before leaving for Abbeville, visited ADMS office and left instructions about the Sisters arriving in the afternoon. Miss Barbier going to meet them as usual and see them off in the morning, rooms having been taken for them in the Hotel. After that was done, arranged that Miss Barbier should accompany Miss Browne and remain with her until her departure for London. She is expecting to remain in France a week or 10 days at least.
Went to 7 Stationary Hospital where I saw the Matron and the OC in charge about the shortage of orderlies, which is being felt in consequence of the beds for officers being largely increased. This I said I would mention but that it was important that the Commanding Officer should report officially on the matter to ADMS and ask that this recommendation might be forwarded to DMS.
Arrived at Abbeville 1pm. Found many letters receiving attention. Instructions were sent by despatch rider to Havre about Her Majesty’s gifts asking that Miss Richards should distributed them at that base and that she should then come with them to Rouen where I shall meet her.

07.01.15
Abbeville
Wrote officially to the DMS asking that I might have a Principal Matron attached to this office as well as Miss Barbier my secretary in consequence of the increased amount of work to enable me to make the necessary inspections and also so that the office should never be left without a representative. This I asked might be sent to the War Office for approval and sanction. Made a summary of the work done since the beginning of war for transmission to the War Office for the Nursing Board.
In consequence of receiving a telegram from GHQ arranged for 2 nurses from Boulogne to St. Omer for duty at 10 Stationary Hospital where work was increasing daily.
Went over Section B, 5 Stationary Hospital which has just been opened here in a fine building; solid, well built house capable of accommodating 120 patients, Major Meadows in charge, Miss Fox and 3 Reserves comprising the nursing staff which is ample for present needs. The Hospital was getting well into order – supplied with bathrooms, lavatory accommodation and lighted with gas. A well lighted room surrounded with many windows is being converted into the operating theatre – has a first rate floor and is being painted white throughout. One Sister is on night duty, the remainder on day. They are accommodated in comfortable billets where the messing is done, and where the charges are under 6 francs inclusive.

08.01.15
Wrote to Matron of 2 General Hospital asking for a confidential report on Miss N. Hunt at the completion of 1 month’s duty as Staff Nurse (a transfer from 12 General Hospital ). Busy all day answering letters and completing the nominal roll of hospitals.

09.01.15
Left at 8.30 for Rouen. In consequence of the bad roads did not arrive until mid-day.
Went to ADMS office immediately – lunch. Went to 12 General Hospital where things are still in a not entirely satisfactory condition. Went with the Matron first to the enteric division where they have been working very hard, but the nursing arrangements not quite satisfactory. Arranged that 1 Sister should be in charge of the division with a staff of 9 on day and 4 on night. The division at present consisting of 5 acute marques with 12 patients in each and 2 convalescent marques. Bell tents for duty tents have been provided and a shed where all bed pans and urinals are disinfected and kept in sheds till required.
There is a plentiful supply of all utensils and linen; Nurses and orderlies all while on duty wearing overalls. Certain points I noticed which needed attention and which will now be altered. The operating theatre, X-Ray room, and special ward for operations is now in a hut specially built for that purpose and which will, I am sure, prove entirely satisfactory.
2 Nursing Sisters – 1 Sister and 1 Staff Nurse are on duty here and I have arranged that while they prove satisfactory it is not admissible to move them, and that when emergency operations take place at night, the Sister and theatre orderly are to be called.
The camp, owing to the heavy rains, is still in a very muddy condition, but the marquees are boarded … and the installation of electric light all over the camp is almost completed.
Part of the Nursing Staff are now accommodated in a large wooden hut, the rooms being partitioned half-way up with canvas. A bell tent as a bathroom was being arranged for; a marquee for the Mess quite close to the kitchen was most comfortable looking and well kept. Rations are drawn and the expenses per head per month does not exceed £1. Lt.Col. Jameson officer in charge. Miss Cheetham, Matron, is working hard and doing her utmost in this very large and responsible charge - since my last visit the difficulties with the Nursing Sisters Reserve is overcome.

Then visited 10 General Hospital situated also on the Race Course, Lt.Col. Ballieu in charge, Miss Mark Matron. This like No.12 is entirely under canvas with the exception of the operating theatre, X-ray Room and special ward for operations. A set of marques are set apart for isolation lines. At the time of my visit only convalescent measles and scarlet fever were there not requiring Sisters. A marque and bell tent has been set apart lest it may be considered necessary [for] the Nursing Staff when they are needed. This is not done at 14 Stationary Hospital where infectious diseases of all kinds are nursed. There are only 4 nurses stationed at this Hospital specially trained in fever nursing who will be employed in these lines if they are required. I am ascertaining from all Matrons the names of those members of their staff who are specially trained: 1. In Fever Nursing 2. In Operating Theatre work 3. Who speak French fluently.
The arrangements for the Nursing Staff who are all under canvas is admirable – good Mess, the end set apart as a sitting room. A bell tent boarded and admirably arranged with a bath and a wash stand made out of a big packing case, provided with a large enamel basin where the staff can wash their hands. The Home Sister superintends the Nurses' tents and Mess and assists with the Red Cross stores also. Rations are drawn.
Miss Bills, who has recently joined No.2 Red Cross Officers' Hospital as Matron with the approval of the DG and the Commissioner, came to dinner. She told me of how she was managing and the many difficulties with which she had to contend, and I arranged to visit the Hospital before I left.

10.01.15
Rouen
Started early for the Race Course after going to the ADMS office where I met Colonel Barefoot, Sir Barclay Moynihan and the Red Cross Commissioner and arranged to have lunch with them after the Red Cross Hospital had been visited. Then went to 12 General to see Col. Jameson and then to 11 Stationary Hospital where Major McMunn is in charge and Miss Minns is Matron. This hospital is situated quite close to the Race Course at the Rifle Range, and where 11 Stationary Hospital and the Scottish Red Cross Hospital work side by side. This Hospital is admirably arranged in every particular. The marques are better planned than any I have seen, the marquees of each division being well arranged and communicating one with the other; boarded, well warmed and very shortly will be lighted by electric light. A good operating theatre, kitchen, hot and cold bath supply; good arrangements for drying patients’ clothes; a dining hall for patients nearly completed; a mortuary; the Nursing Sisters under canvas – the Mess in a wooden structure and all arrangements satisfactory and well managed for the comfort of the staff.

Returned to lunch where I met many interested in the Red Cross including the Commissioner Sir C. Thomson, Lord Robert Cecil, Honourable A. Stanley – they were all rather disturbed at the appointment of a QAIMNS as Matron at the Red Cross Officers’ Hospital. Mr. Stanley, who was returning immediately to London was going to discuss the matter with Sir A. Keogh, also the position of permitting the Red Cross nurses still employed by us to be kept until their contract had ended. And with the Matron-in-Chief he was going to discuss the question of the Red Cross opening a large building where our nurses might all be accommodated at a stated price per head, instead of being scattered about in many hotels – this arrangement would, I am sure, be an admirable one.
After lunch I went to No.5, 6 and 9 General Hospitals, all under canvas until the huts are completed, many of which will soon be ready for occupation. These hospitals are in a good position near pine woods and some of the tents have been struck in the middle of an apple orchard, which will be particularly beautiful in Spring. They are all boarded – heated by stoves and lighted by lamps. They are all well managed and everything going smoothly, No.6 being particularly good, having excellent arrangements for the comfort of the men and the Nursing Sisters. Everywhere the Matrons are well supplied with Red Cross things for the benefit of the patients.

11.01.15
Queen Alexandra’s gifts arrived. Telephoned for Miss Reid, the senior Matron, to come and help me distribute them, while I visited the Red Cross Officers’ Hospital where I found Miss Bills arrival was unexpected and not welcome. She, with the late Matron Miss Grey who is still there, took me round the Hospital where much has been done and there remains still more to be done.
There are 2 large wards and 2 smaller ones for men – 2 more to take 30 beds in each nearing completion and 90 small rooms for officers and Nursing Sisters, the Nursing Sisters having a landing set apart entirely from them.
The Nursing Staff and Medical Officers are accommodated in another building within the grounds. Met Miss S. Browne who had arrived from Versailles.
From there to No.8 General Hospital where huts now take the place of all the marques for patients and when all occupied may require an increase of staff, there being 12 huts, each to take 30 beds. The huts for the Nursing Staff are ready for occupation as soon as the water is laid on. They are well built and will be thoroughly comfortable in every respect and will be an immense advantage, as up to the present most of the staff has been obliged to be billeted in a convent in the town where they come to and fro to the hospital by tram. Lt.Col. Nash in charge; Miss Suart Matron, who appears to be managing in a thoroughly satisfactory manner.
Returned to Abbeville arriving 7pm. Before leaving Rouen visited Pay Office, learnt everyone was to draw lodging and fuel.

12.01.15
Abbeville
Spent the day answering letters. Heard from the Matron-in-Chief to which I replied.
Arranged for 2 Nursing Sisters QAMNSI* to proceed to Montreuil for duty in the operating theatre of the Indian Hospital there from the Rawal Pindi Hospital. Also arranged for 4 QAMNSI no longer required at Orleans to proceed to Boulogne for duty at the Rawal Pindi Hospital until required elsewhere. Gave the Queen’s gift to Miss Fox, now at 5 Stationary Hospital.
* Queen Alexandra's Military Nursing Service India

13.01.15
Employed all day with correspondence. Completed a brief report of the work done in Rouen for DMS, who left for Rouen. Received a telegram from the DG requesting that I with Miss Sidney Browne should go to GHQ to see him on 15.1.15.

14.01.15
Boulogne
Intended to leave early for Boulogne but eventually didn’t get away till 2pm in consequence of waiting for an important letter which I was asked to convey to the Base Commandant for DMS. On arrival delivered letter; reported myself and then visited 13 Stationary Hospital and 12 and 8 Ambulance Trains, where I found everything very satisfactory. Miss Sydney Browne and Miss Barbier arrived from Le Treport. Miss Holman has returned bringing Nurse Cummings with her, the nurse who Major Maxwell is interested in, and who came as she said that the Matron-in-Chief, when telling her she was ineligible for the Reserve in consequence of her age, had added that there were other ways of getting over, and concluded that she had meant to come and see what I could do for her. I recommended her to apply to the Australian Hospital who I know is in want of nurses.

15.01.15
St. Omer – noon
Left early with Miss Sydney Browne and Miss Barbier for GHQ, arriving at noon and after seeing the DG we drove to a jute factory which has been converted into a huge convalescent hospital capable of accommodating 1000 men. An enormous building formed of one huge shed. All arrangements are admirable. A few beds, but mainly stretchers raised from the concrete floor by tressles. Well ventilated and airy and beautifully clean. 2 dining halls capable of seating 400 men; clothes, sheets beautifully clean; tables well and comfortably laid and dinners seemed really hot. The bathing arrangements excellent, also the removal of all dirty clothes and the provision of entirely clean outfit after bathing. All rifles with names attached thoroughly cleaned; a tailor’s shop, a baker’s shop, a recreation room with plenty of games, papers and a piano where the men have a sing song each night.

We lunched at the Mess with the DG, and afterwards visiting No.9 Casualty Clearing Station where Miss Browne and I both gave Queen Alexandra’s gifts. Before leaving the Mess the DG spoke to me about the question of selecting Sisters for the operating theatres of native hospitals, the inspection of voluntary hospitals, the question of the Matronship of the Red Cross Hospital and the best way of arranging my work now that it has increased to such an extent, and likely to increase still more. He approved of the suggestion of having a Principal Matron at Headquarters, and deputing the senior Matron at each base to act for me in conjunction with her other duties when I was absent officially.
We visited also 10 Stationary Hospital where I gave the gifts to the QAIMNS there, and arrived at Boulogne in time for dinner.

16.01.15
Boulogne
Busy all morning. In the afternoon Miss Browne drove to Le Touquet with Miss Wilson and Miss A. B. Smith. I had an appointment with Miss Watt, Lady Superintendent QAMNSI about her Sisters going for duty to the operating theatres – finally it was decided 2 should go to Montreuil for a month on trial and at the completion of the time we should both go and inspect. Orders were issued to the 2 ladies.
Met the Medical Officer of 12 Ambulance Train who told me the Reserve nurses were not satisfactory – he is going to write about the matter and recommend that they be transferred to a hospital for duty as he does not consider they are suitable for trains.
Colonel Watson came to see me about a friend of his who is anxious to open a Nurses Club in Boulogne, where nurses can have tea, read the papers, rest, have their clothes mended!! and where she proposes having one or two rooms where nurses might come for a night or two at a time for a rest. He is anxious for me to write, which I shall do after I have seen the DMS.

17.01.15
Boulogne
Drove with the ADMS Colonel Lynden Bell to Jesuit College, an Indian Hospital where the MO does not wish for Sisters in his operating theatre, and then to Hardelot where we went over the Hospital and where the OC is anxious to have Sisters directly there is any work, and it was decided that directly the Sisters were required he would telegraph and at a very short time they could come from Boulogne. The situation is delightful and the Sisters would be comfortably accommodated at the Hotel which is quite close to the Hospital.
Four Indian Nursing Sisters QAMNSI arrived from Orleans and joined the Rawal Pindi Hospital for duty until required elsewhere.

18.01.15
Abbeville
Saw Miss Browne off, then distributed Queen A’s gifts at all the hospitals. Had lunch and then Miss Barbier and I returned to Abbeville, arriving 5pm, to find many letters awaiting me, as well as nurses being required at 10 Stationary, 4 Clearing, 13 General, 3 Ambulance Train, to fill vacancies made by Sisters being laid up with influenza.
The Principal Matron’s appointment approved by DG – also the question of me inspecting all Voluntary Hospitals after Feb. 1st, and the decision that the QAMNSI are under me also.
A large number of beautiful gifts – writing cases and needle cases for the nurses have arrived from the Daily Express which I have acknowledged and will distribute without delay.

19.01.15
Abbeville
Wrote asking that Miss Wilson might be appointed PM [Principal Matron] as she had already been selected for the next vacancy by the Nursing Board, unless the WO had already made other plans, and that Miss Barbier should still remain as Secretary – she has proved herself most valuable in every way. Also wrote about the Senior Matron at each Base acting for me.
Wrote to Miss Reid about one of her nurses, Miss Harris, who was causing some trouble, and also to Miss Minns about Miss Harley, who has been offered an appointment as Matron of an Enteric Hospital in Belgium, which she does not wish to accept even if she was permitted to do so.

20.01.15
Abbeville
Miss Barbier went by train to Boulogne to meet 20 nurses from England which were going to be posted at 14 Stationary, and 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 General Hospitals to fill vacancies.
Wrote to the Matron-in-Chief in reply to her letter and to let her know what I have been doing. Telegram came for Miss Barbier from her brother, saying another was ill and asking her to come, which I sent on to Boulogne.

21.01.15
Le Treport
Left for Le Treport at 10am, arrived 11.30 at 3 General Hospital which is established in a large Hotel supplied with every convenience and comfort, situated on a heathland overlooking the sea. The water supply good; the building able to accommodate 520 patients as well as Medical Officers, Nursing Staff and men of the Company, as well as being able to leave the entrance hall free. Lounge supplied with easy chairs and a grand piano. There is also a large recreation room for the men; a large dining room also for the men; a room set apart as a chapel. The various Mess rooms for the staff being the basement - these are large, commodious, comfortable rooms. This Hospital is quite capable of expanding to a considerable extent without pitching any tents.
Everything was in excellent order and the health of the Nursing Staff was good. Whatever difficulties had existed among the Staff the Matron had been able to deal with. She had a good supply of Red Cross stores. I distributed Queen Alexandra’s gifts to the QAIMNS and the Daily Express gifts to the whole Staff.
Accommodation 520 – at time of visit 261, which include 7 enterics who were progressing satisfactorily. The nursing arrangements in this department is excellent and every precaution was being taken. 20 beds for officers – none in.

The work in this Hospital like all others in France, consists [of] the constant admission of large numbers of patients and the continual evacuation so as to leave sufficient vacant beds always for daily needs. Staff Nurses go on duty at 7.30am, Sisters at 8am. Staff 43 – 7 being on night duty. The Home Sister and the Theatre Sister and her assistant quite satisfactory and one or other of them are always present at all operations. I spoke here about the importance of all the staff having and wearing at all times the recognised uniform. There has been a certain amount of difficulty on the subject since the cold weather began. Miss Steen has this Hospital in admirable order and the whole staff looked thoroughly happy and well.
After lunch drove on to Dieppe to (Sect. A) 5 Stationary Hospital where Miss Drage and 3 Reserves are on duty. The hospital being established in a small Hotel where there are 100 beds at present for patients; a good operating theatre; 6 beds for officers. Everything beautifully clean and well arranged with day rooms, scullery with gas rings, nice plants in the wards and an air of comfort everywhere. The patients consisting of local sick, as a large number of troops are going to be stationed here, this hospital is very necessary. At the time of the visit 24 patients, some of whom were seriously ill.

Abbeville
Returned by 7pm. Miss Barbier returned from Boulogne and is going on 5 days leave to see her brother who is seriously ill at Marners.

22.01.15
Abbeville
Miss Barbier by train to Marners.
Receiving constant applications for Sisters on Hospital Ships for authority to draw Matron’s pay – this evidently has not been granted before.
Heard from Holt and Co. that I have been granted pay from day of mobilization at £305 per annum – nothing about allowances. I have enquired from the Chief Paymaster and find this matter has to be referred to the WO as the question of allowances have evidently been overlooked.

23.01.15
Reports from all bases at Sisters being admitted with influenza and colds, and from Rouen a telegram reporting Miss Ellison CHR, 8 General Hospital dangerously ill with pleurisy. Her friends had been informed and I wrote the Matron-in-Chief.
Letter from Miss Asquith bringing to my notice Miss ... qualifications.
Letter from Miss Reid the trouble with Staff Nurse Harris has been satisfactorily settled.
Letters from Miss Walker and Wainwright both very angered at their photograph appearing in the Nursing Times without their knowledge or permission.
Letter from Major Symons asking for an increase of his staff, 1 Casualty Clearing Station – he is going to apply officially.

24.01.15
Abbeville
It has been arranged in future that all our sick Sisters at Rouen shall be nursed at No.8 General Hospital instead of No.2 Red Cross Officers' Hospital. Spent the day answering letters and sorting official correspondence. Am now to have in consequence of the increase of work an office of my own. Letter from Matron-in-Chief re the badges which are being supplied to the Reserves on payment. Confidential report on Miss Noel Hunt who had been who had been transferred from No.12 General was entirely satisfactory in every way.
Receiving an anonymous letter purporting to come from 10 General Hospital – a complaint from QAIMNSR employed as Staff Nurses, while CHR nurses of less service had been given Sisters' duties. An exceedingly vulgar production, which alone proves who ever the aggrieved people are, how totally unsuited they are for any consideration.
The 3 Reserves who had been reported as unsatisfactory on No.12 Train have been transferred to 4 General Hospital and 3 others have replaced them.

26.01.15
Abbeville
Miss Ellison better. Sisters in Charge of Clearing Stations asking for Matron’s pay, am not recommending it. They are only appointed temporarily – are only a small staff, Matrons' duties are nil and they are drawing large pay and allowances – their expenses are not, as their billeting and subsistence allowances in every instance covers their current expenses – this I have ascertained. Leave asked for certain Nursing Sisters which has been granted.
Miss Barbier arrives at Boulogne from leave in time to meet nurses tomorrow.
Received a letter of apology from a most troublesome lady, a Miss Florizi who with difficulty has been removed from 13 Stationary and who without permission from anyone had a photograph of the Matron and 2 of her staff inserted in the Nursing Times.

27.01.15
Boulogne
Left for Boulogne, arriving 11am. Sent wire to Rouen informing them that 24 nurses would be arriving to complete establishments at 5, 6, and 9 General Hospitals where they are urgently needed and to Havre, informing them of the arrival of 2 nurses who are required for an enteric division which has only recently opened there in huts, making additional beds at that hospital.
Saw Miss Lydall who has been working with the Red Cross and now belongs to QAIMNSR. Wrote the Matron-in-Chief about her orders, instructions and cheque. Arranged to let her have my camp kit – ordered her for duty at 13 Stationary Hospital. Took Daily Express gifts to distribute to each hospital staff. I was able to visit Miss Barwell QAIMNSR with Miss Barbier. Met 44 nurses which arrived from London and obtained accommodation for them in various hotels – 43 only arrived.
Visit the Rawal Pindi Hospital, also 13 and 14 Generals and 14 Stationary – all extremely busy in spite of the prevailing impression that Boulogne is only full of empty beds. This constant state of admission and evacuation of all able to be moved in addition to the many to ill to be moved makes the work in many of the hospitals continuously heavy.
Influenza and colds of various kinds is prevalent among the Nursing Staff here – they are accommodated at 14 General Hospital where excellent arrangements are made for them - Sir Bertrand Dawson being the consulting physician and who takes infinite interest in them. Now that the Princess Louise’s Villas has been set apart for the nurses as a Rest House, there is here a delight [sic] spot for them to convalesce in delightful surroundings. Lady Gifford is managing everything and a Miss Inglis and Miss Dickinson are there also.

28.01.15
Received a telegram for a theatre sister for Casualty Clearing Station and arranged for Miss Gascoigne who had recently arrived to proceed at once.
Drove to the Princess Louise Villa with Colonel Guise-Moores where Lady Gifford showed us everything. It’s a most delightful house delightfully furnished, where 10 nurses can be admitted. It is intended to be really a House of Rest and if possible to be free of all rules. I have suggested a payment should be given by each nurse per day. Lady Gifford however is anxious that for the first month at any rate everything should be entirely free, until she sees how the Home goes and what their expenses are, as they have had a certain amount given by the Red Cross – at least that is what I understood.
Went to enquire for Sir Courtauld Thomson the new Red Cross Commissioner who is ill.
Went to GHQ after lunch leaving Miss Barbier behind to arrange about the nurses. Reported myself at the office. Found the DG was confined to his room with influenza. Saw DDG and Colonel Burtchaell and arranged to visit the clearing stations.
1 CCS at Bethune had been shelled and everyone hurriedly had to retreat to Chocques. All patients were conveyed away in 10 Ambulance Train under fire. The Nursing Staff were not in the Hospital at the time – they returned by train to GHQ St. Omer, where they remained until the Hospital was again established at Choques.
No rooms to be had at the hotels, so was put up at 10 Stationary Hospital in their quarters which are exceedingly comfortable. Miss Tunley has proved herself to be a most capable and able Matron; both the nursing arrangements in the Hospital and her arrangements in the quarters are excellent. She has an excellent Home Sister in Miss Chapman QAIMNSR. Major Burke OC spoke in the highest terms both of Miss Tunley and the Nursing Staff.
...

29.01.15
St. Omer
Hazebrouck 12 Noon; Bailleul 4pm
Went with Miss Chapman to No.3 and 5 Casualty Clearing Stations at Hazebrouck and 2 and 8 Casualty Clearing Stations at Bailleul. In these Hospitals I have let all Officers in Charge know that very soon their Staff will be composed of only 1 suitable QAIMNS and the remainder of Reserves in consequence of the increased number of units now requiring Nursing Staff. I found everyone at Hazebrouck very well, very happy and dong excellent work. At Bailleul, when I arrived I found a bomb had during the morning blown the roof of a house quite close to the Casualty Clearing Station. No one had been hurt as the house was empty. All day long I heard the guns going incessantly. 2 and 8 Casualty Clearing Stations are admirably managed and excellent work is being done.
Visited 10 Stationary Hospital – everything in excellent order. The arrangements for nursing enterics, diphtheria, cerebro-spinal meningitis is most excellent, also that for contacts. Sent a wire for Miss McCreery to proceed to 3 CCS vice Miss Newman who is not managing very well – this CCS is about to move further forward.

30.01.15
Merville
Took Miss Tunley with me and went to 6 and 7 Casualty Clearing Stations at Merville and 4 CCS at Lillers. Miss M. J. Smith QAIMNS at 6 CCS looking very tired and harassed. Will need to be relieved. At Lillers I saw Surgeon General Macpherson who expressed himself satisfied with the nursing arrangements. Certain nurses in all these CCS are going to be moved, so as to enable them to fit some leave as well as a change of duty.
St. Omer
Saw DDG on my return and told him of the proposed changes and increase of staff which is needed and arranged to supply a staff for 10 CCS without delay.

31.01.15
Before leaving for Boulogne went to the office and then to the DG who told me that unexpectedly he had found they were obliged to take over the nursing of a large number of French and Belgians suffering from enteric who were to be moved from an infected area where our troops will soon be occupying. They are to be nursed in a monastery between St. Omer and Boulogne and be on L of C*. He instructed me to go to the Red Cross and make all necessary arrangements with them and inform the DMS.
It was arranged that I should provide a QAIMNS as Matron, who could speak French and 2 Reserves also who I knew could speak French fluently – Miss Hartigan, Miss Elston, Miss Davey, recently arrived. Everything was needed to be in readiness by the end of the week when 400 enterics, men women and children are to be transferred. Started for Boulogne in a driving snow storm which was continuous for an hour and a half.
* This monastery was at Malassises, first run by the British Red Cross, later taken over by the RAMC as No.7 General Hospital.

Boulogne 12 noon
Arrived at Red Cross. Arranged to release all Red Cross Nurses employed by us at once (22). Saw Miss Walker – arranged for staff intended for 3 Stationary to fill the vacancies at 13 Stationary which is extremely heavy as many of their staff are off duty with influenza.
Everyone at 13 Stationary very upset (including the Red Cross themselves) at the departure of these nurses who have worked so satisfactorily and well since October, many of them being most excellent nurses and ward managers. Their work, general management, behaviour and their time in this Hospital being quite excellent. No.6 Ambulance Train was in, I saw Miss Hartigan and Col. Brazier Creagh, and informed them both of the pending change. As the train had just returned from the front full of patients, mainly sick, it was arranged that Miss Hartigan should continue the journey to Rouen, when she should return, and Miss Wilson-Jayne, QAIMNS from No.4 Train should take her place and a Reserve from 6 General Hospital, Rouen – Miss Falconer was instructed to fill the vacancy on 4 Train.

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