PREVIOUS - FEBRUARY 16th - 28th 1917



01.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 220
Sick list: Sister I. L. M. Duncan, QAIMNSR reported seriously ill at 14 General Hospital with pneumonia. Informed Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and DGMS by wire. Received telephone message in the evening saying that she had died at 6 p.m. Sent wires to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and DGMS. The funeral has been arranged for 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Long Service stripe: Received certificates for long service stripes for VAD member s from the Matron-in-Chief, TFNS, and 1000 from Mrs. Furse, Commandant-in-Chief.
VAD Brassards: Received brassards and certificates from Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant, VAD in France, for VAD members Haslam and McCall. Forwarded them to their units, asking for receipts.
Sister Whittingham, AANS: Received wire from AIF Headquarters for Sister Whittingham, AANS, saying that her brother had been killed. Repeated wire to the unit.
1 Canadian CCS: Received application from OC, 1 Canadian CCS, asking for the removal of 2 nursing Sisters from his unit. Forwarded the correspondence to DGMS for approval.
North/Midland CCS: Received application from DMS, 2nd Army, asking for nursing staff for the North Midland CCS, which is taking over the site of 1 Canadian CCS. Arranged for a staff to join with Sister Gardner, QAIMNS in charge.
Canadian Transfer: Received application from 8 Canadian General Hospital for transfer of Miss C. Toupin, CAMC to the Canadian Hospital, Westcliffe, to be with her sister. Forwarded to DGMS for transmission to Matron-in-Chief, Canadian Contingents.
Miss Macdonald: Matron-in-Chief, Canadian Contingents, wrote, enclosing a list of CAMC Sisters mentioned in the last Gazette, and asking my opinion with regard to a Home for Canadian Sisters in France, suggesting somewhere south of Paris.
Measles at Etaples: Miss Denne, A/Principal Matron, Etaples, wrote that the DDMS had issued an order that all the nursing staff should be examined daily and should not attend concerts, in order to prevent the spreading of measles.
Major Valadier: Miss Hordley, A/Principal Matron, Boulogne, wrote that Major Valadier was very ill with pneumonia and was being nursed at 7 Stationary Hospital.
Colonel Thomson, DDMS, 6th Corps, wrote asking if his nieces and a friend could apply for the Reserve, and if they could be employed in France. Gave him all necessary information with regard to applying direct to Miss Becher.

02.03.17
Sick Sisters 220
Villa Roquebrune: Arranged for 2 Sisters to go to Villa Roquebrune on the 3rd.
Director of Supplies: Received memo from Director of Supplies asking for a copy of my instructions with regard to the new messing allowances for members of the nursing staff.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of 20 Australians – 10 for 1 Australian General and 10 for 2 Australian General.
Transfer: Received War Office letter stating that Miss K. Anstice, VAD, had been posted to Home Establishment and should be struck off the strength of the BEF from 24.2.17. Forwarded confidential report to DGMS and copies of War Office letter to Boulogne and Command Paymaster.
Pay of AANS: Received War Office letter with regard to the pay of members of the AANS attached to British units in France. All pay and allowances to be settled by the Australian Government. Informed Command Paymaster and all Bases.
Leave in extension: Received copy of War Office telegram, granting 7 days’ leave in extension to Staff Nurse M. Robertson, QAIMNSR, 32 Stationary Hospital.
Major General Bagnani: Received from DMS, 2nd Army, copy of a letter received by Sir Douglas Haig from Brigadier-General Delme-Radcliffe of the Italian Command, enclosing a letter from the Sub-Chief of General Staff, Italian Army, expressing his gratitude and that of the Italian Army on account of Major General Bagnani of the Italian mission to the British front, who died on February 7th at Cassel, and thanking all officers at Headquarters, 2nd Army, Capt. Dickson, RAMC and Sisters Lillie and Galvin. Forwarded complete correspondence to DGMS and copies to the areas where these ladies are now working.
New Agreement: Received from DGMS copy of ACI 286 of 1917 re additional pay for members of the nursing services, and particulars re the new agreement forms.
VAD reinforcements: Received wire from Mrs. Furse, Commandant-in-Chief, asking if it was anticipated that we should be requiring more VAD member s, as the supply was diminishing and she was unable to keep the members from other work, if not wanted.
VAD I. Palmer: Reported to DGMS departure of Miss I. Palmer, VAD member, from 16 General Hospital – (not recommended for further service on account of health).
3 CCS: DMS, 5th Army, telephoned that 3 CCS would soon be closing and re-opening in a short time. Arranged for the Sisters to go on leave without delay so that they would be ready when wanted.
Resignations: Reported to DGMS the departure of Staff Nurse L. Cureton, QAIMNSR on resignation.
Special Probationers: Forwarded to DGMS reports and signed agreement forms of Special Probationers M. Gilby and E. Croysdale, and agreement form of Special Probationer Wilcox.
Hospital Ship “Newhaven”: Received wire from “Nerves, Southampton”*, asking for the Matron and 1 Sister for Hospital Ship “Newhaven” to hold themselves in readiness to join of the 5th.

Went to Etaples to discuss the question of women being employed in hospitals in different capacities to relieve men. Met Colonel Burtchaell, Colonel Carr, Miss Crowdy and Mrs. Chalmers-Watson. Went over No.26 General Hospital to see in what different ways the services of these women could be utilised in large units. Had lunch at the St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital, and after lunch, I left the party who went to see the Corn and Baltic Exchange Hospital where women are largely employed in all branches.

* Telegraphic address

03.03.17
Went to GHQ to see Colonel Morgan with regard to the shortage of nurses on the Lines of Communication and the number required for the expansion of existing units. Returned to Abbeville.
Birthday Honours List: Sent circular asking for names to be submitted for mentions and decorations for the King’s Birthday Honours list. All returns to be in by the 10th.
Miss Gloag, VAD: Received memo from A/Principal Matron, Etaples, with reference to Miss Gloag, VAD member of 11 General Hospital, on leave since 4.2.17 owing to the serious illness of her mother. Miss Denne enclosed a letter from one of the Matron-in-Chief’s secretaries to Miss Gloag, stating that she would not be returning to France, that extension of leave without pay could not be granted her, and that her engagement could be terminated from February 17th. Informed DGMS that Miss Gloag had not returned from leave and that no official sanction had been received to strike her off the strength.
Resignation: Received from Rouen application to resign from Staff Nurse I. Cowley, QAIMNSR, Australia. This lady needs a rest and is tired of the rules and restrictions in France. Forwarded to DGMS.
Extension of leave: Received War Office letter granting extension of leave to Miss L. Ewart and Miss M. Wilmot, VAD members.
Leave of AANS: Received application from the Matron, 1 Australian General Hospital, asking that Sisters and Staff Nurses of the AANS might be permitted to spend their leave in Paris and the south of France, if they wished to do so. Wrote to Miss Conyers, Matron-in-Chief, AIF, asking her opinion on this point, and saying that up to the present it had not been considered advisable but I would like her views on the matter before answering.
Sick list: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, list of Sisters from the BEF who are now sick in England.
Reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 51 AANS for duty in British Military units on 28.2.17.
VAD Agreement forms: Sent to DGMS confidential reports and signed agreement forms of VAD members who arrived in France 24.1.17.
CAMC: Reported to DGMS completion of exchange re Nursing Sister Park, CAMC, recalled to England on account of marriage.
22 CCS: DMS, 1st Army, telephoned for 2 nurses for 22 CCS – might possibly want 4 if the operations continued. Arranged for 2 nurses to leave from 10 Stationary Hospital at 7 p.m.
3 Australian CCS: Arranged for Sister in charge and 2 nurses to join 3 Australian CCS.
Miss Gregson: OC, 44 CCS, telephoned asking that a nurse should be sent as soon as possible to relieve Miss Gregson, who was not suitable for work in a CCS. Arranged for a Sister to be transferred from 3 CCS in the same town, and sent orders for Miss Gregson to return to the Base.
12 Stationary Hospital: Miss Barber, QAIMNS A/Matron, 12 Stationary Hospital, wrote re increased number of beds in the Isolation section and the need for more Sisters. Had spoken to the DMS 3rd Army, about the increased accommodation for Sisters and more huts were to be built.
Leave of CAMC: Miss Blakeley, A/Principal Matron, Havre, wrote asking if a Canadian Sister from Havre might spend her leave at St. Cloud. Informed her that leave in this country was not permitted, except at Convalescent Homes.

04.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 220
Reinforcements: 3 CAMC arrived from England for duty with 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital.
Leave: Miss Skinner, VAD from Headquarters, proceeded on special leave, owing to death of brother.
Medical Board: Received and forwarded to AAG proceedings of a Medical Board on Sister A. Handcorn-Smith, QAIMNSR, and VAD Morton, both from Rouen. 3 weeks’ sick leave recommended.
Indemnity claim: Received from DDMS Boulogne, indemnity claim for lost kit bag, lost between Doullens and Boulogne, from Staff Nurse J. C. Johnson, TFNS. Returned correspondence to Boulogne recommending that enquiries be made at Rouen and Havre to trace it.
Reinforcements and wastage: Forwarded to DGMS monthly return of reinforcements and wastages of the nursing staff during the month of February. Balance of reinforcements gained – 96 trained, and 79 untrained. Shortage of trained = 283.
Sick list: Received wire informing us that VAD French, 8 Stationary Hospital, was seriously ill with enteritis. Possibly to be operated on for appendix abscess. Informed Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and DGMS.
Agreement forms: Received from Havre confidential reports and agreement forms of 3 VADs and 1 Sister on Hospital Ship “Glenart Castle”. Forwarded to DGMS.
Promotion of AANS: Received from DGMS recommendation forwarded by DMS 3rd Army for promotion of Staff Nurses E. M. Brown, E. Dement and B. Collopy, AANS, 6 Stationary Hospital, to rank of Sister. Forwarded to DGMS for transmission to Matron-in-Chief, AIF.
Miss M. E. Miles: Received War Office letter terminating the engagement of Special Probationer M. E. Miles, 2 Stationary Hospital, from February 16th.
Miss E. L. Craig: Received War Office letter cancelling the resignation of Staff Nurse E. L. Crain, QAIMNSR. She had appeared before a Medical Board and been granted 3 weeks’ sick leave. Arranged for her to rejoin her unit – 5 General Hospital.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter stating that Staff Nurse R. Mc. Munro, QAIMNSR who was to have reported in France on the 26th, had been granted 3 weeks’ sick leave.
VAD Brassards: Received letter from Matron-in-Chief, TFNS, with reference to 4 VAD members who had been posted to France on 22.2.17 from Hospital Ship “Britannic” and had lost their brassards and identity certificates. They had been issued with temporary ones by the BRCS and Miss Browne asked that these might be returned and that they be provided with regulation Army ones. Arranged accordingly.
1/1 London CCS opened. DMS, 4th Army, telephoned asking that the Sister in charge and one other might be sent as soon as possible. Arranged for Miss Ruck, TFNS and Miss Allaries, CHR, to proceed immediately.
42 CCS: Miss Ram, Sister in charge of 42 CCS, applied for another nurse on account of excessive work in the Officers’ Division. Sent her a Staff Nurse.

05.02.17
Reinforcements: 15 QAIMNSR Canada arrived from England.
Sick Sisters 224
Miss Fletcher, Principal Matron, BRCS called at the office on her way from Rouen to Etaples, and discussed various matters in connection with her nurses.
Miss Sloan, TFNS from Special Hospital, Authie, came to see me on her way on leave. The work in this unit has been excessively heavy.
Sick List: The condition of Miss French, VAD continues the same. Operation not yet decided upon. To see consulting surgeon.
H.S. Gloster Castle: The A/Principal Matron, Havre, telephoned to know if she should replace two Sisters who had been a long time on the “Gloster Castle” and if she should send a relief in place of a Sister who had resigned. Arranged for the 2 Sisters to be replaced and said that I would communicate with the War Office with regard to the Sister who had resigned.
36 CCS: Telephoned to DMS, 4th Army, with regard to the nursing staff of 36 CCS which had been asked for by telephone a few days ago. Said I would prefer they should not join until actually required as they were doing valuable work in other units.
Sick Sisters, Etaples: Arranged for Miss D. Mason, QAIMNSR to proceed to Etaples from Rouen for duty as Sister in charge of the new Sick Sisters’ Hospital.
VADs: Spoke to Miss Crowdy on the telephone and asked her, as she was going to England, to inform Mrs. Furse that more VADs were being applied for, also VAD cooks and assistant cooks.
VAD Cooks: Wrote to Colonel Morgan on the subject of VAD cooks, and about distinctive uniform for VAD members working in military units, also with regard to the numbers of trained and untrained asked for, for expansion. Said that I considered the numbers submitted were the minimum with which we could possibly work.
Reinforcements for expansion: Forwarded to DGMS further statement with regard to the nurses required for the expansion – minimum 500 trained and 400 untrained, and that provided that all units were up to their establishment. At present, according to War Establishment, there was a shortage of 283 trained nurses.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS official report on VAD Sapwell, transferred to Home Establishment, also confidential report on VAD I. M. Palmer, whose engagement has been terminated on medical grounds, and on VAD Anstice, transferred to Home Establishment.
Villa Roquebrune: Arranged for two Sisters to proceed to Villa Roquebrune, on the 8th.
Indemnity Claim: Forwarded to Command Paymaster indemnity claim for lost kit bag of Miss E. Bennett, QAIMNSR, for favour of his remarks.
Transfer: Received application to transfer to Home Establishment from Acting Sister Kelsey, QAIMNSR, 18 General Hospital, preferably to Fort Pitt, Chatham, on account of death of father and mother being left alone. Returned correspondence to Etaples, saying that a transfer would be arranged in due course.
Resignations: Received correspondence re resignation of Staff Nurse E. J. White, QAIMNSR on account of marriage. Forwarded and recommended to DGMS. Received and forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Sister E. K. Roberts, TFNS lately resigned.
Marriage: Received application from Staff Nurse K. M. Pitchford, CHR to be retained in the Service, having been married whilst on leave to Sergeant Sambrook, Grenadier Guards. Forwarded and recommended to DGMS.
Account of nursing work: Received a letter from Surgeon General Sir Alfred Keogh, asking me if I would write a short account of the work of the Nursing Service in France for Mrs. McLaren, Publicity Department, for the War Office. Replied saying I would take up the matter, and wrote to Mrs. McLaren, asking when this report would be required.
VAD Cooks: Applied to DGMS for authority for the VADs who are certificated cooks and employed as such to be transferred to the General Service section and to draw £30 a year pay. Attached printed regulations re General Service VADs. Also asked if a demand might be made to the War Office for cooks and assistant cooks for duty in the Sisters’ Messes. These ladies would relieve men for other duties, and there would be no difficulty with regard to their accommodation, as it is understood that they are of the same class as the VADs serving as nursing members.
Mrs. Lloyd, VAD: Received War Office letter cancelling the resignation of Mrs. E. M. Lloyd, VAD and notifying her return to France after 6 weeks’ sick leave. Wired to DGMS that the services of this lady were not required in France and confirmed the wire, giving particulars of the previous correspondence on this subject.

06.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 230: Inspected Sick Sisters’ Division, 5 Stationary “B” Section – many improvements.
VAD Gloag: Reported to DGMS that VAD Gloag had not returned from leave – due back on 17th.
Miss Riddall: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on A/Sister Riddall, QAIMNS lately resigned.
Resignation: Received application to resign from Staff Nurse S. W. Moore, CHR, as she was needed at home. Returned correspondence to Etaples asking if a transfer would meet the case.
10 General Hospital: Miss Drage, A/Matron, QAIMNS 10 General Hospital, wrote about the increased number of beds and shortage of staff. Said would send help as soon as I was able.
Sick Sisters: Several Sisters from CCS reported sick with measles – arranged to send reliefs.
QAIMNS Dinner Fund: Sent memo to all Matrons and Sisters in charge of units where members of the QAIMNS were working, asking for the annual subscriptions to the Dinner Fund.

07.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 225
Miss S. F. Davies, QAIMNS Sister in charge, 3 CCS which unit is temporarily closed, reported at the office on way on leave.
Resignations: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on A/Sister N. Montgomerie, QAIMNSR, who is resigning in order to be transferred to the Indian Nursing Service. Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Sister M. Brailsford, QAIMNSR. Forwarded copy to Boulogne and asked for confidential report.
CAMC reinforcements: Reported to DGMS arrival of 31 Sisters ex Hospital Ship “Britannic” on 26.2.17 and 27.2.17.
Resignation: Received War Office letter notifying that Sister G. Deacon, QAIMNSR, had resigned on termination of sick leave. Informed SMO, St. Omer, and asked for confidential report.
Miss H. Dey, QAIMNS: Sent to DDMS, Rouen, for confidential report on A/Sister H. Dey, QAIMNS, on expiration of 6 months’ provisional service.
Postings: Forwarded to DGMS postings of VAD members and Special Probationers who arrived in France on 26.2.17 and 27.2.17.
Miss Thurston, Matron-in-Chief, NZANS, came to the office from Amiens on her way to England, and stayed the night at the Nurses’ Home.
Exchanges: Sent to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Matron-in-Chief, TFNS extracts from the reports of the 20 members of the Nursing Service being transferred to Home Establishment on March 15th under the exchange system.
2/1 South Midland CCS: Received application from Sister in charge, 2/1 South Midland CCS for an extra Sister. This unit has recently moved to Puchevillers, and they have had a great deal of work in establishing the Isolation Hospital.
Contacts: Miss Denne, A/Principal Matron, Etaples, wrote that 7 Sisters from 26 General Hospital were isolated as contacts for cerebro-spinal meningitis. One of the medical officers in this unit had recently died from this disease.
Mess for 13 General: The A/Principal Matron, Boulogne, wrote about the arrangements she was making for taking over the Marine Hotel as a Mess for 13 General Hospital. Arranged for A/Sister Easby, CHR to join 13 General as Home Sister at the Marine.
Mrs. Billington: Received a letter from Mrs. Billington asking me to give her some particulars of the Nursing Sisters in France, for publication.
Miss Cullis: Received a letter from Miss Cullis, A/Sister, QAIMNSR now at 17 CCS asking that she should be moved from this unit as she appeared to be incapable of giving satisfaction to the Sister in charge. Received by the same post a letter from the Sister in charge, Miss M. S. Williams, QAIMNS, with regard to Sister Cullis, who appeared incapable of working amicably with the rest of the staff. Wrote to Miss Williams, saying I was surprised at Miss Cullis’ report, as up to the present her reports had been excellent. Said I would arrange to transfer her to another unit, but she must send in an official report and communicate it first to Miss Cullis.
Miss Blakeley: Arranged for Miss Blakeley, A/Principal Matron, Havre, to spend her leave at the Convalescent Home, Etretat.
Miss McCarthy not well all day – went to bed at 7 p.m.

08.03.17
Miss McCarthy not at the office. Seen by Colonel Barefoot.
Sick Sisters 227
CAMC reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 3 CAMC on 4.3.17 – 2 for 3 Canadian Stationary and 1 for 7 Canadian General. No previous notification at this office.
Resignation: Received wire from Dehorted accepting resignation of Sister M. Tudor-Owen, TFNS to be released on 10.3.17. Informed Calais.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of 15 ladies from England on the 5th instant. These ladies had already arrived, and were members of the QAIMNSR Canada.
Transfer: Received War Office letter notifying that VAD Seymour, at present on sick leave, had been posted to the Home Establishment. Received War Office letter asking for a report as to the suitability of VAD Hogan, late 16 General, for further employment in military hospitals. Sent copy of report which had already been sent for this lady.
Resignation: Received War Office letter informing us that Staff Nurse I. M. West, TFNS should be struck off the strength of 18 General Hospital from 1.12.16. Informed Etaples.
Transfer: Received War Office letter accepting the application of Staff Nurse L. Bunton, TFNS to be transferred to Home Establishment. Received War Office letter notifying that Sister E. S. Jones, TFNS, on leave since Feb. 10th, would not be returning to France.
Extension of leave: Received War Office wire extending the leave of VAD members M. Todd and G. Wilson, on medical certificate.
Exchanges: Received War Office wire with regard to the 10 members of the QAIMNSR being transferred to Home Establishment on the 15th – 5 to be posted to Bagthorpe Military Hospital, Nottingham, and 5 to Colchester Military Hospital. Sent instructions accordingly. Wired to A/Sister Godfrey, QAIMNSR, now on leave, to report at Colchester on expiration.
7 General Hospital: Miss Keene, QAIMNS A/Matron, 7 General Hospital, wrote saying that the beds were to be permanently increased to 1500 and asking for an increase of nursing staff.
Sick List: A/Principal Matron, Etaples, wrote that Miss Buchanan, QAIMNSR who was at the Convalescent Home, Hardelot, was not considered fit for duty, and had been re-admitted to Villa Tino.

09.03.17
Abbeville
Miss McCarthy still off duty, but signing papers. Seen by Colonel Barefoot and Major Galloway, OC 5 Stationary Hospital, “B” Section. Question of possible appendicitis. Miss Barbier accompanied Miss Thurston, Matron-in-Chief, NZANS to Boulogne, on her way to England.

Sick list: Received telephone message from Sister Bannister, Sister in charge of 7 CCS, saying that Sister M. E. Blencowe, TFNS had been evacuated to 7 General, seriously ill with cerebro-spinal meningitis. War Office and relatives had been informed. Wired to Matron-in-Chief, War Office and Matron-in-Chief, TFNS, sent copies of wires to DGMS, and arranged for a relief to join 7 CCS.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of A/Sister N. Montgomerie, QAIMNSR, 14 General Hospital. Forwarded to Boulogne. Received War Office letter accepting resignation of A/Sister B. S. Greig, QAIMNSR, 35 General Hospital, from 23.3.17. Informed ADMS, Calais, and asked for report. Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Sister M. R. Boniface, 12 CCS. Informed DMS, 2nd Army, asked for confidential report, and arranged for a relief.
Transfer: Received War Office letter notifying that Miss R. M. Rooke, QAIMNS, on sick leave, had been pronounced fit for duty and posted to Home Establishment. Informed her unit. Received War Office letter notifying that Sister A. M. Hill, QAIMNSR, 8 General Hospital, had been pronounced fit for duty and posted to the Military Hospital, Woking. This lady had applied for a transfer to Home Establishment before being evacuated.
Leave in France: Received from AAG and forwarded to Commandant, Paris, permits for 1 Nursing Sister from 8 Canadian General to proceed to Bordeaux on 5 days’ leave, and for 3 Nursing Sisters from the same unit to proceed to Nice on 14 days’ leave.
20 CCS: The Sister in charge, 20 CCS rang up to ask for a theatre Sister – urgently required due to pressure of work. Arranged for Sister E. V. O. Gascoigne to proceed from 12 Stationary.
39 CCS: Miss Eardley, QAIMNS Sister in charge, 39 CCS, wrote asking for 2 more Sisters. Unit very busy – opening a large hut for officers. Arranged for 2 Sisters to join from the Nurses’ Home, Abbeville.
20 General Hospital: The A/Principal Matron, Etaples, wrote that 20 General Hospital had increased their officers’ beds by 60; unit very busy – required help. A great many cases of measles amongst the Sisters – 21 today.
12 Stationary Hospital: Miss Barber, A/Matron, 12 Stationary Hospital, wrote that the increased accommodation for Sisters had been sanctioned, and 15 Armstrong huts were to be put up. The Isolation Hospital was extending to 500 beds. The DMS had sanctioned the employment of a French woman servant at 2 francs a day to assist in the Sisters’ quarters, and this was proving a great help.
Villa Roquebrune: Received a letter from Miss Finlay, Matron, 1 Australian General Hospital, asking if she and one of her senior Sisters, Miss Anderson, might be permitted to spend their leave at the Villa Roquebrune. She also asked that all cases of sickness amongst the Australian nursing staff working in British units in Rouen might be notified to her, as so many of them had intimate friends working in her unit. She appeared hurt that Sister Knox’s illness had not been notified to her immediately. Replied saying I was very pleased to arrange for her leave in the south of France and that she and Miss Anderson would proceed on the 15th. I was sorry she should be feeling hurt, but as Miss Knox had not been ill 24 hours, it was impossible to do more than had been done, and all their nurses had been informed as soon as possible. The A/Principal Matron and the Matron of Sick Sisters’ Hospital were most particular to keep her well informed of all sick nurses. Sent copy of the correspondence to the Matron-in-Chief, AIF.

10.03.17
Abbeville
Miss McCarthy still away from the office. Condition much the same.
Sick Sisters 225
Special Leave: The A/Principal Matron, Boulogne, telephoned asking for special leave for VAD Green, 13 Stationary Hospital. She had received a wire – her brother had died, her sister dying, and her mother seriously ill. Special leave granted.
32 CCS:  DMS, 4th Army asked that the nursing staff of 32 CCS should be brought up to strength on the 12th. Arranged accordingly. Completed the nursing staffs of 1/1 London CCS and that of the North Midland CCS. DMS, 5th Army, asked for the staff of 3 CCS to join on Wednesday. Arranged accordingly.
Resignation: Received application to resign from A/Sister N. S. Marshall, CHR as she was needed at home. Forwarded and recommended to DGMS.
Extension of leave: Received War Office wire granting extension of leave to Miss C. Givan, VAD, 1 General Hospital, on medical certificate. Informed Havre.
Postings: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Command Paymaster, list of postings of 15 QAIMNSR Canada who arrived on the 5th. Also to Command Paymaster list of 20 members being transferred to Home Establishment on the 15th.
Villa Roquebrune: Arranged for 5 Sisters to proceed to Villa Roquebrune on the 15th and 5 on the 16th.
4 Ambulance Train: Arranged for the nursing staff of 4 Ambulance Train to join at Abbeville tomorrow.
Exchanges: Arranged for Staff Nurse L. A. Robinson, CHR to proceed to England on the 15th in lieu of Staff Nurse S. W. Moore, CHR who has applied for permission to resign. Informed DGMS.
Sick list: Received wire from 7 General Hospital informing us of the death of Sister Blencowe, TFNS. Informed Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Matron-in-Chief, TFNS and sent copies of all wires to DGMS.
29 CCS: Miss Rice, Sister in charge, 29 CCS wrote saying they were very short of staff on account of two being away with measles.
Leave in France: Received letter from Miss Conyers, Matron-in-Chief, AIF, in which she said that she approved of the Sisters not being allowed to spend their leave in France.
Difficulties of travelling: Miss McKay, Matron of Cap Martin Convalescent Home, wrote saying that the difficulties in travelling from the south of France were very great, and Miss Dalrymple and Miss Hollings, VADs under orders to proceed to Boulogne, were unable to get seats in the train until the 15th.
Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland: Received letter from Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, asking me to indent for some air cushions and rubber sheeting for her barge. Said would endeavour to obtain them if possible through the QMNG.
Miss Curtin: Miss Becher wrote with regard to Miss Curtin, and said that if there were no other way of making her settle her debts she must be advised to send in her resignation. Otherwise she should not be sent home.

11.03.17
Miss McCarthy still away – appears better. Surgeon General Macpherson came to the office to ask after Miss McCarthy.
Mrs. Lloyd, VAD: Received War Office letter notifying that the engagement of Mrs. Lloyd, VAD would be terminated on expiration of her leave.
Exchanges: Received War Office letter giving the names of 10 Reserves arriving on the 15th under exchange system.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the names of 40 AANS arriving from England on the 12th for duty in British Units. Arranged for postings.
Extension of leave: Received War Office letter granting extension of leave to Sister F. E. Widdop, 35 General, and Sister D. Widdop, 4 General, owing to the illness of their mother.
Confidential reports: Received confidential report on A/Sister K. M. O’Donoghue, QAIMNS on transfer to Home Establishment, also on A/Sister H. Dey, QAIMNS on completion of six months’ provisional service. Forwarded both to DGMS and recommended that Miss H. Dey should be retained for permanent service with the QAIMNS.
3 Australian CCS: DMS, 5th Army, sent application for increase of 3 Australian CCS and asked at the same time that all CCSs at Edgehill should be increased to 12 as soon as possible. Have made arrangements to do so as soon as possible.
Resignation: Reported to DGMS the departure of Staff Nurse B. V. Hearsum, QAIMNSR on 9.3.17 on 14 days’ leave pending resignation.
Villa Roquebrune: Received enquiry from Command Paymaster re Board and Lodging Allowances for Nursing Sisters whilst on leave at Villa Roquebrune, asking if rations were drawn. Gave him the necessary information.
19 CCS: DMS, 3rd Army, asked for the Sister in charge and one other for 19 CCS for Tuesday. Arranged for Miss C. F. Bayley, TFNS to proceed as Sister in charge with one other Sister.
38 CCS: DMS, 4th Army, applied for an additional Sister to be sent to 38 CCS to allow for leaves. Made the necessary arrangements.
Surgical Teams: Received from DMS, 3rd Army, copy of circular issued to OCs of 6 and 12 Stationary and various CCSs in the 3rd Army, asking that emergency teams should be formed in this units, each team to consist of anaesthetist, surgeon, nursing sister and theatre orderly. Made arrangements so that each one of these units should have a capable theatre Sister who could be called up for this special work.
7 General Hospital: The Matron wrote, giving details of the illness of Sister Blencowe, TFNS, also about the increased accommodation for the nursing staff – the OC was arranging to accommodate 12 more.

12.03.17
Miss McCarthy still away from the office. Seen by Sir John Rose Bradford, who considered her condition serious. Possible appendix abscess which may necessitate at any time an immediate operation. Arranged for Sir George Makins to see her tomorrow. Arranged for A/Sister K. Flower (Middlesex Hospital) to go to Miss McCarthy’s billet to nurse her, and to sleep there.

Sick Sisters 224
VAD Bresland: Received unsatisfactory report on VAD Bresland and also application from her to take up other work than nursing. Approved – instructed her to return to England.
VAD Weatherill: Received unsatisfactory report on VAD Weatherill and an application that she should be given a further probationary period. As she had already had three, it was not considered advisable, and she was instructed to return to England.
Agreement forms: Sent Agreement forms to all Bases for signature by VAD members who joined Army Service October and April.
Resignation: Received application from A/Sister F. R. Holmes, QAIMNS to be permitted to return to England on March 19th, pending acceptance of resignation, on account of sudden death of her father.
Transfer: Received application from Staff Nurse M. L. Piddocke, QAIMNSR, to be permitted to exchange duties with Staff Nurse Grundy, under orders for Bagthorpe Military Hospital, Nottingham, as her mother’s health was not good. Returned correspondence to Etaples, regretting that the orders could not be cancelled and advising Miss Piddocke to submit an application for transfer.
Miss M. Benedict: Received application from Miss M. Benedict, 22 General Hospital, for railway warrant and permission to proceed to Paris on termination of contract. Forwarded to AAG.
7 General Hospital: Received application from OC 7 Canadian General Hospital, for increase of nursing staff by 30 to meet expansion. Present staff insufficient. Forwarded and recommended to DGMS.
Promotion: Received application from the Matron, Hospital Ship “St. George”, for promotion of Staff Nurse A. J. Bailey, QAIMNSR, since May, 1915, in France. Returned, regretting it could not be approved at present, but that this lady’s name had been noted. Still a waiting list of Staff Nurses who had joined Army Service previous to this lady.
Matron Wohlmann: Received War Office letter re change of name of Matron Wohlmann to Wellman. Deed Poll effecting the change to be forwarded to the War Office for registration, after which it would be returned.
Sent priority wire to Cap Martin asking that VAD McCarthy should be sent to Abbeville without delay.
32 Stationary Hospital: Miss Congleton, A/Matron, QAIMNS wrote with regard to the expansion of beds to 1040. Would be requiring extra staff to meet this expansion.
45 CCS: Miss Watkins, QAIMNS, Sister in charge, wrote that they had had a very busy week – the hospital is growing daily more like a Stationary Hospital. Asked for help. Sent a relief for Staff Nurse Nicholl, who had reported sick.
Marseilles Stationary Hospital: Miss Jolley, A/Matron, QAIMNSR wrote that she was making an official application that Sisters should not be permitted to nurse West Indian troops, as there had been a great deal of unpleasantness. Said would deal with the matter as soon as application arrived – meanwhile nurses not to go out alone.
8 Stationary Hospital: The A/Principal Matron, Boulogne, wrote that 8 Stationary Hospital was very short of staff, owing to so many cases of measles. Arranged for 2 reinforcements arriving on the 15th to join.

13.03.17
Abbeville
Sir George Makins came to see Miss McCarthy at 12 a.m. Said that he considered her condition to be serious and an immediate operation was necessary. The operation took place at 3 p.m. at 5 Stationary Hospital “B” Section. A bad appendix abscess was found, and Miss McCarthy placed on the seriously ill list. Informed the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Capt. McCarthy by wire, and all areas by telephone and said a daily bulletin would be issued for the next few days. Miss Hordley, A/Principal Matron, Boulogne, telegraphed for – arrived at 7 p.m. at Headquarters. Arranged for Miss A. L. Walker, QAIMNS to carry on the duties of A/Principal Matron of the Boulogne area temporarily.

Sick Sisters 219
Reinforcements: 11 AANS arrived from England.
Resignation: Reported to DGMS departure of Miss Tudor-Owen, TFNS on resignation on 10.3.17.
Confidential reports: Forwarded to DGMS confidential reports on A/Matrons Buyers, Drage, Hartigan, Perkins, and Matron Wohlmann, all QAIMNS. Reports on all A/Matrons, QAIMNS have now been forwarded to the War Office.
Miss L. E. Snape: Received correspondence from Etaples with reference to A/Sister L. E. Snape, late QAIMNSR, whose particulars re insurance had apparently been lost in the office of the County Medical Officer, Leicester. Returned correspondence to Etaples saying the Officer should be instructed to apply to the Financial Secretary, War Office.
Appeal for staff: Received application from Etaples for nursing staff for the expansion of the new Sick Sisters’ Hospital, Etaples. Returned correspondence, asking that the A/Principal Matron should suggest the names of nurses she considered suitable in her area.
22 General Hospital: DDMS Etaples forwarded request from Matron, 22 General Hospital (Harvard Unit) for the nursing staff to be increased during the summer months to 90. Present staff insufficient for expansion. Forwarded and recommended to DGMS.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Staff Nurse A. W. Stanton, QAIMNSR, lately transferred to the United Kingdom whilst on sick leave.
Exchanges: Received War Office letter giving the names of 10 members of the TFNS arriving in France on the 15th under the exchange system.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter giving details of the reinforcements who arrived in France during the month of February – total 318. Forwarded to DGMS statement showing the number of reinforcements during February to be 296.
Miss O’Connor: Received War Office letter notifying that A/Sister E. A. R. O’Connor, QAIMNSR, at present on sick leave, would not return to France. Engagement terminated from 15.2.17.
Marriage: Received War Office letter approving the retention in the Service of Staff Nurse M. A. Dalzell (née Wilson) TFNS after her marriage.
AANS moves: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, AIF and Base Paymaster, AIF list of recent moves which have taken place amongst members of the AANS.
Reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 15 QAIMNS Canada on the 5th.
Identity disc: Forwarded to DGMS correspondence and receipt for Identity Disc of Special Probationer Eden.
Leave in France: Received application from 2 Canadian Sisters at Havre for leave to proceed to the south of France, to stay with friends at Roquebrune. Returned correspondence – no leave in France permitted except at Convalescent Homes, but leave at the Villa Roquebrune could be arranged for these ladies.

14.03.17
Miss McCarthy’s condition satisfactory. Seen by Sir George Makins, who did her dressing himself.
CAMC units: Received War Office letter asking for statement re War Establishment and present strength of nursing staff in Canadian units on the Lines of Communication. Forwarded to DGMS the statement requested – present strength in Canadian units = 364. War Establishment required for expansion = 528. Shortage = 164.
Miss C. Pell: Received War Office letter notifying the termination of engagement of Staff Nurse C. Pell, Canadian Red Cross (attached to 6 General Hospital), on expiration of sick leave.
Transfer: Received War Office letter notifying that VAD Sapwell had been transferred to Home Establishment – to be struck off the strength of this Command.
VAD appointments: Received War Office letter approving the appointments of 20 VAD members who arrived in France on 24.1.17 – 5 to have extended probationary period.
Return from sick leave: Received War Office letter notifying the return from sick leave of 3 trained nurses and 1 VAD member. Arranged for their postings.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Sister A. B. Munnock, QAIMNSR, 16 General Hospital. Forwarded correspondence to Treport, asking for confidential report.
Exchanges: Reported to DGMS that Staff Nurse Mrs. Grundy, who should have proceeded to England on the 15th under the exchange system, was unable to do so as she was a cerebro-spinal contact.

15.03.17
Abbeville
Miss McCarthy, VAD, arrived from Cap Martin. Miss McCarthy had a fair night – was seen by Sir John Rose Bradford who expressed himself satisfied.
VAD Hoddinott: Received from Boulogne confidential report on VAD Hoddinott, and application from her to be permitted to resign. Sent orders that she should return to England on completion of probationary period. Forwarded the correspondence to DGMS informing him of action taken.
Despatches: Sent list of Honours and Mentions of the Nursing Service in France to the AAG and copy to DGMS – 9 RRC, 16 ARRC and 111 Mentions.
Reinforcements: Reported to DGMS arrival of 29 AANS on the 12th and 11 on the 13th, for duty in British Units. Arranged for the Nursing Staff of 3 Ambulance Train to rejoin at Abbeville.
Leave in France: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, CAMC application from Nursing Sister A. Dussault, CAMC for leave to Paris. Said if recommended by her would be approved as a special case.
A/Sister N. Montgomerie: Received application from A/Sister N. Montgomerie, QAIMNSR for permission to continue in the Reserve until May, as her services would not be required with the Indian Nursing Service until that date.