PREVIOUS - DECEMBER 1st – 31st 1917

CROWN COPYRIGHT: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WO95/3990


DECEMBER 1917
SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS AND WORK DONE DURING THE MONTH AWAY FROM HEADQUARTERS

04.12.17
Abbeville – Etaples
Left for Etaples – visited the DDMS office and arranged with him that I should go to as many of the units as I could manage during the afternoon. Went with the Matron, Miss Hartigan, to lunch at 26 General Hospital where I had lunch in the Sisters’ Mess. It was an unexpected visit but everything was excellent: tablecloths, flowers, tables nicely laid and a very good lunch, including soup, cold meat (bully beef and ham) hot milk pudding and cheese. Everyone looked extremely well and everything appeared to be running smoothly. After lunch I saw the OC who enlarged considerably on the lack of Medical Officers and the need of more thoroughly trained staff to carry on the work in the heavy surgical wards where heavy and responsible dressings are now done by the nursing staff without the assistance of the MO. In consequence of this great shortage he pointed out the absolutely necessity of having a permanent staff of thoroughly trained women to assist with the VADs. He spoke most highly of the valuable work of these ladies and how capable they were, but said that without the assistance of trained nurses, now the MOs were so considerably decreased, the anxieties and worries of the remaining officers were considerable. He also spoke of the question of training some of our trained nurses and VADs as anaesthetists and appreciated the point that in this way there was a possibility of releasing more Medical Officers, but he also appreciated the fact that unless other experienced trained nurses were available to fill the vacancies which would be made by this new departure, we should be in still greater difficulties than we were at present. I pointed out the fact that the question of the anaesthetists was still under consideration and that directly courses of instruction were arranged I intended to approach the Matron-in-Chief at the War Office for further trained people to fill the vacancies.

To 20 General Hospital where I saw Miss Humphries, the new Matron. The OC spoke of her in the highest terms and says she will be good in every way and that the general opinion of everyone is that the hospital is a different place since she arrived. The Assistant Matron, Miss Wharton, who had only just been appointed, had fallen down and sprained her ankle and is not likely to be fit for some weeks, so that I have arranged to send Miss Cameron, Assistant Matron of 58 General Hospital, as that unit is now only taking wounded Germans and the staff has been considerably decreased.
Went to 4 General Hospital where I interviewed A/Sister L. A. Brown, QAIMNSR a nurse who has been taken over from the BRCS she having been reported as rough to the patients and difficult in all respects, neither the Sisters nor the orderlies being able to work long with her. Had a long interview with this lady who is very much impressed with her own importance and could not see that she was in the wrong, although she admitted having difficulties with the orderlies and staff wherever she went. She said that after 15 years’ service it was a very serious accusation to make to report her as being rough to patients. At the end of the interview she undertook to make another effort and endeavour to manage her ward in what she considered a satisfactory manner while displaying more tact with those working under her. This lady apparently works more satisfactorily with Miss Minns than she has done in any other unit, so I have arranged for her to be transferred to 2 Stationary Hospital and am asking for a report on her work at the completion of 2 months’ service.
Then I went to the Villa Tino where I saw a VAD who is suffering from a great deal of depression and it is feared she may have to be invalided home. Her own thought is that she had done something terrible and that she must return to her unit to redeem her character.
Form there I went to Merry Lodge, the new Convalescent Home opened by the BRCS where I was taken round by Miss Field, the Lady Superintendent. It is very nice and thoroughly comfortable in every respect and capable of accommodating 15 visitors. I spoke to a good many of the inmates all of whom expressed their satisfaction at having the opportunity of a rest under such comfortable and pleasant surroundings. Saw Miss Allsopp, QAIMNS who had been sent there for a few day’s rest from 24 General Hospital where she appeared to be over-worked. As she is not improving and seems in a very nervous state, Miss Stronach is arranging for her to be admitted to Villa Tino, where she can have a thorough rest and treatment.

07.12.17
3rd Army
Left for the 3rd Army. Went straight to Gailly to 41 Stationary Hospital where I saw the Matron, Miss Rowe, and the OC Colonel Clark. This hospital is equipped for 900 beds and is really doing the work of a CCS. The Matron is faced with many difficulties in consequence of not receiving the support she should from the CO. The hospital is hutted with French huts, and the Sisters’ quarters are also in huts and a sitting and Mess-room in two separate buildings. The unit is very isolated and there is an evacuation only every week. All shopping and washing has to be done at Amiens. I inspected the Mess accounts and found they had a good balance. The home is run by 6 batmen, and they have a separate hut for the night duty staff.
Then we went to Headquarters of the 3rd Army where I saw the DMS and the Surgical Consultant, Colonel Gray, and discussed the question of the importance of moving the Sisters in charge of CCS after 6 months at the front. At first Colonel Gray disagreed, but in the end he admitted that even a surgeon with a team after 6 months required a thorough rest. I pointed out that we had now such a large number of highly trained theatre nurses that as one left it was easy to replace her by another equally good so that there should be no difficulty in the units working smoothly, if only everyone would realise that when a move was made it was for the benefit of everyone concerned. So that the unit should not be disturbed more than necessary, I arranged that a Sister in charge should be appointed for each theatre to be responsible for its smooth running and to arrange for the teams both on day and night duty.

After lunch went to Ytres, where I visited 48 CCS which has a staff of 40 including 10 surgical teams. Miss A. P. Wilson, QAIMNS is Sister in charge and Colonel Hartigan, the OC. The hospital was very full indeed of seriously wounded people. They have recently had an extremely anxious as well as heavy time and for the two nights previous to my visit the vicinity had been shelled, but both CCS had fortunately escaped, although the nursing staff were compelled to seek refuge in a dugout. The Operating theatre has 6 tables which have been working continually day and night for some time, as well as a large dressing room, with another 6 tables where dressings and minor operations are done.
To 21 CCS which is next to 48 CCS and is run on precisely the same lines – each take 200 in turn about and the work and conditions are practically the same. There are 12 surgical teams working at this unit. Both hospitals are first-rate in every respect and are fortunate in having Sisters in charge who are equally good in this class of work.
I then went on to Grevillers, where I spent the night at 29 CCS. This unit has been bombed two nights in succession but there were no casualties in the unit, although some of the men in the neighbourhood had suffered. The OC is Colonel Carmichael and the Sister in charge Miss Ride, TFNS. There were 10 surgical teams working with the unit. The Sister in charge has a great many difficulties to contend with as the heavy work began before they were properly established which of course increased the work considerably. They have a certain number of huts and the remainder of the patients are under canvas. The OC has only recently taken over and is not yet thoroughly acquainted with the work, and in consequence things were not running as smoothly as they did with Colonel Brunskill. They have 7 tables in the operating theatre and a large dressing tent, and everything possible is done for the comfort of the patients. Their messing arrangements are not too satisfactory, in consequence of the officers and Nursing Sisters sharing one kitchen and the arrangement for shopping being that a young officer should do the shopping for both Medical Officers and Sisters. The result is not as satisfactory as elsewhere. There were several Sisters here who were not up to the work and I am arranging that they should be exchanged.

08.12.17
3rd Army
Visited 3 CCS – this unit is next to 29 CCS and is doing the same heavy work. Miss Gedye, QAIMNS is Sister in charge and manages exceedingly well. There are 8 surgical teams working with the unit. Everything in this unit has considerably improved. The huts are well heated and lighted and extremely comfortable in every respect. The staff are well accommodated and have a nice ante-room and Mess, and their compound is fenced off and private. They have a good operating theatre with 6 tables and next it is a huge hut with 6 other tables where the dressings of walking cases are done. There is a large ophthalmic department in this unit with a Sister who has special training in this branch of the work.
Left at 9.30 for Achiet le Grand where I visited 49 CCS. Capt. Thornley was in charge during the absence of Colonel Ellery, who is on the sick list, and Sister Cardozo, TFNS is Sister in charge. 6 surgical teams were working with this unit. Everything was going satisfactorily, they had been very busy, but at the time of the visit, it was considerably lighter as they had evacuated.
To 45 CCS – OC Colonel Fitzgerald and Sister in charge, Miss Poole, TFNS who has just taken over from Miss Perkins, QAIMNS who was evacuated sick. There were 6 surgical teams working with the unit. The OC expressed himself thoroughly satisfied with all the nursing arrangements and said that the unit was an absolutely happy one in all respects. There had been a considerable amount of work which had now subsided, and as far as he knew they were hoping that things had settled for the winter. The messing arrangements were extremely good – they have a nice big ante-room and mess-room combined. The staff are hutted, except for a few of the extra staff who are in bell tents, but as soon as possible Nissen huts are to be secured so that in all times of sudden pressure the whole of the staff can be suitably housed. There are 4 tables in the operating theatre and a large dressing tent. Nos. 45 and 49 CCS are side by side and on two evenings running the neighbourhood had been bombed – there had been no casualties in the unit but a considerable amount of loss of life in one of the motor transport divisions.
No.30 Ambulance Train was on the siding – I saw the OC and the Sister in charge, Miss Dixon, QAIMNSR. The OC expressed himself as satisfied with the nursing staff, and said that everything was working smoothly and the arrangements for looking after the wounded during the journey were satisfactory in every respect.
To Boisleux, to 43 CCS where I saw the OC Colonel Riach and Miss Lang, TFNS who has recently taken over from Mrs. Dalrymple. Everything here was satisfactory and the OC absolutely satisfied with the nursing staff which at present he considered was more than was necessary. I arranged to reduce the staff to 10.
Then to 20 CCS – Lt. Col. Ritchie, CO and Miss Macrae, QAIMNS Sister in charge. This unit has had a certain amount of difficulties in consequence of complaints from both the OC and surgical specialist with regard to Sisters who have been appointed for theatre duty being moved, which the surgical specialists did not consider necessary. I discussed the question with Colonel Ritchie, and have made certain arrangements, so that I hope in future there will be no difficulty. I feel that sufficient judgement and tact have not been displayed by the Sister in charge and I have arranged to replace her by Miss Schofield, QAIMNSR who had done a considerable amount of charge duty with success. This unit is an extremely good one and appears to be managed well and the arrangements for the comfort and well-being of the nursing staff are almost better than at any other CCS in the Army. They have 5 tables in the operating theatre and 6 in the dressing room. There were 5 surgical teams working with the unit at the time of my visit.
Then I went to 8 CCS to Agnes les Duisans. There is a new Sister in charge, Miss Carnegie, TFNS who has taken over from Miss Smartt. She has had excellent reports and was recommended for charge duty but is apparently not managing well and the OC would be glad if a change could be made. The fact of the matter is that she seems to be a very hard worker but her social position is such that she is hardly suitable for charge duty. She is lacking in many qualities which are very necessary for anyone holding such a responsible position. The unit is a good one and the staff seem satisfactory.
To 19 CCS – OC Lt. Colonel Dunn and Sister in charge, Miss Bray, QAIMNS who has also recently taken over. Everything appeared to be going smoothly. The accommodation for the staff is excellent, their Mess and ante-room being thoroughly comfortable and attractive looking. This unit is not having the heavy work they have had of late and I now feel that one will be able to reduce the staff. Returned to Abbeville.

05.12.17
Abbeville
Miss Wilton Smith, QAIMNS, visited the hospitals in the Abbeville area, and reports to me as follows:
No.3 Australian General Hospital: CO: Colonel Newmarsh. Matron: Miss Miles Walker, AANS.
Inspected the 4 principal wards which are hutted and also some of the minor wards for less serious cases, which are under canvas. The huts were full of very bad cases, all surgical, and a number of gassed patients as well. These wards are only heated by one stove which in my opinion is inadequate especially if the weather is at all severe, and it also gives the ward a comfortless look. The patients look well cared for and comfortable but the wards have an unfinished air and lack the finishing touches which make a ward look nice. I went into the theatre – there were no operations on at the time but everything looked exceedingly clean and it was beautifully warm. I visited the Sisters’ quarters with the CO and the Matron and the question of accommodation was discussed, as the ADMS of the area had just put up officially to know if they could accommodate the overflow of 2 Stationary Hospital as they have not sufficient accommodation for their staff at present. The quarters are all hutted and each room takes 2 – the total accommodation being 104 but this does not allow for the Matron to have either a sitting or bedroom to herself. It is also advisable that the Assistant Matron and Home Sister should have a room alone, thus making accommodation for 99 and their present establishment is 91. The Sisters’ quarters are fairly comfortable – the Mess room was just laid for tea and there seemed to be a lack of method and comfort both in the Mess and sitting room. The bed-rooms were tidy, but looked bare. The hospital has been very busy for some time and the staff has been made up to full strength. They have 10 batmen and a French woman who comes by the day, and there is one Home Sister only. The Matron asked if it would be possible to employ General Service VADs in the Sisters’ quarters and I said she must put the matter up officially.

No.2 Stationary Hospital: CO: Lt. Colonel Meadows. Matron: Miss Minns, QAIMNS.
This hospital is all under canvas, with the exception of one hut for officers and another for acute surgical cases, with theatre attached. The hospital was very full – about 170 officers and a large number of badly wounded Germans. The general appearance of the wards (and I visited a good many) was most comfortable and especially the huts, which look not only comfortable but well cared for in every way. They have two stoves in all the tents and there were nice fires everywhere. The hospital has a nice little chapel, well cared for, also a mortuary which is well kept and which is shared by the three hospitals. The unit has 1260 beds, expanding to 1560, but the accommodation for the Sisters has not been increased in proportion, consequently they have either to be under-staffed, or, as at the present time, they have temporary people who are accommodated in the Nurses’ Home. This is a most inconvenient arrangement as it is some distance off, but the question of increase of accommodation has been put forward and it is hoped it will be ready very soon. They have just put in 2 new bath-rooms with a French boiler. Had lunch in the Sisters’ Mess where everything was very nice – well cooked and plenty of it. The only drawback to this Mess is that neither the Mess nor the sitting room is large enough. They have one Home Sister and 4 VADs, 2 of whom do the cooking. There are 4 French servants, paid for by the Mess and 3 batmen. The present nursing staff is 53 trained and 31 VADs.

No.1 South African General Hospital: CO: Colonel Ward. Matron: Mrs. Creagh. This unit has 3 large huts which take 50 cases and these were all full with a large number of fracture cases and amputations. The huts are wide and airy and well heated and the Sisters’ bunks, sculleries and annexes all most convenient and seem to have everything one could want. The wards were well kept and the patients all seemed comfortable and well cared for in every way. There is one large Adrian hut for surgical cases which is very nice and comfortable but dark and therefore inclined to be gloomy. It had rather the appearance of being overcrowded as there are beds down the centre. The quarters are built in the same way as those of the other two hospitals but are not so large and there accommodation is for 81 only. The Matron has a small but comfortable sitting-room. The Sisters’ Mess and sitting room have been enlarged and seem very nice indeed, the sitting room having a large stove in the middle. The Mess was laid for tea and everything looked very nice indeed. They have one French servant and 5 PB men, and the Mess is run by one Home Sister and 2 VADs. This hospital is staffed by South African Sisters and Probationers and 8 British VADs have been lent temporarily. South African reinforcements have been applied for – 4 Trained nurses and 19 Probationers – to complete the establishment.

10.12.17
Etaples
Visited Etaples and saw the DDMS and A/Principal Matron in connection with an official complaint which had just been made by Surgeon-General Howse, DMS of the AIF through the War Office with reference to the treatment of Australian patients at No.18 General Hospital now occupied by American personnel. I went with the DDMS to 18 General, where I saw the OC who was looking still further into the complaint which had already been investigated, and in the absence of the Matron he undertook to let me know the name of the VAD who had been working in the ward, so that a further statement could be obtained from her also.
Went to No.4 General Hospital where I interviewed Miss L. E. Brown, QAIMNSR in consequence of an unfavourable report which had been forwarded through the Matron and OC in connection with this lady’s nursing and administrative capabilities, she having been reported as not being sufficiently careful in lifting wounded and fractured patients and that she was lacking in tact and was not capable of dealing with people working under her. I saw Miss Brown, who is a woman of a certain age, and although she admitted that she had had difficulties with both orderlies and nurses working under her, she said it was not her fault. She became very excited but eventually asked that she might remain and said she would endeavour to work in a more satisfactory manner. She has since been transferred to another unit and a confidential report asked for on expiration of 2 months’ service.

12.12.17
Boulogne
Visited Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox with reference to the new Club for Nurses at Paris, and the question of Sisters arriving in Paris and going through from other areas being able to put up at the Club. She agreed that until the Club was entirely full with Sisters spending their leave in Paris, that the Lady Superintendent should be instructed to put up all Sisters passing through for duty elsewhere, and that if no accommodation were available, she would make arrangements so that she would know a suitable hotel where they could be accommodated.
To 7 Stationary Hospital where I saw the Matron, Miss Barrett, with reference to their approaching move from their present unit which is about to be taken over by the BRCS for the establishment of the Corn and Baltic Hospital, which has recently closed at Paris Plage. No.7 Stationary Hospital is moving to the position of No.57 General Hospital, which unit is packing up and under orders for Marseilles. I arranged with the Matron that the whole of her staff should join the new unit and that as soon as she was thoroughly established, and ready for them, the staff should be increased to the full strength for 1040 beds. I also arranged to send her an Assistant Matron as soon as possible.
Went to 14 Stationary Hospital where I interviewed Miss Martini, CHR, who had caused considerable trouble and behaved in a most undisciplined manner as she was asked to pay 5d. for a port wine glass which she had broken. She had refused to pay for it and was extremely rude both to the Matron and OC and in consequence sent in her resignation. I saw the OC who was anxious that I should interview the lady and that if she made an ample apology, her resignation might be withdrawn and the Sister given another chance. I saw Miss Martini, who expressed her regret for what had happened and promised to make an ample apology both to the Matron and CO. I tried to see Miss Fitzgerald, Edith Cavell Nurse, to say good-bye on her resignation, as she is bout to transfer to the American Red Cross, but unfortunately she was not on duty. I discussed the question of the irregular uniform of so many members of the nursing services in France with the A/Principal Matron of the area, and instructed her to impress upon all Matrons the importance of their inspecting the uniform of all members of their Mess both regularly and periodically.

18.12.17
Abbeville – Paris – Abbeville
Left early in a heavy snowstorm by car for Paris, - freezing hard. The roads were being cleared as we went along, by snow-ploughs. We got with difficulty nearly to Beauvais when we found it impossible to get further and were obliged to turn round and return to Headquarters.

19.12.17
Paris
Started for Paris by train. Arrived 6.30 and went on to Marseilles by the 8 p.m. mail train.

20.12.17
Marseilles
Arrived at 2.30 p.m. at Marseilles – 6 hours late. Was met by the DADMS and after lunch went with the ADMS to inspect the Stationary Hospital and the proposed new sites for the new General Hospitals. The camp is situated 5 miles out. At the entrance on the left hand side, the ADMS pointed out what he considered an excellent position for the General Hospital which is expected to arrive shortly and which is capable of expanding from 1500 to 2000 beds. The site is being used as a camp for BWI troops and he was anxious that some arrangement could be made so that this camp might be transferred to another part of the town.
Stationary Hospital: On the same side of the road and immediately beyond, the Stationary Hospital is established. The chateau is at present occupied as follows:
    1. 18 sick officers, accommodated in 2 wards.
    2. Laboratory.
    3. Offices.
    4. Officers’ Mess and ante-room.
    5. Accommodation for the nursing staff.

In view of the arrival of 2 more General Hospitals, the ADMS suggested that the whole of this building should be devoted to sick officers entirely, which would give them at least 50 beds, and allow for suitable Mess and ante-room accommodation. The present bath-room accommodation would be adequate. As far as kitchen arrangements are concerned, it would only mean the addition of a larger kitchen range.

    a. The laboratory could be established in a hut with advantage
    b. The nursing staff could be established in a chateau absolutely next to the hospital, which can be rented if authority could be obtained, as the proprietor is anxious to let.
    c. For the Sick Sisters’ accommodation he proposed taking another house in the neighbourhood and if authority could be obtained, he would go into the question and let the ADMS have all particulars without delay in connection with both buildings.

No.57 General Hospital: On the right side of the road, the advance part belonging to 57 General Hospital had already arrived. The site is an excellent one and unless a second General Hospital has to be established here instead of on the site now occupied by the BWI, this unit could also if need be expand to 2000 beds. There are a certain number of brick buildings which could be utilised as stores but the hospital itself will be under canvas. The accommodation for the nursing staffs of both hospitals will be as follows:

    1. 2 huts originally used as Officers’ quarters, in which the divisions have been taken down, which gives a long narrow Mess room, 4 bath rooms and 2 rooms opening off the Mess which could be used as a pantry and store-room.
    2. Behind each, the ADMS proposes to build a kitchen.
    3. The large hut which is between the two Mess huts and which at present is being used as a chapel, he proposes setting apart as the ante-room for both staffs, and this I feel would meet all requirements.
    4. The sleeping accommodation for the whole of the nursing staffs with the exception of the Matrons will be under canvas.
    5. The hut, containing 3 rooms, at the back of the Officers’ Mess, he proposes having adapted for the Matron’s rooms, and with the addition of an extra window, I feel sure it would be entirely satisfactory.
    6. The Matron’s office would be in the hospital compound.
    7. All the above huts are lighted by electricity and could be heated by stoves.

The ADMS pointed out to me the difficulty which existed at present in consequence of the recent AG’s order whereby ambulances can be used only for the purpose of transporting sick and wounded. In consequence of this, a considerable amount of difficulty was caused with reference to the arrival and departure of Sisters whether arriving for duty or passing through or proceeding on leave. In view of the fact that an A/Principal Matron is being appointed to this area, the difficulty will be increased unless some arrangement can be made, as it is absolutely impossible to set aside a car for this purpose, he himself not having a car for his sole use. In consequence of the hospitals being so far away, a conveyance cannot be obtained for less than 10 francs.

21.12.17
Cannes
Left at midday for Cannes and arrived at mid-night on the 22nd at the Convalescent Home, Hotel Esterel.

22.12.17
Convalescent Home, Hotel Esterel: This Home is established in a first-class building – a well-appointed hotel with every modern convenience, including ample bath-room accommodation, and hot and cold water supply to all the bed-rooms. It is situated in beautiful grounds, with well laid out gardens in terraces and first-rate tennis courts. In case of emergency, a Medical Officer is supplied from the Michelham Convalescent Home, and a Medical Officer in Cannes has kindly offered his services, should the occasion arise. There is a motor ambulance for conveying arriving and departing visitors, obtained through local arrangements, the visitors not being called upon to meet any of this expense. Mrs. Brook, a lady resident, had called and been extremely kind and had supplied Christmas gifts for a Christmas tree for all the residents. Mrs. Paget, an English lady who has a certain amount of convalescent officers at her home, hopes to be able to lend her car on occasions for the benefit of the Nursing Sisters, when not required for the officers. The Lady Superintendent said that she had received every assistance from all departments and her supplies were now coming regularly from Marseilles. In consequence of the large number of visitors, she found the need of 2 large tea urns, one for tea and one for coffee, and as she is under the BRCS, I advised her to apply to the Commissioner for these.
There are two questions likely to cause some difficulty in the future:
    1. The question of replacing the orderlies lent temporarily from Marseilles, either by applying to the Commissioner to replace them by BRCS men, or to replace them by scouts, either of which the Lady Superintendent would find equally suitable.
    2. Later on there will be some difficulty with reference to the question of transport for meeting and seeing off visitors and I have instructed Lady Gifford that when the time comes she must put the matter of officially so that we can submit the question of a car to the Commissioner, BRCS for consideration, when this difficulty arises.

23.12.17
Returned to Abbeville. When in Paris I met Mr. Gordon, the BRCS representative, who meets all officers and Nursing Sisters proceeding to the south of France and takes their seats and makes every arrangement for their comfort. He takes infinite trouble to make everything as comfortable as possible for all people passing through Paris.


SUMMARY FOR DECEMBER 1917

Establishments opened
No.72 General Hospital, on 15.12.17: Staff supplied – 2
No.41 Ambulance Train , on 9.12.17: Staff supplied – 3
No.35 Ambulance Train, on 18.12.17: Staff supplied – 3
No.42 Ambulance Train, on 28.12.17: Staff supplied – 3
Overseas
Canadian Forestry Corps Hospital, on 12.12.17: Staff supplied – 5
No.8 Canadian Stationary Hospital, on 22.12.17: Staff supplied – 0
No.9 Canadian Stationary Hospital, on 23.12.17: Staff supplied – 0
Total – 16

Establishments closed
No.36 Casualty Clearing Station, on 1.12.17: Staff released – 20
No.41 Casualty Clearing Station, on 4.12.17: Staff released – 14
No.33 Casualty Clearing Station, on 12.12.17: Staff released – 6
Overseas
No.4 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, on 11.12.17: Staff released – 14
Total – 54

Arrivals
Trained – 8*
Untrained – 0
*excluding No.72 General Hospital which arrived with a nursing staff of 70 Trained and 14 VADs, and Nos. 8 & 9 Canadian Stationary Hospitals which arrived with a staff of 30 CAMC each.

Sent home sick
Trained – 13
Untrained – 11

Returned from sick leave
Trained – 10
Untrained – 7

Total at present sick in England
Trained – 104
Untrained – 79

Resignations sent forward
Trained – 5 (1 on account of marriage)

Total resignations during 1917
Trained – 188 (51 on account of marriage)

Transfers to Home Establishment
Trained – 1 direct from BEF, 9 whilst on sick leave in U.K.

Exchange system
10 QAIMNSR proceeded to England for duty on 15.12.17, 10 QAIMNSR arrived from England for duty on 15.12.17.

Marriages
Sister E. H. W. Reid, QAIMNSR – Mrs. Cook
Staff Nurse E. A. Nicholson, TFNS – Mrs. McDowell.

Approximate No. of leaves granted
To the United Kingdom – 751
To the south of France – 139
To Paris – 45
Total – 935

VADs returned to England
Resigned – 9 (2 on account of marriage)
Termination of contract – 44 (5 on account of marriage)
Transferred to Home Establishment – 3
Total – 56

VADs transferred to Italy – 5

Special Probationers returned to England
Termination of contract – 3

Military Medal awarded
Sister G. M. Foley, QAIMNS, of 33 Casualty Clearing Station
Sister M. Jennings, TFNS, of 33 Casualty Clearing Station

Units bombed or shelled
33 CCS shelled continuously – staff brought down on 12.12.17.

Total requirements of Nurses in the BEF according to War Establishment on Lines of Communications, including Stationary Hospitals in Front area:
Trained – 1947
Untrained – 1465

Total requirements in Front area (i.e. Casualty Clearing Stations, Field Ambulances, Trains, Barges)
Trained – 535

Total requirements in British Expeditionary Force
Trained – 2482
Untrained – 1465

Shortage
Trained – 173

Total Nursing Staff now in BEF (British)
Trained – 2309
Untrained – 1636

Grand total in BEF including Overseas and Americans
Trained – 4305
Untrained – 1959*
Others – 27
*This included 283 General Service VADs working in British units.

***

NEXT - JANUARY 1st – 31st 1918

TOP of PAGE