PREVIOUS - MARCH 16th - 31st 1917

CROWN COPYRIGHT: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WO95/3989

***

APRIL 1st – 15th 1917

01.04.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 195
AANS Reinforcements: Copy of letter received from HQ, AIF, notifying that 4 Sisters for 1 Australian General Hospital and 2 for 2 Australian General Hospital would be proceeding to France on the 9th instant to replace members invalided to England.
VAD Miss Tod: Received copy of War Office telegram stating that the parents of VAD member Miss Tod objected to her nursing in isolation wards and requesting that action be taken. Sent instructions for this lady to be posted to 5 Stationary Hospital “A” Section.
Increased staff for CCS: Received telephone message from General Pike, DMS, 1st Army, saying that 27 Sisters would be required as reinforcements for the CCS in the 1st Army by the 5th, and more might be wanted later on.
8 CCS: Received telephone message from DMS 3rd Army, requesting that the Sisters for 8 CCS might join at once. He also reported that the Field Ambulance at Harbarcq had closed and asked for instructions for the Sisters. The nursing staff were posted to 6 Stationary Hospital for temporary duty.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS application from VAD Miss L. Udney for transfer to Home Establishment and permission to rejoin the 2nd London General Hospital.
AANS Allowances: Forwarded to DGMS application recommending that an increase should be made in the messing allowance of members of the AANS attached to British units.
Carrel-Dakin ward: Arranged for Sister J. Murray, TFNS to proceed to 26 General Hospital as Sister in charge of the new Carrel-Dakin hut.
Hostel at Boulogne: Correspondence returned from AQMG approving the establishment of a hostel for nurses at Boulogne provided suitable accommodation is procurable. The accommodation required would be for 30 nurses including the staff to manage the hostel.
Women clerks: Received memo from AQMG asking if the women clerks coming out to France to work in hospitals were VAD members working under the BRCS as he understood from Mrs. Gwynne Vaughan, Controller of the Women’s Auxiliary Aid Corps, that this was the case. Replied that no information had been received regarding the numbers, disposition or category of women clerks, but it was understood that all these women clerks were to be controlled by one organisation at each base.
Miss J. Smith Lee: Received letter from Miss Toller, QAIMNS, A/Matron of 9 General Hospital, giving particulars of the illness and death of Miss J. Smith Lee, VAD member. Forwarded copy of her letter to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office.

02.04.17
Sick Sisters 200
Field Ambulance, Nesle: DMS, 4th Army, telephoned that a new Field Ambulance was being opened at Nesle and that a Sister in charge and 2 others would be required for duty immediately. A staff was supplied from the 2/2 London and 34 CCS.
Reinforcement: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Sister W. Phillips, TFNS was embarking for France 31.3.17 in relief of Sister E. S. T. Jones, TFNS, transferred to the Home Establishment.
VAD Reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter giving names of 25 VAD members from Territorial Hospitals embarking for France on the 30th March.
22 General Hospital: Received copy of War Office letter stating that there would be no objection to the nursing staff of 22 General Hospital being increased to 90 to meet possible contingencies during the summer.
Postings: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, Command Paymaster and Principal Commandant, VADs postings of VAD members who arrived in France on 28.3.17 and on 30.3.17.
VAD Miss Tod: Informed DGMS that VAD member Miss Tod had been posted to 5 Stationary Hospital, “A” Section, and asked if VADs should be posted to Isolation Hospitals or whether they were to volunteer for duty.
24 CCS: DMS 3rd Army telephoned to ask for a Sister in charge and one nurse to be sent to 24 CCS which was now open. The remainder of the staff would be required on the 4th.
HQ 5th Army: Heard from DMS 5th Army that his Headquarters was now at Albert.
Increase of staff of CCS: Heard from Colonel Morgan that DGMS wished the staffs of the CCS at Aubigny, Agnes-les-Duisans, Avesnes and Warlincourt Halte to be made up to 20.
Urgent appeal for help: Received telephone message from A/Principal Matron, Rouen, asking for reliefs as the hospitals were very busy and had not enough staff. Promised to send reinforcements when available.

03.04.17.
Sick Sisters 190
VAD Agreements: Forwarded to DGMS reports and signed agreement forms of VAD members who arrived in France on 7.2.17. Also reports and agreements of 3 members who arrived on 24.1.17 and who had had their probationary period extended.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Miss M. T. Casswell, QAIMNS, 3 General Hospital, on account of approaching marriage.
Postings: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Command Paymaster, postings of 7 members of the QAIMNS Canada, and one TFNS who arrived for duty in France on 30.3.17.

04.04.17
Sick Sisters 194
Reinforcements: 25 Nursing Sisters of the CAMC arrived for duty with 7 Canadian General Hospital. Received from DGMS copy of letter from HQ, AIF, stating that application had been made for movement orders for Sisters Fillane, Pritchard and Crosby, AANS to proceed to 2 Australian General Hospital to replace Sisters Stone, Frater and Heritage, invalided to England. Forwarded to DDMS Boulogne, copy of letter for information.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of A/Sister N. Marshall, QAIMNSR, 5 Stationary Hospital “B” Section from April 9th.
Transfers: Received War Office letter stating that Staff Nurse G. Beech and Staff Nurse Mrs. Hale, both QAIMNSR, had been posted to military hospitals in England and would not be returning to France. Informed their units, and asked for confidential reports.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse M. Horner, TFNS on account of approaching marriage. Also forwarded application to resign from Staff Nurse Tevlin, QAIMNSR, to return to civil post.
VAD cooks: DDMS Rouen, forwarded application for a trained cook and assistant cook, VAD members, for the Sick Sisters’ Hospital. Forwarded to DGMS.
VAD Agreement: Forwarded circular to all areas and all units where VAD members are working re the new agreement forms. Forwarded to DGMS names and reports of VAD members whose contracts fall due this month and who do not wish to renew them.
Confidential reports: Forwarded to DGMS confidential reports on Staff Nurse B. Spearman, QAIMNSR resigned, and Sister L. Clarkson, TFNS transferred to the Home Establishment.
Field Ambulance, Nesle: DMS, 4th Army, applied for 4 more Sisters for the Field Ambulance at Nesle.
Sir George Makins saw Miss McCarthy and was satisfied with her condition.
WAAC: A section of the Women’s Auxiliary Aid Corps arrived for duty in Abbeville.
2/2 London CCS: closed temporarily – staff attached to 34 CCS.
Moves: Miss Perkins, A/Matron, QAIMNS was instructed to proceed to 11 General Hospital as A/Matron. On relief, Miss Lang to proceed to Treport as A/Matron of 47 General Hospital.

Left Abbeville at 10 a.m. and proceeded to 5th Army via Amiens. Arrived at Albert at 12.45 and went to HQ, DMS. Surgeon General Skinner was out but expected to return any time.
After lunch went to Aveluy where 3 and 9 CCS had recently been established. These CCS are both under canvas with the exception of the operating theatres which are in huts. At 9 CCS which I visited first, there is accommodation for 500 patients and one ward containing 12 beds for officers. The hospital had only just opened and was not yet in order but all arrangements were proceeding satisfactorily. The nursing staff are at present accommodated in tents but Nissen huts were being erected for them. The Sister in charge reported that her staff were all quite satisfactory and worked well. The general health of the Sisters is good in spite of the rough conditions under which they are working.
No.3 CCS which I visited next adjoins No.9 and is also under canvas. This unit was in good order and since it has been re-established, the work has been continuously heavy. There is accommodation for 800 patients and an officers’ ward of 24 beds. An operating theatre in connection with this unit has been established at Pozieres, 5 miles away. This has accommodation for 100 men and 10 officers. The Sister in charge of 3 CCS, Sister S. M. Davies, QAIMNS, informed me that 4 of her staff had been transferred to Pozieres leaving her short of Sisters in the main camp. I arranged, subject to the approval of the DMS, to send extra staff while the operating centre was open. At Pozieres, besides the section of 3 CCS, a special operating centre from Authie has been established.
On returning to Albert, I saw Surgeon General Skinner who informed me that 2 Clearing Stations, 45 and 49, would very shortly be established at Achiet-le-Grand and that an increase of staff would be required at the following units – 2 to 44 CCS, 6 to 49 CCS and 2 to 3 CCS.
After leaving Albert, I went to 2/1 South Midland CCS at Puchevillers. This unit, which takes infectious cases only, had been exceedingly busy owing to the transfer of 44 CCS to Colincamps, but Sister Baird, the Sister i/c/, informed me that the number of admissions was decreasing and that the work was considerably lighter. One Sister who had been detailed from here for duty with the surgical teams was leaving for 43 CCS on the following day. On leaving Puchevillers, I returned to Abbeville.

05.04.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 194
22 General Hospital: Received copy of War Office telegram notifying that Sister A. T. Porter was embarking on Friday for duty with 22 General Hospital.
AANS Allowances: DGMS returned the application for increase in messing allowance for members of the AANS directing that it should be submitted to the GOC, L of C for approval. Forwarded correspondence to AQMG.
Leave in France: Received communication from AAG re leave of Nursing Sisters in France, asking if there were any rules prohibiting this. The question has been raised by the French authorities on account of Sisters travelling on French lines at reduced rates. Replied that leave was only permitted to Convalescent Homes in France, with the exception of French Canadian Sisters from 6 and 8 Canadian General Hospitals, who were permitted to take leave in France.
Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia*: Miss Newman, Sister i/c 30 Ambulance Train wrote to say that Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia had been taken to Rouen on April 3rd on 30 Ambulance Train.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from VAD member Miss Thornton, 25 General Hospital, on account of marriage. 10 days’ leave granted to this lady pending acceptance of her resignation.
Barges on the Somme: Application received from DADMS, Ambulance Trains, for staff for 6 barges required to open shortly on the Somme. Arranged for 12 nurses to join 2 Stationary for temporary duty until required.
Surgical Teams: Surgical Teams, which had been arranged at various units in each Army, proceeded to join the Clearing Stations to which they had been detailed.

* Prince Tassilo Wilhelm Humbert Leopold Friedrich Karl of Prussia, son of Prince Friedrich Leopold of Prussia, born 6 April 1893, died of wounds 1917.

06.04.17
Sick Sisters 178
Reinforcements: 24 VAD members and 5 CAMC Sisters arrived from England for duty.
VAD Agreements: The Matron-in-Chief, TFNS forwarded agreement forms for VAD members the Misses Jefferson, Miss Wallace and Miss Dunstan, who had arrived on 27.3.17 and had signed wrong agreement forms.
Isolation Hospitals: DGMS returned the correspondence re employment of VAD members in Isolation Hospitals, asking under what conditions these ladies served and if there were anything stated in their agreement referring to the nursing of infectious cases.
Increase of staff for CCS: Received memo from DGMS requesting that additional staff should be sent to 44 [CCS], 2 to 3 CCS as soon as possible, and 6 to 49 CCS on the 9th.
Transfer: Copy of letter from HQ, AIF received, stating that Head Sister C. Carpenter, AANS, from 2 Australian General Hospital, now sick in England, would not be returning to France, and would be replaced by Head Sister C. M. Marshall, ARRC, on the 6th April.
Canadian moves: Forwarded to DGMS list of Canadian moves for approval.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from A/Sister E. M. Montgomerie, QAIMNSR, 14 General Hospital, her reason being that she required a longer rest than the usual official leave.
VAD Cooks: Forwarded to DGMS statement as to the number of VAD cooks and assistant cooks required and the number of men to be released – 27 Head cooks and 26 assistant cooks would be required, and 27 men released.

07.04.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 177
Forwarded to DGMS application for 100 trained nurses to be sent to France with as little delay as possible – services urgently required to meet the demand for increase of staff at Clearing Stations and to provide the staff for a new General Hospital, also for 2 Ambulance Flotillas. The hospitals at the Base had been depleted to such an extent of trained nurses that, notwithstanding the reinforcements of VAD members, it was absolutely impossible to make further demands upon them.
Exchanges: A/Sister M. E. Brown, QAIMNS and Staff Nurse A. M. Meadway, TFNS transferred sick to England. These 2 ladies were to be transferred to Home Establishment under the exchange system, on April 15th.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse A. McKinnon, QAIMNSR 6 General Hospital. This lady refuses to give any reason whatever for resigning.
22 General Hospital: Forwarded to DGMS application from Matron, 22 General, for 10 VAD members to increase her establishment.
Sick List: Informed Matron-in-Chief, War Office, that Sister M. Hodgson, TFNS had been placed on the Dangerously Ill list, suffering from Thyroiditis. Copy of wire sent to DGMS.
Accommodation at Rouen: Received request from DDMS Rouen for estimate as to probable increase of nursing staff in the Rouen area, with reference to the hutted accommodation required. Forwarded tabulated statement showing total accommodation required for 786 persons, and total present staff as 607.
Rules and Regulations: Forwarded copy of Rules and Regulations to 107th Field Ambulance, 24 CCS and 1 Ambulance Train.
Resignation: Received from Rouen application to resign from Staff Nurse K. J. McGregor, Canadian Red Cross, 8 General Hospital, her reason being that she requires a long rest. Returned application to Rouen, asking if rest at a Convalescent Home or sick leave would not meet this case.
Heavy work at Etaples: Received a letter from the A/Principal Matron, Etaples area, reporting that all the hospitals were very busy, especially 20 General Hospital.
Marseilles Stationary Hospital: Received letter from the Matron Marseilles Stationary Hospital, saying that there had been some difficulties with some members of the staff, three of whom were not contented and wished for an exchange to another station. She asked if she might have 6 VADs in place of 3 trained nurses.

08.04.17
Sick Sisters 173
Returns from sick leave: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of 2 VADs and 2 Trained nurses from sick leave in England. Arranged postings.
AANS reinforcements: Received notification of 4 members of the AANS arriving in France on the 9th for duty with 1 Australian General and 2 for 2 Australian General.
CAMC reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 25 Canadian Sisters on 4.4.17 and 5 on 5.4.17, for duty with Canadian units. Reported to DGMS the arrival of Sister L. Campbell, CAMC for duty with 1 Canadian General on 5.4.17.
Nursing of Infectious diseases: Forwarded to DGMS specimens of agreement forms signed by VAD members, with special reference to the nursing of infectious diseases. Each member undertakes to serve at home or abroad wherever posted.

09.04.17
Harvard Unit: DGMS returned application for 10 VADs for Harvard Unit, asking if these were required in addition to trained nurses previously applied for. Asked Etaples for the required information.
Miss Beadsmore Smith: Received copy of War Office telegram stating that Miss A. Beadsmore Smith, RRC, Principal Matron, QAIMNS, was proceeding from Malta to France to take over temporarily the duties of the Matron-in-Chief during Miss McCarthy’s absence on leave. Wired ADMS Marseilles to instruct Miss Beadsmore Smith on arrival to inspect Marseilles Stationary Hospital.
Canadian Red Cross uniform: DDMS Havre forwarded application from Staff Nurses B. McIntosh and McFarlane, Canadian Red Cross attached to the Reserve, asking for permission to continue to wear the Canadian Red Cross uniform until the termination of their contract on 19.5.17. Forwarded to DGMS for consideration.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse S. W. Moore, QAIMNSR from the 10th April inclusive. Forwarded copy to Etaples.
CAMC Transfers: Received from DGMS copy of correspondence with DAG, 3rd Echelon, recalling Sister Babbit, 3 Canadian General Hospital to England on resignation for marriage – Sister R. Wall, CAMC available as relief. Sent to Boulogne asking for arrival and departure reports. Received from DGMS correspondence with reference to transfer of Sister M. MacDonnell, 1 Canadian General Hospital to Ontario Military Hospital, Orpington, with a view to subsequent granting of leave to Canada on account of illness of mother. Sister J. MacRae available as relief. Sent the necessary instructions to Etaples and asked for arrival and departure reports.
Miss Lang, RRC, QAIMNS proceeded from 11 General Hospital to Treport as A/Matron of 47 General Hospital, just opened.
45 CCS: Received letter from Sister Watkins, Sister in charge, 45 CCS, saying that the unit was closing and packing ready to move on the 8th.

10.04.17
Sick Sisters 177
VAD reinforcements: Arrival of 25 VADs on April 6th notified by War Office letter. Received copy of War Office telegram – 25 VADs embarking on the 10th and 25 on the 13th. Arranged postings.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting resignation of Staff Nurse D. Millar, QAIMNSR, 9 General Hospital, from April 26th. Forwarded to Rouen.
Extension of leave: Received copy of War Office telegram granting leave in extension on medical certificate to Miss Glazebrook, VAD member to April 16th. Informed her unit.
2 Australian CCS: DGMS forwarded official communication from the Matron-in-Chief, AIF, approving the transfer of Head Sister E. S. Davidson from 2 Australian General Hospital to 2 Australian CCS as Sister in charge vice Head Sister A. B. Pocock, to 2 Australian General on relief. Issued the necessary instructions.
CAMC reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of 30 CAMC Sisters, for duty with Canadian units.
Increase of staff: Received application from DDMS Rouen, for more nursing staff for 6 General Hospital. Returned correspondence saying that every endeavour was being made to increase the nursing staff of all units as much as possible.
Nursing of infectious diseases: Received correspondence from DGMS on the question of VAD members serving in infectious hospitals – in accordance with their agreement they could be detailed for isolation work as required, but due consideration should be given to any member who requested not to be so employed.
Withdrawal of resignation: Received copy of War Office letter approving the withdrawal of the resignation of A/Sister N. R. Montgomerie, QAIMNSR. Forwarded to Boulogne. Received application from Staff Nurse F. Shirtcliffe, QAIMNSR asking if she might be permitted to withdraw her resignation and continue serving as a Staff Nurse.
Hospital Ship “Salta”: DDMS Havre telephoned that the Hospital Ship “Salta” had been sunk and only 3 of the nursing staff saved – Sisters G. Young, B. J. Burnett and L. D. Nicholl.
Postings of VADs: Sent postings of VAD members who arrived in France on April 6th to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, Command Paymaster, and Principal Commandant, VADs in France.
Miss Mansell Jones, VAD: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Miss Mansell Jones, VAD transferred sick to England and not recommended for further service.
Resignation: Sent memo to DGMS re Miss Caswell, QAIMNS – still wishes to resign her appointment.
3 CCS: Miss Davies, Sister in charge, wrote that 3 CCS was packing and expected to move shortly. The operating centre at Pozieres was not to be closed until 3 CCS had re-opened.
Havre area: Miss Blakeley, A/Principal Matron, wrote that they were very busy in the Havre area and not able to evacuate.
Increase of staff: Received application for more help from 16 General Hospital – 1380 patients in hospital.
VAD Kits: Miss Oliver, Quartermaster in Chief of VADs, wrote expressing regrets that the camp kits of 24 members who proceeded to France on the 6th had missed the train and were only forwarded on the 7th. In the meantime these kits had arrived safely and had been distributed.

11.04.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 154
Reinforcements: 25 VAD members arrived from England.
Nursing Sister M. A. Fortune, CAMC: Received memo from DGMS – Nursing Sister M. A. Fortune, CAMC to be struck off the strength of the BEF. Forwarded to Etaples.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Mrs. L. Udney, VAD member of 9 General Hospital; to report to the Matron-in-Chief on arrival in England.
Return from sick leave: Received War Office letters notifying the return from sick leave of 3 Reserves, 1 TFNS, 1 VAD and Miss Johnson from the Harvard Unit. Arranged postings.
Termination of engagement: Received copy of War Office letter terminating the engagement of Miss C. Jones, VAD, from April 6th. Forwarded to Boulogne.
Exchanges: Sent postings to all areas concerned for the Sisters returning to England on the 15th under the exchange system.
21 CCS: Received application from DMS, 4th Army, for the nursing staff of 21 CCS opening at Nesle on the 14th. Made the necessary arrangements – Sister Ruck, TFNS to proceed as Sister in charge, and to be relieved at 1/1 London CCS by Miss Bulman, ARRC, TFNS.
Cameras: Received notification from Etaples that reinforcements of the nursing staff now coming out had not been informed of the regulations and were in possession of cameras. 4 instances were quoted. Forwarded correspondence to DGMS.
Reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 24 VAD members on April 9th.
Confidential reports: Forwarded to DGMS confidential reports on Miss Riddell and Miss M. Brown, QAIMNS, 7 Reserves and 10 TFNS proceeding to England on the 15th under the exchange system. The report on Miss Jacob, QAIMNS would be forwarded at a later date. No orders had been issued to Miss Brown, QAIMNS or to Miss Medway, TFNS as both these ladies were sick in England.
Miss F. R. Holmes: Reported to DGMS that the QAIMNS Badge worn by Miss F. R. Holmes, who had lately resigned, had been returned to the War Office by her from England.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse E. Davis, QAIMNSR, 2 General Hospital, on account of approaching marriage.
AANS reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 6 members of the AANS on 9.4.17.
Demand for reinforcements: With reference to the demand made to DGMS for 100 more trained nurses, DGMS replied that he did not consider any good purpose would be served by demanding further numbers. He enclosed copies of War Office letter dated March 8th stating that trained nurses were not available, that reinforcements of VADs were being sent weekly.

12.04.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 181
1 South African General Hospital: SMO Abbeville forwarded an application from Capt. Friel, SAMS, bacteriologist at 1 South African General Hospital, for the services of an individual specially trained by him to carry out research work in connection with the treatment of gangrenous wounds. Returned the correspondence, asking if there were any reason why a man should not be employed for this duty.
Mrs. Seymour: Received application from Lady Gifford asking if Mrs. Conway Seymour (her sister) might be allowed to remain on the staff of her Convalescent Home, Hardelot, until the end of the war. The order that officers’ wives may not be stationed anywhere on the Lines of Communication affected her, but she had worked at the Convalescent Home since it had opened, and an exception might perhaps be made in her case.
Matron-in-Chief, CAMC: Miss Macdonald, Matron-in-Chief, Canadians, wrote that she was crossing to Boulogne on the 18th.
21 CCS: Received from DMS 4th Army, a copy of the proceedings of a Board of Enquiry met to investigate and report on the circumstances under which a motor lorry, conveying laundry to 21 CCS had caught fire, and in which personal clothing belonging to the nursing staff had been burned. Forwarded to all the Sisters concerned indemnification claim to be filled in and returned to this office, so that the signature of the OC, 21 CCS, might be obtained. The late nursing staff of 21 CCS is now dispersed.
Reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter notifying the arrival of 25 VAD members on the 10th, 13th and 25th inst. Received War Office letter giving names of 10 TFNS Sisters who arrived on the 15th under the exchange system.
AANS reinforcements: Received War Office letter stating that the embarkation of 4 Sisters of the AANS for 2 Australian General Hospital had been authorised. Forwarded to Boulogne. Also received War Office letter stating that the embarkation of 10 AANS on February 18th and 2 AANS on March 3rd had been authorised. (These ladies had arrived on the dates stated).
Extension of leave: Received copy of War Office telegrams granting extension of leave to Sister E. S. Maitland, QAIMNSR, S/Nurse K. Grant and S/Nurse A. Daniels, QAIMNSR. Arranged postings of the first 2 ladies – S/Nurse A. Daniels not on the strength of the BEF, so withheld.
Invalided: Received copy of War Office letter stating that S/Nurse E. Lane, TFNS was considered unfit for duty and would not be returning to France. Forwarded to Calais and asked for confidential report.
1 South African General: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Sister A. M. Piggott, SAMNS was rejoining from sick leave in England.
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office telegram saying that Sister A. A. Plant, AANS would embark on the 12th for duty in France. Arranged for her to join 13 Stationary Hospital.
Sick list: Reported to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, by wire, that Miss J. Hamilton Scott, VAD, was on the seriously ill list with scarlet fever – septic condition.
Mrs. Bryce Miller: Mrs. Bryce Miller wrote asking if her Convalescent Home was still of use to the Army, and, if so, if she might be allowed to be affiliated to it, and not to the BRCS or the YMCA as she had been instructed she would have to be.
19 Ambulance Train: Miss Wyllie, QAIMNSR Sister in charge of 19 Ambulance Train came to the office. 19 Train was carrying a very heavy load on the last journey and an accident had happened outside Warlincourt – 1 coach completely turned over, but 3 patients only in the coach and no-one was hurt.
Miss E. Riach: Received letter from Miss Richards at the War Office asking if Miss E. Riach had returned to duty as she had applied for extension of leave and been told she could only have it without pay, and nothing further had been heard from her. Informed her that Miss E. Riach had returned from sick leave on the 3rd, and that Miss E. F. F. Riach had also returned from ordinary leave in February, with extension, and that these were the only 2 ladies of that name in France.
Etaples area: The A/Principal Matron wrote that all the hospitals were exceedingly busy and all were asking for more VAD members – 20 General badly needed trained staff.
Boulogne area: Miss Walker, A/Principal Matron, wrote that everyone was very busy, and that 32 Stationary badly needed increase of staff.
Staff of Hospital Ships: Received wire from “Nerves, Southampton” informing us that various Nursing Sisters ex Hospital Ships were being sent to France – “Nerves, Dover” to inform us of their departure.

Left for Rouen, arriving at midday. Called at the DDMS office, and was informed that the house which was to be used as a hostel for Sisters was almost ready. The hospitals in the area were very busy and crowded – no evacuation having taken place for several days, and an increase of the nursing staff was required in every unit.
I then went to 5 General Hospital where I saw Miss Wilson, A/Principal Matron, who also said how heavy the work was and spoke of the urgent need of more staff.
At 11 Stationary Hospital I inspected the accommodation for nursing staff – new huts divided into cubicles had been erected and all arrangements seemed to be most satisfactory.
At 12 General Hospital which I next visited there is accommodation for 70 nurses in huts, the surplus being accommodated in marquees or bell tents all having boarded floors. Miss Smith, the Matron, had not been well but was not actually on the sick list. She had been recommended for 3 weeks’ sick leave to a Convalescent Home.

13.04.17
Rouen
I stayed at 3 Stationary Hospital for the night. The next morning I visited 25 Stationary Hospital. The nursing staff are here accommodated in huts and Alwyn huts and appear to be quite comfortable. In the afternoon I visited 8 General Hospital where I saw Miss Roscoe, the Matron. She informed me that the hospital for the accommodation of the sick from the Women’s contingent had not yet been begun. It was proposed to erect the hospital on a plot of ground adjoining the Sick Sisters’ Hospital – and 35 beds were to be provided. Left Rouen at 4 p.m. and arrived at Abbeville 6.30 p.m. During my absence, Miss Jacob, QAIMNS, had left Headquarters for Boulogne.

Sick Sisters 178
Reinforcements: 23 VAD members had arrived from England.
Miss E. W. Croft, QAIMNS: Received copy of War Office telegram asking for a confidential report on Miss E. W. Croft, QAIMNS. DGMS asked that a copy of the report furnished from this office on 30.1.17 might be forwarded to him. Forwarded correspondence to Boulogne asking if the copy required could be obtained.
CAMC transfers: DMS Canadian Contingents, asked for the transfer of 2 Canadian Sisters from 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital to 6 Canadian General: 2 others from England available as reliefs. Also for the transfer of 4 Sisters from 2 Canadian General for duty in England – 4 others to join on relief, if there was no objection. Returned the correspondence, saying there was no objection.
Harvard Unit: Forwarded to DGMS correspondence re VAD members applied for by the Harvard Unit – the OC states that these are required in addition to the trained nurses already applied for.
Miss M. Ewart: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Miss M. Ewart, VAD, invalided to the United Kingdom.
Reinforcements: Reported to DGMS the arrival of 23 VAD members and 2 Special Probationers on the 11th, also sent their postings to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, to Command Paymaster and to the Principal Commandant, VADs.
Return from sick leave: Reported to DGMS the arrival of Staff Nurse B. Murtagh, QAIMNSR, from sick leave on the 11th.
2 Australian General: Returned to DDMS Boulogne an application from 2 Australian General for more nursing staff, saying that 6 AANS temporarily attached to British units had been instructed to rejoin 2 Australian General and notification had also been received that 3 Nursing Sisters were shortly embarking for duty with this unit.
20 General Hospital: The A/Principal Matron, Etaples, wrote that 20 General was exceedingly busy – they had 200 beds for officers and 2000 for men, and a great number of jaw cases. She had arranged to send temporary help – 1 Sister from 18 General and 2 S/Nurses from 26 General. All the hospitals were full of bad cases.
Boulogne area: Miss Walker wrote that all the hospitals were very heavy, particularly 8 Stationary Hospital – arranged that help should be sent from the Isolation Hospital.
Hospital Ship “Salta” Miss Blakeley wrote that the nurses saved from Hospital Ship “Salta” were in a very excited condition and not able to give any account of things. They thought there were 12 Sisters on board – apparently no Medical Officers or Ship’s officers had been saved.
Emergency duty: Arranged for 5 nurses from 7 General and 5 from 10 Stationary to hold themselves in readiness for emergency duty with CCS in the First Army. They were to be ready to proceed if called upon by the DMS of the Army direct. Wrote to Miss Keene, 7 General, and Miss Tunley, 10 Stationary, on this subject.

14.04.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 184
Reinforcements: 4 Sisters ex Hospital Ship “Aberdonian”.
Miss Jacob and 3 other nurses proceeded to England by Hospital Transport “Princess Henrietta.”
Resignation: Received application to resign from S/Nurse M. V. Adams, Canadian Red Cross, wishing to return to Canada on account of family affairs. Forwarded to DGMS. Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on A/Sister N. Marshall, QAIMNSR lately resigned.
Nurses ex Hospital Ships: Received wire from “Nerves, Dover” – Matron Cooper and 3 nurses of the Reserve arriving tomorrow at Boulogne about 2 p.m. for duty in France. Arranged postings.
53, 54 and 55 General Hospitals: Received wire from DGMS – Dehorted asking for latest date on which the nursing staffs of 53, 54 and 55 General Hospitals should proceed to France, these units proceeding to France on 15th and 16th. Replied, during the first week in May, and asked if the Matrons were included in the nursing staffs.
Canadian Red Cross uniform: DGMS returned the correspondence re S/Nurses MacFarlane and McIntosh applying to continue to wear Canadian Red Cross uniform – apparently no objection, but the question was one for the Matron-in-Chief to decide.
Resignation: Received application to resign from S/Nurse A. E. Cottrell, QAIMNSR, 10 Stationary Hospital – owing to urgent family affairs, on termination of contract – 12.5.17. Forwarded to DGMS.
Lost kit: Correspondence re lost kit of S/Nurse J. C. Johnson, TFNS returned by Messrs. Cox and Co. – no trace of the missing articles. Claim forwarded to AQMG for approval.
Regulations: Forwarded copies of Rules and Regulations to all new barges, to 21 CCS and to 47 General Hospital.

15.04.17
Sick Sisters 172
Reinforcements: 22 CAMC Sisters for duty with Canadian units. The Matrons and staff of Hospital Ship “Panama”, “Western Australia” and “Lanfranc” arrived – 25 in all.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Miss M. Roy, VAD, of 11 General Hospital.
VAD agreements: Received copy of War Office letter stating that it was not understood why agreement forms had been forwarded from VAD members C. Robinson, M. Richardson and E. Carr, as these ladies had resigned on completion of their contracts. Replied that these ladies had reconsidered their decisions to resign and the DGMS had been notified of this fact – with regard to Miss Robinson in October, 1916, and to Miss Carr and Miss Richardson in Feb. 1917.
CAMC Transfers: Received memo from DGMS with instructions to issue the necessary orders for the transfer of Nursing Sisters L. M. McDonnell and M. A. Sirois from 2 Canadian Stationary to 6 Canadian General Hospital, on relief by Nursing Sisters K. Shaw and M. Aitken from England.
Miss Macdonald, Matron-in-Chief, CAMC Received copy of War Office telegram saying that Miss Macdonald was proceeding to France on the 18th inst. and was visiting Boulogne, Etaples, Havre, Treport, 2nd Army (Remy Siding), 3rd Army (Aubigny) and 5th Army (Doullens). DGMS requested that all facilities should be offered to this lady while visiting the Canadian Hospitals. Advised all Bases.
CAMC reinforcements: Received War Office letter with enclosure from AAG Canadians, stating that 11 CAMC Sisters would be proceeding to France for duty with 1 Canadian General, as part of the reinforcements already applied for. Also received War Office letter and enclosure stating that 11 CAMC Sisters were embarking on the 15th inst. – 1 for duty with 1 Canadian General, and 10 for 3 Canadian Stationary.
Villa Des Fleurs: DGMS forwarded memo with request from the Commissioner, BRCS, that the Villa des Fleurs Convalescent Home shortly to be opened for the use of members of the Women’s Army at Etretat, might have the same grants from the military authorities as the Villa Orphee, namely, rations, medical comforts free, and coal, coke and oil on repayment. The house is to accommodate 16 convalescents at a time.
BRCS personnel: Returned to AQMG correspondence re the employment of BRCS personnel in the hotels occupied as Sisters’ quarters in Boulogne and Wimereux, stating that it was not considered advisable to mix military and BRCS personnel, and at present no workers were employed in military units who had not been sent out by the War Office.
29 CCS: DMS, 5th Army, reported that 29 CCS was closing. Nursing staff instructed to come to the Nurses’ Home, Abbeville.

Left Abbeville 11 a.m. for Etaples – called to see Miss Denne, the A/Principal Matron, and the DDMS at Headquarters, Etaples. Asked the DDMS if he thought that Mrs. Bryce-Miller’s Convalescent Home for Sisters would continue to be required for the Etaples area. He did not think it would be required as there is now a Convalescent Home established under the management of the BRCS and the Villa des Pines is also ready for the reception of sick from the Women’s Contingent. In the afternoon I proceeded to Boulogne and after calling at the DDMS office, I saw the Marine Hotel, which had recently been taken over unfurnished as a Government holding to be used as Sisters’ quarters for the nursing staff of 13 General Hospital. There will be accommodation for 80. The arrangements were not completed here but were proceeding satisfactorily.

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