PREVIOUS - FEBRUARY 1st - 15th 1917



16.02.17
Sick Sisters 154
Resignations: Copy of War Office letter received terminating the engagement of Miss E. Blake, VAD. Application received from A/Sister M. Brailsford, QAIMNSR to resign, owing to sister’s death, as she had to take charge of her child.
Villa Roquebrune: Sent list to the BRCS of all Sisters who had had leave at the Villa Roquebrune, so that this could be checked with the movement orders.
Postings of VADs: Sent postings of VADs who arrived in France during January to the Command Paymaster, Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant in France.
Sick list: Was informed that Miss Dickson, VAD had died. Telegraphed to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and also wrote. Her friends had been informed by letter and wire each day of her condition.
Miss Burrows: Received a letter from Miss Burrows, who had been working at 8 General as a Special Probationer and had resigned, saying that the SJAB considered she was a VAD and not a Special Probationer. Sent the letter to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and informed Miss Burrows of action taken.
6 General Hospital: Wrote to the OC 6 General Hospital, informing him of the arrival of Miss Lyde, QAIMNS for duty as A/Matron in the place of Miss Rannie, QAIMNS, now transferred sick to England.

17.02.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 177
Applications for help: Received application for help from 13 General, 5 Stationary “A”, New Zealand Stationary, 24 General, and 1/1 South Midland CCS, in consequence of the great pressure of work.
8 CCS: Learnt that 8 CCS was moving from the 2nd to the 3rd Army and instructed the Sister in charge and her staff to report at 10 Stationary Hospital for orders.
Rations on repayment: Received copy of circular issued to all Matrons and Sisters in charge of units by the Command Paymaster, with reference to the drawing of rations on repayment.
3 General Hospital: Received correspondence from SMO Transport, with suggestions for a definite plan for the increase of the nursing staff at 3 General Hospital.
Miss Banham, QAIMNSR: Received from the War Office a form of recommendation to be filled in by Miss Drage, A/Matron, QAIMNS, for Miss Banham, QAIMNSR, who had served under her in 16 General from August 1915, to August, 1916.
Sick list: Was informed that Miss King, VAD suffering from cerebro-spinal meningitis, had been transferred from the Villa Tino to 14 Stationary Hospital. The A/Matron of the Villa Tino wrote that all necessary precautions had been taken with regard to infection.
Marriage: Received application from Mrs. Dalzell, TFNS (nee Miss M. A. Wilson) for retention in the service, she having been married whilst on leave. Forwarded and recommended.
Sick list: Received telephone message from Rouen informing us that Miss Knox, AANS, one of the 60 Australians who had arrived on the 8th instant had suddenly been taken ill with what appeared to be a bilious attack, but in the course of an hour or two had become so ill, it was thought advisable to take her to the Sick Sisters’ Hospital. She had been taken in an ambulance with a nurse and one of her friends and had died on admission. Supposed to be a cerebral haemorrhage. Informed Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Matron-in-Chief, AIF by wire.

Left early for the 4th Army. Went to Headquarters where I was told of 2 more CCS opening and one moving forward. From there I went to Heilly to 36 CCS, where they were busy packing up to move to Cayeux. Arranged for the nursing staff to come to the Nurses’ Home and wait until the unit was ready for them. This unit is now opening in a large hutted hospital capable of developing into the size of a General Hospital.
Then to 38 CCS which is now being converted into an infectious hospital, where Miss Eardley, QAIMNS has now been in charge for some weeks, and the improvement in the work and nursing arrangements of this unit are remarkable. The unit is very full – a great many seriously ill with cerebro-spinal meningitis, dysentery and diphtheria, as well as a large number of mumps. It is well arranged in every way and is worked on the lines of a Stationary Hospital, well equipped with beds, and a large quantity of linen.
Then to Gailly to two CCS about to open – 39 CCS and 13 CCS. These also are opening in big hutted hospitals recently handed over by the French, both excellent, every possible convenience and quite close to the railway siding with a covered way for the patients to be carried to the train. The condition of the nurses here will be quite satisfactory, and a large hut has been taken with 12 separate rooms, a sitting room, kitchen, etc. The sanitary arrangements are anything but satisfactory, but this is being put in order.
Then to Bray to 5 CCS and 48 CCS, also in large hutted hospitals recently taken over by us from the French. They will eventually be most excellent. At the time of the visit they were both crowded with patients including both medical and surgical, and a large number of officers as well as men. The operating theatres are most excellent. One staff is accommodated in a hut like those at Gailly, and the other in Nissen huts, and both the Sisters in charge are managing well.
Then to Drovetown to 2/2 London CCS and 34 CCS – both units well filled, everything going smoothly and satisfactorily. Since my last visit they are properly established and everything is in first-rate order and a large number of huts being erected to replace marquees and are most comfortable and well arranged. The nursing staff of both units are accommodated in Nissen huts which are extremely comfortable, lit with electric light and with good stoves. Spent the night at 34 CCS. The arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the nursing staff is excellent.

18.02.17
Left early for Edgehill. Both 45 CCS and 1/1 South Midland CCS full to overflowing, and both units had been up all night. One unit had already been able to evacuate by ambulance train. Everyone was overworked and I arranged to increase both staffs by 2 as soon as possible. There were a large number of pneumonias and during the night there had been several deaths in both units. Both CO’s expressed their satisfaction with the work of the Nursing Staff, and the nursing arrangements. Both staffs are well accommodated in Nissen huts and have very comfortable Messes.
5 Australian CCS is being got ready to receive patients and the staff for this unit are waiting at the Nurses’ Home until required.
Then to Contay to 9 CCS and 49 CCS. Both these units filled to overflowing, and as at Edgehill, everyone appeared to have been up all night. They are waiting for a train in the hope of being able to evacuate.
Went to Headquarters where I had lunch and where I met some French Medical Officers who were inspecting the nursing arrangements in the British units. After lunch, went to Gezaincourt to 29 CCS which has a large chateau attached as Officers’ Hospital. This also was simply crowded with patients, many waiting to be evacuated. The Officers’ Hospital was quite full in a great many medical cases. Since my last visit they have had to expand and have now 3 large huts in the grounds which wee full of walking cases and officers suffering from light wounds or minor medical complaints. Everywhere both in the 4th and 5th Armies the mud was tremendous and there were still large quantities of ice. I saw several cisterns one solid mass of ice and men breaking bits to fill their kettles. Returned to Abbeville arriving in time for dinner.

During my absence, learnt that Miss Sinclair, Harvard Unit, was seriously ill with cerebro-spinal meningitis, that Miss Williams, VAD and Miss Prior, YMCA, were also on the seriously ill list.
Transfer: War Office letter received approving the transfer of Miss O’Donoghue, QAIMNS to Home Establishment, also War Office letter notifying the transfer to Home Establishment of Staff Nurse M. Ousley, QAIMNSR, on sick leave, and Sister H. G. Shaw, TFNS on leave.
Resignations: War Office letter received accepting the resignation of Miss E. K. Roberts, TFNS, and stating that she should send in her resignation to the Matron-in-Chief, TFNS.
Marriage: War Office letter received saying that Staff Nurse Armstrong, QAIMNSR, now on sick leave in England had applied for permission to be married to Quarter Master Sergeant Hale and asked to be retained in the service, and asking for report. Replied saying that her work had been satisfactory but it was not recommended that she should be returned to France after marriage.
Australian reinforcements: War Office letter received notifying the arrival of 3 Australian Sisters for duty with 1 Australian General and one for 2 Australian General.
CAMC: War Office letter received notifying the arrival of Miss M. L. Code, CAMC for duty with 2 Canadian General Hospital.
Sick leave: War Office letters received instructing Miss A. Scholes, TFNS to rejoin from sick leave in England, also 2 Reserve Sisters and 2 VADs.
Villa des Pines: Application from DDMS Etaples, received for 2 ward maids for the new Sick Sisters’ Hospital at Villa des Pines. Forwarded for approval of AAG.

19.02.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 196
Leave pending termination of contract: Received application from Staff Nurse Roberts, Harvard Unit, for 14 days’ leave pending termination of contract. Approved.
41 CCS: DMS 3rd Army, rang up to say that the Sisters from 41 CCS would be coming to the Nurses’ Home. Issued orders so that on their arrival they might proceed to fill vacancies.
Long Service Bar: Wrote to Matron-in-Chief, TFNS enclosing list of Special Probationers, TFNS who had been recommended for Long Service Bar and undertook to send her a list periodically.
Transfers: Forwarded to DGMS reports on members of the Nursing Staff transferred to England for duty.
Circular Memo: 3 sent round pointing out the importance for all Matrons and Sisters in charge to file all instructions issued for future guidance of others who might succeed them, to save paper and time.

20.02.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 206
14 Members of the NZANS arrived for 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital.
Sick list: Miss Sinclair, Harvard Unit, seriously ill with cerebro-spinal meningitis.
Return of nursing staff: War Office letter received asking for the approximate number of nurses trained and untrained at present on duty in each unit in France – General Hospitals of 1040 beds, Stationary Hospitals of 500 and Ambulance Trains. Forwarded to DGMS complete return of the nursing services in France in all units.
New Agreement: Circular sent to all Bases and the Armies with reference to the necessity of all Members of the Regular Reserve signing the new agreement form to serve for as long as required if they wished to draw the extra salary.
Transfer: Application received from Sister E. A. Davies, QAIMNSR, 18 General Hospital, to be transferred to Home Establishment – has been in France 2 years and finds camp life too great a strain.
Application for the QAIMNSR: Application received from Miss E. Brook, Military Hospital, Hoogstaede, Belgium, for appointment in the Reserve, attaching recommendation from the Director of the Hospital. Sent application form to Miss Brooks to be filled in and returned to the War Office, and forwarded her letter direct to the War Office.
Long Service Bar: Received letter from the War Office giving particulars of the VAD Long Service Bar. Printed certificates from Devonshire House were being sent, and others of a similar nature would be issued for Special Probationers.

21.02.17
Miss O’Connor, QAIMNSR: Forwarded to DGMS proceedings of Medical Board on Miss O’Connor, QAIMNSR, who had lately been sent from England to the Villa Roquebrune and for whom a Medical Board was ordered to be convened at Boulogne. 6 weeks leave recommended. Instructed DDMS Boulogne to evacuate her in the ordinary way.
6 Ambulance Train: Staff asked for and supplied.

22.02.17
Abbeville
Reinforcements: 26 Canadian Sisters arrived for duty with 5 Canadian General, also 11 VADs.
Sick list: 2 Sisters seriously ill with acute nephritis. Miss Sinclair, Harvard Unit, died at 2 p.m.
Miss Northover, TFNS: Interviewed Miss Northover, RRC, TFNS Matron, and ordered her to 26 General Hospital for temporary duty as Assistant Matron to enable her to learn something of our ways and methods before taking over a hospital of her own.
1 Canadian CCS: Received a memorandum from the Matron-in-Chief, Canadian Contingents, which had been forwarded from the OC, 1 Canadian CCS, asking for 2 nurses to be moved from the unit. This was recommended by Miss Macdonald and a suggestion made of sending these Sisters to 3 Canadian General and replacing them from there. Returned the memo to the OC, 1 Canadian CCS, asking him to pass his request through the DMS, 2nd Army, and the change would be effected.
Hospital at Hesdin: DGMS rang up to say a new hospital would be opened shortly at Hesdin and would I look out a suitable staff for it.
Termination of Engagement: War Office letter received terminating the engagement of Staff Nurse N. M.Balmer, QAIMNSR on medical grounds. Sent for confidential report from Miss Keene, A/Matron, QAIMNS, 7 General Hospital, under who she served on Hospital Ship “Asturias”.
Transfer: War Office letter received stating that Miss Stanton, QAIMNSR, 35 General Hospital, had been transferred to Home Establishment. Forwarded the letter to Calais and asked for confidential report. War Office letter received stating that VAD Ashcroft would not be returning to France. Sent copy of letter to Etaples and asked for confidential report from 20 General Hospital where she was serving.
Moves: Ordered 7 TFNS Sisters who had been doing temporary duty at New Zealand Stationary Hospital to be transferred – 3 to 5 CCS, 2 to 48 CCS and 2 to 2 Stationary. Ordered Miss Barton, QAIMNS from 16 General to 4 General for duty as Acting Matron.
Letter from Mrs. Furse received, saying that she noticed that recently 22 VADs had left on completion of six months’ service and 25 on the completion of 7, and she was proposing not to send these ladies back to France unless reasonable excuses were given. These people were all given £8.10 for outfit allowance when they joined and it was a great expense to the country and was anxious that I might ask my Matrons to impress upon them the seriousness of the work and the importance of regular and continuous service.

23.02.17
Interviewed Miss Caulfeild, QAIMNS, on her return from leave and about to take over a new charge at 38 CCS.
CAMC reinforcements: War Office letter received notifying the arrival of 26 CAMC Sisters for duty with 6 Canadian General. Reported arrival of these ladies on the 22nd to DGMS.
Extension of leave: War Office letter received granting extension of leave to Miss H. McCormac, QAIMNSR on medical certificate, also to VAD Preston and to Special Probationer Anstice, who will be kept on Home Establishment. Forwarded copy of letter to DDMS Boulogne for information, and asked for a confidential report on this lady to be forwarded. War Office telegram granting extension of leave to Staff Nurse Stow, QAIMNSR in consequence of sickness. War Office telegram granting extension of leave to Miss Alder, Miss Groom, and VAD Stuary.

Left for Etaples at 11 o’clock. Arrived at 24 General where I had lunch with the Matron and Mrs. Hagar, the Matron of the Harvard Unit. Afterwards went to Miss Sinclair’s funeral. There were a large number of representatives – officers, Sisters and VADs – from all units in the area and I noticed a great many Matrons and OC’s. Miss Sinclair had been embalmed – the members of the nursing staff having arranged this. She was dressed in uniform and placed in a lead coffin, as the Matron thought that in all probability after the war the relatives would be anxious for her remains to be taken to America.
Then went to Headquarters where I saw the DDMS and discussed the question of more accommodation for sick Sisters – both infectious and otherwise. The Villa Tino is totally inadequate now and he had opened one of the wards at 24 General and had 26 sick Sisters there. In the last 5 days 18 cases of measles had been transferred to 14 Stationary and as the unit was now unable to take more, he was about to open another ward at 24 General for Sisters suffering from measles. Later on there will be no difficulty as the Villa next to the Villa Tino has been taken and is shortly to be opened for the accommodation of 15 Sisters and, as well, huts are being erected in the grounds to accommodate 30 more Sisters and another hut for the accommodation of the nursing staff. The pressure is thus only of a temporary nature. The BRCS is also opening a Convalescent Home on the 1st at Paris Plage which will accommodate 18 Convalescent Sisters so that when Mrs. Bryce Miller’s Home is also re-opened, in that area at any rate there should be an ample supply of accommodation.

Went to Boulogne – reported at the DDMS office. Found that here as at Etaples all the hospitals are full to overflowing with patients and the same difficulty existing in connection with the accommodation of sick Sisters and infectious cases. Also the question was being considered of expansion and the need of more accommodation for the nurses had to be very seriously considered with the extensive expansions which were about to be established.

24.02.17
Left early for Calais. Went to 35 General Hospital and saw the OC Colonel Pinches and the Matron, Miss Steenson, who has recently taken over from Miss Mackay, the latter having gone to Cap Martin as Matron for the remainder of the season. Instructed Miss Steenson to call on the Matron of 30 General Hospital and assist her in any way she could and also to visit any trains and barges which happened to be in and to call on the OC and Sister in charge and ascertain if there were any difficulties. After seeing the OC went to the ADMS office and here again he discussed the question of the best methods of accommodating the members of the nursing staff who were sick. Up to the present all nurses and lady workers sick had been transferred to Boulogne but in consequence of the increasing number of sick in the area, there are now 2 Sisters being looked after in their own quarters. A new Isolation Hospital is shortly to be established near 30 General and when this is ready, the present site of the Isolation Hospital is going to be converted into a hospital for women workers suffering from both ordinary and infectious diseases, and suitable accommodation is being made for the nursing staff also. Here there will be accommodation for 15 ordinary and 9 infectious cases.
Went to 30 General Hospital – OC Colonel Hardy and Matron Miss Harvey, TFNS. This hospital is established with a certain number of huts and a great deal of canvas and the position is not a good one and there are a great many difficulties to contend with, but there is much to be desired in the work and management of the unit and the standard is far from high. Did not see the OC but went round with the Matron and pointed out many things which needed improvement, notably the accommodation for sick officers, and their marquee which is used as a Mess tent, was most untidy and comfortless looking. I told her that it would be necessary for her to raise the standard and any of the nurses or Sisters who were not working satisfactorily should be reported, for the condition of affairs could not be permitted to continue. The nursing staff are now accommodated in huts all under cover including a Mess and ante-room. This department also is lacking in comfort and there is a want of care and attention which is extremely noticeable in comparison with the nursing quarters of other units.

Returned to Boulogne where I met Miss Thurston, the Matron-in-Chief of the New Zealand Nursing Service, who had just arrived from England and who was staying at Mrs. Robertson Eustace’s Club for Military Nursing Sisters as there was no room at any of the hotels. Had tea with the Principal Matron and the Matron of 7 Stationary Hospital and went into the question of giving the VADs who were capable more responsible work and charge of various wards and operating theatres.

25.02.17
Boulogne
Went to the DDMS office where I discussed the question of better accommodation for the nursing staff of 13 General and 7 Stationary Hospitals and went into the question again of the possibility of taking over a house for nurses arriving and departing, having heard that 60 nurses were arriving tomorrow. Colonel Forrest, DADMS, went with me to the Base Commandant’s office and we saw the DAQMG who is taking the matter in hand and is going to make arrangements with as little delay as possible for the Marine and Bedford Hotels to be taken over for the staffs of 13 General and 7 Stationary respectively, and he is gong to look out for a suitable house near the quai where the Sister in charge of arrivals and departures could be accommodated and where there will be an ample number of beds for accommodating all arrivals and departures. I pointed out that the number of leaves arriving and departing daily was between 20 and 30 and in view of the enormous expansions which are about to take effect next month, as well as a large number of new hospitals, these numbers will be increased considerably. He considers the matter an urgent one and is going to deal with it without delay as he fully realises that when the women workers arrive in France every available empty house will be needed for their accommodation.

Left for Etaples arriving at midday. Had lunch with the DDMS and after lunch, went to the Villa Tino and saw the arrangements which are being made for the extension as well as for the new Villa which should be ready for accommodation quite shortly. Returned to Abbeville in time for dinner.

Villa Roquebrune: During my absence, found that arrangements had been made for 2 nurses to go to Villa Roquebrune on the 28th and 4 on the 2nd March.
Resignations: War Office letter received accepting the resignation of Miss E. M. Morris, QAIMNSR and of VAD E. M. McConnell. War Office letter received asking that the resignation of Sister N. R. Montgomerie, QAIMNSR should be forwarded and it would be accepted without delay to enable her to accept an appointment under the India Office. Sent the correspondence to Boulogne for action.
Transfer: War Office letter received approving the transfer of Miss M. Davis, QAIMNS to Home Establishment.
Extension of leave: War Office letter received granting 7 days’ extension of leave to Miss James, TFNS and to Miss B. Holmes, VAD.
Return from sick leave: War Office letter received notifying that 1 American, 1 Reserve Sister and 2 VADs were rejoining from sick leave.
Reinforcements: War Office letter received notifying that 32 Sisters, 19 VADs and 5 Special Probationers would be arriving on the 26th from the Hospital Ship “Britannic”.
New Zealand reinforcements: War Office letter received authorising the embarkation of 16 New Zealand nurses for the New Zealand Stationary Hospital. These ladies had already arrived on the 20th.
Investiture: Received wire from Troopers through DGMS asking that Sisters Evans, Mahoney and Thompson should attend an investiture on March 3rd to receive the Military Medal. Issued the necessary instructions.
3 Australian CCS: Received wire from DMS, 5th Army, asking for the Sisters to rejoin 3 Australian CCS.
13 CCS: Arranged to send staff of 7 Sisters to 13 CCS with Sister Evers, QAIMNSR in charge.
Miss Boniface: Received correspondence from DMS, 2nd Army, saying that Miss Boniface, CHR, wished to resign in consequence of private affairs. She asked that a certificate should be sent, showing that she had been a member of the Reserve for 18 months, and was told to apply to the War Office.
Sp. Pro. Hendry: Received application from Sp. Pro. Hendry, 12 General Hospital, to proceed to 12 CCS to visit her brother who was lying there wounded. Communicated direct with 12 CCS and ascertained that the brother’s condition was satisfactory and he would be evacuated in 3 weeks. Arranged to have a daily report on the brother’s condition telephoned to this office so that his sister might be informed, and told Rouen that it would not be possible to permit Miss Hendry to visit her brother.
Sick list: Was informed that Mrs. Swann, a YMCA patient at Chateau Mauricien, had died at 4 o’clock.
VAD Discs: Forwarded to Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant in France, receipt for discs sent by her for distribution.
Leave: Reported to DGMS that VAD Bruce, 35 General Hospital, due to return from leave on the 17th inst. had not returned.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Miss Ousley, QAIMNSR transferred to Home Establishment.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Sister F. R. Holmes, QAIMNS owing to her approaching marriage.
Leave: Received War Office letter stating that Sister A. M. Wilson, QAIMNSR, 10 General Hospital, was unable to return from leave owing to illness, also that Sister Riach, QAIMNSR, 25 General Hospital, had been granted 7 days’ extension. War Office letter received granting extension of leave to Miss E. Loveless, VAD, without pay, owing to continued illness of her mother.
Resignation: Received wire from DGMS accepting resignation of Staff Nurse L. Cureton, QAIMNSR.
Postings: Sent list of postings to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Command Paymaster, of 20 exchanges and 10 reinforcements who arrived on the 15th instant.

26.02.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 209
Reinforcements: 30 reinforcements arrived – 12 trained, 16 VADs and 2 Special Probationers.
Miss Smyth QAIMNS: Interviewed Miss Smyth, QAIMNS on her departure for 38 CCS.
Nursing Establishment: Colonel Burtchaell, telephoned from GHQ with reference to statement sent of nurses actually on duty in France in the various units and also in reference to the arrangements to be considered in the event of women arriving in large quantities to replace men, pointing out that it was becoming more and more important that VADs working in military units should have a distinctive uniform to distinguish them from the large number of VADs employed in various capacities in all sorts of units in France.

27.02.17
Reinforcements: 19 Trained, 12 VADs and 3 Special Probationers arrived.
Medical Board: Received proceedings of Medical Board on A/Matron B. F. Perkins, QAIMNS, recommending that 3 weeks’ sick leave in France be granted her. Arrangements being made for her to spend them at the Convalescent Home at Etretat.
Miss Rogers: Interviewed Miss Rogers, QAIMNSR with reference to the new charge she is taking up at the Officers’ Hospital at Warloy. She and one Staff Nurse are proceeding today and later on, if necessary, an increase can be made, but it is understood that this unit will be run on similar lines to the Officers’ Hospital at Lucheux which only admits convalescent officers and those from the front requiring a rest.
1 Canadian CCS: DMS, 2nd Army, reported that 1 Canadian CCS from Bayeux is moving to the 3rd Army and that the North Midland CCS from Mont des Cats would come to take its place. He said it was important that a capable Sister should be put in charge as it was a Territorial unit.
Exchanges: Forwarded to DGMS confidential reports on Miss Cottle and Miss Fairchild, who were exchanged to Home Establishment on the 15th.
3rd Army: DMS 3rd Army rang up to say that the nurses for 32 CCS would be wanted shortly and might 2 proceed at once. Also that staffs would be wanted in the course of a few days for 8, 19, 41, 1/1 London, a Canadian CCS and a new CCS, which will be arriving from Egypt and for which he would like a more than usually capable staff.

Left for Amiens. Had lunch at the New Zealand Stationary Hospital with the Matron-in-Chief, NZANS and discussed with her the question of making better arrangements for the nursing staff of this unit now that it has increased. She agreed with me that the present house is inadequate and that it will be necessary to obtain further accommodation for the staff which now numbers 36. It is proposed to look out for a house which will be large enough to allow of a certain number of beds which will always be available for British nurses proceeding to the Armies or going south, when they are hung up owing to the difficulty of catching the connection. This matter is being put in hand at once and when a suitable house is found, the matter will be forwarded to the DMS of the Army for approval and sanction. Miss Price, the Matron, is a capable woman but has not before had such a large charge and has no experience of housekeeping. Returned to Abbeville in the evening.

28.02.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 206
Reinforcements: 71 members of the AANS arrived from England unexpectedly – 10 for 1 Australian General, 10 for 2 Australian General and 51 to be attached to British units. Posted them to various units which are most in need of them and where they are much wanted in consequence of heavy work and the continued increase in the numbers of sick Sisters.
Monthly return: Sent Command Paymaster list of members of the nursing staff returned from sick leave in England during the month.
Sick list: Miss Trevelyan, YMCA, died at 14 Stationary Hospital, suffering from measles. Received letter from Matron-in-Chief, Canadian Contingents, asking about the advisability of taking a house somewhere in the south of France as a Convalescent Home for the Canadian Sisters. If this was considered necessary and advisable, the necessary funds would be forthcoming. Notified also that the first hospital ship had left England for Canada this week.


Establishments opened
5 CCS, on 1.2.17: Staff supplied – 11
39 CCS, on 15.2.17: Staff supplied – 8
13 CCS, on 25.2.17: Staff supplied – 7
6 Ambulance Train, on 22.2.17: Staff supplied – 3
Special Hospital, Warloy, on 27.2.17: Staff supplied – 2
Total – 31

Establishments closed
41 CCS, on 19.2.17: Staff released – 5
8 CCS, on 19.2.17: Staff released – 4
Withdrawn from Officers’ Section, New Zealand Hospital, on 24.2.17: Staff released - 16
Total - 25

Arrivals
Trained – 156
Untrained – 118

Transfers to Home Establishment
Trained – 9
Untrained – 3

Sent Home sick
Trained – 40
Untrained – 17

Returned from sick leave
Trained – 12
Untrained – 9

Total sick at present in England
Trained – 122
Untrained – 58

Resignations sent forward
Trained – 8 (including Miss F. R. Holmes, QAIMNS – reason – marriage.)

Approximate number of leaves granted - 350

VADs returned to England
Termination of contract – 13
Resigned – 7
Invalided – 1
Special Probationers returned to England
Termination of contract – 1
Resigned – 2
Total – 24

Deaths
1 American (Miss C. Sinclair, Harvard Unit – cerebro-spinal meningitis).
1 AANS (Miss H. M. Knox, attached QAIMNSR - ? cerebro-spinal meningitis).
1 VAD (Miss M. Dickson – cerebro-spinal meningitis).
2 YMCA (Mrs. Swan, Boulogne – cirrhosis of liver; Miss Trevelyan, Boulogne, measles and broncho-pneumonia).

Total nursing staff now in BEF
Trained – 1906
Untrained – 1094

Shortage according to War Establishment
Trained – 283