PREVIOUS - MARCH 1st - 15th 1917



16.03.17
Abbeville
Miss McCarthy had a good night – slept about 6 hours – dressing done under an anaesthetic.
Special Leave: Miss Skinner, VAD returned from special leave.
Return from sick leave: Received War Office letter notifying return from sick leave of 2 Reserves and 1 VAD. Reported arrival to DGMS.
CAMC reinforcements: Received War Office letter stating that 7 CAMC Sisters had been instructed to proceed to France for duty with 1 Canadian General Hospital.
Australian reinforcements: Received War Office letter stating that 2 Australian Sisters had been instructed to proceed to France for duty with 2 Australian General Hospital.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse J. Cowley, QAIMNSR, 8 General Hospital.
Transfers: Received War Office letter with authority to strike Sisters M. Ellis and H. Smith, CAMC, off the strength of 1 Canadian General Hospital. Informed Etaples.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Staff Nurse M. Boniface, QAIMNSR, resigning.
Exchanges: Forwarded to DGMS confidential reports on 9 Reserves and 10 TFNS who proceeded to England on the 15th under the exchange system. A/Sister Godfrey’s report will be sent later. An unsatisfactory report on this lady had been forwarded, and returned to Rouen, asking that a copy might be forwarded to her at Colchester Military Hospital.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Staff Nurse L. Bunton, TFNS lately transferred to Home Establishment.  Received War Office letter stating that VAD Gloag had been granted leave without pay and she should be struck off the strength of the BEF. Informed her unit and Command Paymaster.
Termination of engagement: Received War Office letter terminating the engagement of VAD M. Halliday, who had been transferred sick to England. Informed her unit.
ACI 286 of 1917: Sent memo to DDAP and SS requesting 200 copies of ACI 286 of 1917, for distribution to all medical units. Urgently required.

17.03.17
Miss McCarthy’s condition satisfactory. Seen by Sir John Rose Bradford. She received telegram from Queen Alexandra expressing deep regret at her illness. Sir Arthur Sloggett came to the office and enquired after Miss McCarthy.
Sick Sisters 213
Extension of leave: Received copy of War Office wire granting extension of leave to VAD J. Wilson, 4 General Hospital. Informed Etaples.
Reinforcement: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of Sister E. M. Smith, TFNS in succession to Sister E. R. Clark, TFNS lately resigned. Reported to DGMS her arrival on the 14th inst.
CAMC reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of 9 CAMC Sisters for duty with 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, and asking that instructions should be issued for the transfer of Sister J. T. Ramsay from 2 Canadian Stationary to 3 Canadian Stationary. Issued instructions accordingly.
AANS reinforcements: Received memo from HQ, AIF, stating that a movement order had been applied for, for Sisters Ball and Hammond to proceed to 2 Australian General to replace Sisters Dickson and Love, lately invalided. Informed Boulogne.
VAD Reports: Received War Office letter asking for reports on VADs E. L. Evans, E. F. Ryland, and F. B. Ellis. Sent copies of reports on Miss Ellis and Miss Ryland which had already been sent, and reported that the only VAD E. L. Evans who had served in the BEF had been sent to England 3.10.16, and not 5.1.17 as stated in War Office letter.
Transfer: Received War Office letter stating that Sister M. James, TFNS would not be returning to France. Sent copy to DDMS Etaples and asked for confidential report.
Extension of leave: Received memo from DGMS stating that Sister J. Galbraith, CAMC had been granted extension of leave on compassionate grounds by AAG Canadians. Forwarded to Commandant, Paris, for information.
44 CCS: Received wire from Sister in charge, 44 CCS, that this unit was being closed on the 19th. Spoke to the DMS, 5th Army, on the telephone and ascertained that the unit was being absorbed by 2/1 South Midland CCS and that the nursing staff were still needed. Wrote to Miss Wood accordingly.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from A/Sister N. Marshall, QAIMNSR, on account of private affairs. Also application to resign from Staff Nurse W. Cross, QAIMNSR, on account of approaching marriage.
Presentation of French medal: Received a letter from the Mayor of Hazebrouck notifying that the French Minister of War had presented A/Sister A. M. Wright, CHR with the bronze medal, in recognition of services rendered to the French hospital in that town. Acknowledged the letter and forwarded a copy to DGMS asking that permission might be granted to Sister Wright to accept and wear the medal.
Miss Curtin: Received a letter from Miss Curtin, QAIMNSR, apologising for having left her debts for so long unpaid and saying that she was sending her February pay to Miss Fox at 14 General to settle her debts – hotel bill and laundry. Wrote to Miss Fox asking her to let me know when Miss Curtin had sent her the money.

18.03.17
Abbeville
Sir George Makins saw Miss McCarthy – satisfied with her condition.
Sick Sisters 216
Appointment of Miss Hordley: Submitted to DGMS for approval the appointment of Miss Hordley, RRC, QAIMNS, as Temporary Principal Matron at Headquarters to act for Miss McCarthy during her absence on the sick list.
Resignations: Forwarded to DGMS applications to resign from Staff Nurse H. Harden, CHR, on account of marriage, and from Nursing Sister M. M. Orr, CAMC, also on account of marriage.
Exchanges: Sent to DGMS arrival report of 20 nurses from England on the 15th under exchange system: sent list of postings to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Command Paymaster.
Employment of servants: Forwarded to Etaples authority for the employment of 2 ward maids for the new Sick Sisters’ Hospital at the Villa des Pines.
Resignations: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse E. J. White, QAIMNSR. Forwarded to SMO, St. Omer.
Marriage: Received War Office letter stating that there was no objection to the marriage and retention in the service of Miss M. T. Casswell, QAIMNS for the duration of the war, but two months’ leave could not be approved on account of the reported shortage of trained nurses in France. Forwarded copy to SMO Treport. Received War Office letter approving the retention in the service after marriage of Staff Nurse Mrs. Sambrook (née Pitchford) who had recently married whilst on leave, until the termination of her present contract.
7 Canadian General: Received from DGMS correspondence relating to the application for 30 more nurses for the expansion of 7 Canadian General Hospital, asking for the statement as to requirements to be verified. Returned the correspondence, explaining the difference in the figures to be that caused by the numbers actually on duty and the numbers on the strength (including sick in France, on leave, etc.).
Long Service Bar: Wrote to the Principal Commandant, VADs, asking for information as to the correct position of the VAD service bar. Received reply that they were to be worn 4 inches below the shoulder and if 2 bars were worn, the second one a width below the first.
Sick Sister: Miss Wilson, A/Principal Matron, Rouen, wrote asking that Staff Nurse Alexander, CHR, 11 Stationary Hospital, might remain in her own unit to be operated on for adenoids. Replied that this could not be sanctioned – she must be admitted to the Sick Sisters’ Hospital or transferred to England for operation.

19.03.17
Miss McCarthy’s dressing done by Sir George Makins – a good deal of pain – on Carroll-Dakin treatment. Sir George satisfied with her abdominal condition. Seen also by Sir J. Rose Bradford, who reported her to have a slight touch of pleurisy, T.101.*
Sick Sisters: 218
Staff of CCS: 4th Army, telephoned asking for the Sisters of 36 Casualty Clearing Station to join immediately. Made the necessary arrangements. DMS, 3rd Army, telephoned asking for the staffs of all CCS at Aubigny, Warlincourt Halte, and Agny les Duisans to be increased to 12 and later to 14.
Miss M. A. C. Blair, Sister in charge, 20 CCS brought down a sick Sister, and came to the office to see me with regard to increase of staff, and also with regard to A/Sister E. V. O. Gascoigne, CHR with whom she appeared to have had some little difficulty. Informed her that arrangements were being made to increase the staff of all the CCS at Aubigny, and that I had already arranged for Miss Gascoigne to report at the Nurses’ Home. Saw Miss Gascoigne later – there appears to have been some misunderstanding between the Sister in charge and herself with regard to taking charge of the operating theatre, and a difficulty with regard to rank, as a Staff Nurse was at the present time in charge. Arranged for Miss Gascoigne to join 2 Stationary Hospital temporarily until required for other work.
CAMC resignation: Received copies of telegrams from DGMS received and sent by him to DAG at the Base, with regard to the recall of Nursing Sister F. M. McConnell, CAMC from 1 Canadian General, on account of resignation and marriage. Nursing Sister A. C. Dunham from 8 Canadian Stationary, Hastings, available as a relief. Issued the necessary instructions.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Miss M. Wilmot, VAD. Sent copies to DDMS Rouen and Command Paymaster, and forwarded to DGMS copy of confidential report sent at the end of her probationary period and recommending an extension.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter stating that it was not possible to send 500 more trained nurses to France but that no effort would be spared to make the supply as large as possible. Untrained nurses were to be sent in batches of 50 per week from March 25th.
Miss Benedict, Harvard Unit: Received from AAG correspondence re Staff Nurse Benedict, Harvard Unit – no objection to her travelling to and residing in Paris as far as the British authorities were concerned. Informed the DDMS, Etaples.
VAD Weatherill: Reported to DGMS the departure of VAD Weatherill on 15.3.17.
VAD Reports: Sent to all Bases and units where VADs and Special Probationers are employed asking for a special report on those members who had served in France since 1915, with a view to drawing up a list of those most suitable for employment in General and Stationary Hospitals nearer the front when needed.

* Temperature 101 degrees Fahrenheit

20.03.17
Miss McCarthy’s condition satisfactory – morning T.100 – more comfortable – Evening T.98.
Sick Sisters 212
Reinforcements: 25 VAD members arrived – posted to Rouen area.
CAMC reinforcements: Reported to DGMS arrival of 10 CAMC Sisters on the 16th inst. at 8 Canadian General – no previous intimation of their arrival in this office.
Staff of CCS: DMS, 3rd Army, telephoned asking for the staff of 41 CCS immediately. Very busy in this Army. Arranged accordingly. DMS 1st Army telephoned asking for 7 Sisters for 57 CCS. Arranged accordingly. Sent Miss Sloan, ARRC, TFNS as Sister in charge.
Transfer: Received War Office letter stating that Miss C. Disney, VAD member, had been transferred to Home Establishment. Sent copy of letter to Havre asking for a confidential report.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting resignation of Miss K. Heinemann, VAD 11 Stationary Hospital, (shown as Special Probationer in this office register). Forwarded copy to DDMS, Rouen, and sent DGMS confidential report on this lady.
Reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter notifying the arrival of 2 VAD members on 22.3.17. Arranged for their postings.
Transfer: Received War Office notifying that Staff Nurse H. Drury, Canadian Red Cross, had been posted to Hampstead Military Hospital on the 19th. Sent copy to Boulogne, asking for confidential report.
Return from sick leave: Received War Office letter notifying that 6 trained nurses and 2 VADs were returning from sick leave. Arranged for postings.
VAD Hoddinott: Reported to DGMS departure of VAD Hoddinott, transferred sick to England today – (contract terminated at end of probationary period).
Long Service Bar: Sent circular to all Bases where VADs are employed, giving instructions with regard to the Long Service Stripe.
Miss Conyers: Matron-in-Chief, AIF, wrote saying that she fully realised that everything possible had been done for Miss Knox, AANS and she was quite satisfied with the care and treatment of her sick Sisters. She expected to have more nurses ready for France shortly.
Convalescent Home: A BRCS Convalescent Home for nursing Sisters at Le Touquet, “Merry Lodge”, was opened, with Miss Eden in charge.

21.03.17
Abbeville
Miss McCarthy had a fairly good night – seen by Sir J. Rose Bradford, who considered her condition satisfactory.
Sick Sisters 224
Officers’ Hospital, Gezaincourt: DMS, 5th Army, telephoned to inform me that the Officers’ Hospital at Gezaincourt – Miss Church, ARRC in charge – was closing to re-open at Warloy. The staff would be required in 10 days. Made the necessary arrangements.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Sister G. Deacon, QAIMNSR lately resigned.
Exchange: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on A/Sister V. M. Godfrey, CHR transferred to Home Establishment on the 15th inst.
VAD contracts: Forwarded to DGMS confidential reports and signed agreement forms of VAD members who joined Army Service February and August, 1915 and 1916.
CAMC reinforcements: Reported to DGMS arrival of 7 CAMC Sisters who reported for duty in France on 18.3.17.
Extension of leave: Received memo from DGMS informing me that Nursing Sister M. Engelke, CAMC had been granted extension of leave on compassionate grounds by AAG Canadians. Informed her unit – 3 Canadian General.
Account of Nursing work: Wrote to Mrs. McLaren, Buckingham Gate, with regard to the information promised her in connection with the Nursing Services in France, regretting that I was unable to supply this information at present owing to Miss McCarthy’s sudden illness.

22.03.17
Miss McCarthy’s condition satisfactory – temperature normal.
Sick Sisters 214
Reinforcements: 2 VAD members arrived.
Exchanges: Reported to DGMS departure of Staff Nurse Mrs. Grundy, QAIMNSR to Bagthorpe Military Hospital on the 14th inst.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Staff Nurse C. Pell, Canadian Red Cross, engagement terminated whilst on sick leave in England.
Appointment of Miss Hordley: Received from DGMS approval of appointment of Miss E. H. Hordley, RRC, QAIMNS, as temporary Principal Matron at Headquarters during the absence of Miss McCarthy, on the sick list.
2 Australian CCS: Received from DMS, 2nd Army, application of OC 2 Australian CCS, for Miss E. Davidson, AANS at present A/Sister in charge, to remain in that capacity and for Sister Pocock, AANS, now on leave at Villa Roquebrune, to be posted to another unit. Forwarded correspondence to Matron-in-Chief, AIF asking if she considered this change advisable.
Miss Liddell, VAD: Sir Arthur Sloggett telephoned that General Liddell’s daughter, a VAD, was coming to France on April 4th, and asked that she should be posted to 14 General Hospital. Sent instructions accordingly.
Queen Mary’s Hostel: Informed the A/Principal Matrons of all areas that Queen Mary’s Hostel was to be closed for a fortnight owing to measles having broken out there.
Resignation: Miss F. R. Holmes, QAIMNS A/Matron, 5 Stationary “B”, came to the office to report her departure today, on leave pending acceptance of her resignation.
30 CCS: Miss Barwell, Sister in charge, 30 CCS wrote that they were exceedingly busy and asked for 2 more Sisters. The OC had already telephoned and we arranged to send help.

23.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 207
Reinforcements: 24 VADs, 2 TFNS and 2 AANS arrived from England, and were posted.
Harvard Unit: Forwarded to DGMS application received from the Matron, Harvard Unit, asking if Miss Porter, late Harvard Unit, now in Edinburgh, might be taken on the strength in the place of Miss Payson, who had resigned.  Reported to DGMS departure of Miss Benedict, Harvard Unit, to Paris on termination of contract on 21st inst.
CAMC reinforcements: Received information from DGMS that 30 extra nurses had been applied for, for 7 Canadian General. He asked for a statement as to the minimum number of nurses required to work the expansion in all Canadian units, and on what basis the requirements already quoted were calculated. Replied that the numbers already quoted were the minimum required, and that the requirements had been calculated on a scale pro rata with War Establishment of Stationary Hospitals of 400 beds and General Hospitals of 1040 beds.
CAMC resignation: Received from DGMS copies of telegrams which had passed between the DAG, Base, and DGMS, recommending the recall of Nursing Sister M. M. Orr, CAMC from 1 Canadian General, on resignation for marriage. Sister L. Campbell, CAMC available as relief. Issued the necessary instructions.
Extension of leave: Received copy of War Office wire granting extension of leave on medical certificate to Miss M. Cree, VAD. Forwarded to Calais for information. Received copy of War Office wire granting a weeks’ extension of leave on medical certificate to Miss H. E. Smythe, Special Probationer.
VAD reinforcement: Received communication from Devonshire House that Miss I. Parry, VAD, due to arrive with the reinforcements today, was unable to leave as she was not well – notification of when she will arrive will be sent.
5 Stationary “A”: Miss Bartlett, A/Matron, 5 Stationary “A”, wrote that the hospital was very busy with medical cases – the kaffirs moving to their own hospital next week. Would be requiring help. Wrote saying that 2 VADs would be sent shortly.

24.03.17
Miss McCarthy’s condition satisfactory.
Sick Sisters 207
Resignation: Reported to DGMS departure of Staff Nurse B. S. Greig, QAIMNSR on 22nd, (resigning for marriage), also the departure of VAD Bresland at end of probationer period on 20th.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of Staff Nurse S. A. Nash, QAIMNSR, as a reinforcement on the 26th. Forwarded to Boulogne, instructing Miss Nash to join 8 Stationary Hospital.
Termination of engagement: Received War Office letter terminating the engagement of Staff Nurse W. Munro, SAMNS on expiration of sick leave. Informed SMO, Abbeville.
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse E. L. Craig, QAIMNSR. (This lady’s resignation had already been accepted and subsequently cancelled.). Forwarded to DGMS resignation of Staff Nurse M. R. Owen, QAIMNSR, who wishes to give up nursing for the present.
VAD Agreements: Sent to all Bases for agreement forms due from VAD members recently arrived in France.
Villa Roquebrune: Received letter from Miss Thompson, Villa Roquebrune, saying that the Villa was closing on April 12th, and asking if 4 Sisters who arrived on the 19th might have a few days extra on account of the extra time which the journey had taken.
38 CCS: Miss Caulfeild, Sister in charge, 38 CCS, wrote that the work was getting much heavier, and an increase of staff would be required.
A/Principal Matron, Etaples, wrote that the Isolation Hospital was exceedingly busy – arranged to send help.

25.03.17
Sick Sisters 202
Summer time began.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Staff Nurse I. M. West, TFNS who had resigned in November, 1916, for marriage. Reported to DGMS departure of Nursing Sister F. M. McConnell, CAMC from 1 Canadian General – resigning for marriage. Miss Dunham, her relief, had not yet arrived.
Miss Casswell, QAIMNS: Asked DGMS if the application of Miss Casswell, QAIMNS, to be transferred to Home Establishment on marriage had been approved.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse S. W. Moore, QAIMNSR, 4 General Hospital, on account of home affairs.
Reinforcements: Received copy of War Office telegram dated 23rd inst. stating that 25 VADs were due to arrive in France on the 23rd (24 had reported for duty).
Application for Army service: Received application from Miss Hennery, 22 rue Montessery, Paris, to be employed in British Hospitals. Wrote advising her to apply to the Principal Commandant, VADs in France, at Boulogne.

26.03.17
Sir George Makins very pleased with Miss McCarthy’s condition.
Extension of leave: Received information from DGMS that Nursing Sister M. A. Fortune, CAMC, 7 Canadian General, had been granted extension of leave on medical certificate. Informed Etaples.
AANS Resignation: DGMS forwarded letter from HQ, AIF stating that Staff Nurse C. D. Murray, AANS, 1 Australian General, had been married on the 17th whilst on leave, and had vacated her position in the service. Her vacancy was being filled. Informed Rouen.
Miss Engelke: Received information from DGMS that Nursing Sister M. Engelke, CAMC who had been granted extension of leave, should now be struck off the strength of 3 Canadian General Hospital. Informed Boulogne.
Extension of leave: Received a copy of War Office telegram granting extension of leave on medical certificate to Staff Nurse A. Bradley, QAIMNSR, 2 General, also to VAD Hunter, 25 General Hospital. Informed their units.
Postings of VADs: Sent postings of VADs who arrived on the 20th and 22nd to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, Miss Crowdy and Command Paymaster. Reported to DGMS the arrival of the 2 Misses Cullen on the 22nd.
Honours list: DGMS telephoned to ask if the names of Sisters serving in the Armies had been considered with those serving at the Bases for mentions and honours. Said that all lists had been submitted to this office, and all had been taken into consideration and carefully chosen.
Sick Women’s Hospital: The A/Principal Matron, Havre, wrote that the sick women’s hospital of 20 beds would soon be opening and she would require a Sister in charge, 2 staff nurses and 3 VADs (one as cook).
Miss Hallam’s grave: Miss Richards wrote from the War Office forwarding a letter from Mrs. Richardson, asking for particulars of the grave of the late Miss Hallam, VAD. Asked the A/Principal Matron, Etaples, to supply the necessary information.

27.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 207
Miss McCarthy making good progress.
Reinforcements: 30 VAD members and 1 QAIMNSR arrived from England.
Returns from sick leave: Received War Office letter instructing 3 trained nurses to rejoin from sick leave in England. Arranged postings.
Miss Wohlmann: Forwarded to DGMS Deed Poll received from Miss Wohlmann effecting her change of name to Wellman.
Postings of VAD members: Sent list of postings of VADs who arrived in France on 23rd to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, Command Paymaster and Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant.
Miss Horner: Miss Barwell, Sister i/c, 30 CCS, wrote reporting the engagement of Capt. Charles, surgical specialist, to Miss Horner, Staff Nurse, QAIMNSR. Arranged for Miss Horner to proceed to Etaples for duty.

28.03.17
Sick Sisters: 202
Miss McCarthy improving – seen by Sir John Rose Bradford, who was satisfied with her condition.
Reinforcements: 55 VAD members and 2 TFNS arrived for duty in France, and were posted.
Return from sick leave: Received War Office letter notifying return from sick leave of 2 trained nurses. Arranged postings.
Termination of engagement: Received War Office letter notifying the termination of engagement of Special Probationer E. W. Leake.
Transfer: Received War Office letter notifying that A/Sister K. M. O’Donoghue, QAIMNS, had been posted to the Military Hospital, Chatham, for duty on March 26th.
Medical Board: Forwarded to AAG proceedings of Medical Board on A/Sister M. A. Brown, QAIMNS, 8 General Hospital, - 3 weeks’ sick leave recommended.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Staff Nurse E. J. White, QAIMNSR, who proceeded to England on 25.3.17. on resignation.
Reinforcement: Reported to DGMS arrival of Staff Nurse A. Nash, QAIMNSR on the 27th.
VAD cooks: Sent to Boulogne, Etaples, Rouen and Havre for statement re number of men who would be released when VAD cooks were employed in Sisters’ Messes.

Left for 3rd Army at 10.30 a.m. Arrived at Headquarters at 12.45. Saw Surgeon-General Murray Irwin and Major Hartigan. Arranged to go to Aubigny to see 30 and 42 CCS and to Agnes-les-Duisans to see 8, 41 and 19 CCS in the afternoon. Major Hartigan informed me that the staff required for these Casualty Clearing Stations would be 14, and the same number would also be necessary for those at Warlincourt Halte, Avesnes. 1 Canadian CCS and 24 CCS were also to be established at Aubigny.
Visited 42 CCS where I saw Colonel Crawford, the OC and Miss Ram, QAIMNS, the Sister in charge. This unit is in huts and under canvas and large new Nissen huts had just been erected for acute medical cases. A new chapel and mortuary had also been recently erected and the Sister in charge had been able to obtain decorations for these from Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild. There had been an evacuation in the morning, so this unit was not busy at the time.
At 30 CCS which adjoins 42, I saw Colonel Kelly, the OC, who showed me some of the wards, the operating theatre, dressing rooms both for stretcher and walking cases and the dining hall, all in excellent order and well arranged. The Sister in charge, Miss Barwell, was out so I was not able to see her. I had previously been informed that Capt. Charles, surgical specialist, had become engaged to Staff Nurse Horner on the staff. Orders had been sent for the transfer of this lady to another unit. Colonel Kelly said that she was an excellent nurse and he was sorry to lose her services but he quite agreed under the circumstances that no other course could be taken. After leaving Aubigny I went to Agnes-les-Duisans where Nos. 8, 41 and 19 CCS have recently been established. These units are also in huts and under canvas, with large Nissen huts making excellent wards. 8 CCS was not quite completed and the huts were in process of erection, but 4 and 19 had already taken in patients and had evacuated for the first time that day. Each hospital seemed to be well planned and the wards well equipped and well kept. The dressing rooms and operating theatres were excellently arranged and equipped. The theatre at 19 CCS is specially well equipped and note-worthy, as it has a supply of hot and cold water laid on. Very comfortable accommodation for the nursing staff of each unit had been provided by the erection of 3 Nissen huts – one hut being used as a Mess and sitting-room and the other 2 divided into 4 cubicles each. The Sister in charge has an Armstrong hut as her quarter. Any increase of staff would be accommodated in tents with boarded floors. The railway line which had been brought to the back of the Clearing Stations has recently been completed.
Returned to St. Pol where I remained for the night at 12 Stationary Hospital. The OC was endeavouring to increase the accommodation for the nursing staff in order that a reserve staff for the CCS of the 3rd Army might be posted her, and he thought that the new huts would be ready by the 31st.

29.03.17
Went on to the 1st Army and called at Headquarters, where I saw Major Davidson, Surgeon-General Pike being out. I spoke about the staff required for barges and about 57 CCS which had recently been opened at St. Venant. On leaving Headquarters I visited this CCS. It is established in one wing of an asylum building, the wards of which seem to be suitable for the purpose for which they are required. There is one detached block of one storey, which is to be used as an officers’ ward of 14 beds. This seems quite suitable and extra equipment is being obtained for it from the Red Cross Stores. The nursing staff are accommodated in a small house in the asylum grounds and appeared to be very comfortable. There does not seem to be any prospect of very acute cases being admitted to this CCS.
From St. Venant I went to St. Omer, where I saw Miss Tunley, QAIMNS, the A/Matron of 10 Stationary Hospital, with reference to the staff required for barges. 12 barges are likely to be required and 5 of these had already been staffed. I told Miss Tunley that I would send the staff for the remainder of the barges to 10 Stationary Hospital for temporary duty until required.
From 10 Stationary I went to 7 General Hospital where I saw Colonel Waring, the OC, and Miss Keene, QAIMNS, the A/Matron, about the accommodation for Sisters suffering from infectious diseases. 12 beds have been arranged for this purpose, and as a temporary measure marquees had been erected, but 2 Torrence huts were being put up with accommodation for 6 patients in each. On leaving 7 General I returned to Abbeville and reached Headquarters at 7 p.m.

During my absence it had been reported to DGMS that Nursing Sister M. Orr, CAMC, proceeded to London on the 26th, and that Miss L. Campbell, her relief had not yet arrived.
Transfer: A confidential report on Staff Nurse H. Drury, Canadian Red Cross, who had been transferred to the Home Establishment had been forwarded to DGMS.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on A/Sister M. Brailsford, QAIMNSR on resignation.
Miss A. M. Wright: Received communication from DGMS asking what grade of medal – “Medaille des Epidemies” – had been conferred on A/Sister A. M. Wright, CHR. He was informed that the bronze medal had been awarded.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS application from Staff Nurse M. L. Piddocke, QAIMNSR to be transferred to Home Establishment, to be near her people.
Convalescent Home, Etaples: Informed DDMS Etaples, that hospital diets could not be drawn for the Red Cross Convalescent Home for Sisters at Etaples – ordinary rations only could be drawn, but medical comforts could be obtained by requisition.
H.S. “Dieppe”: Received letter from A/Matron, H.S. “Dieppe”, saying that the ship had gone to Dumbarton to be fitted with new boilers and the staff had all been given 7 days’ leave.
45 Field Ambulance: Miss James, QAIMNS, Sister in charge, 45 Field Ambulance, wrote that the unit was closing on the 29th or 30th, and that the theatre equipment would be sent to the underground hospital at Arras.

30.03.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 200
Reinforcements: A/Principal Matron, Boulogne, reported the arrival of 23 VAD member s and 7 QAIMNSR Canada.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign, together with report and usual particulars, from Staff Nurse D. Millar, QAIMNSR 8 General Hospital.
CAMC reinforcements: Received copy from DGMS of demand made by him to DAG for 134 Nursing Sisters, CAMC for increase of staff for the expansion of Canadian units on the L of C.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Miss F. R. Holmes, Staff Nurse, QAIMNS. It was requested that her badge should be returned to the War Office. Copies forwarded to SMO, Abbeville, and to Command Paymaster.
Contract forms: Received memo from DDAPSS in answer to a request from this office for contract forms, saying that 5000 copies had been asked for from the War Office, 1000 would be sent direct to Headquarters and 4000 to the Depot at Abbeville. The latter quantity would be held at our disposal.
Postings of VADs: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, Principal Commandant, VADs in France, and Command Paymaster, list of postings of VAD members who arrived in France for duty on 27.3 17.
New Agreement: Sent circular re ACI 286 of 1917 referring to the new agreement forms to all areas and also to the Matrons and Sisters in charge of units. Asked for all returns to be in this office by the 25th April
Trained Nurses' Annuity Fund: Sent annual report of the Trained Nurses' Annuity Fund with letter of thanks from Miss McCarthy to all Matrons and Sisters in charge of units, suggesting a bi-annual subscription from all units.

31.03.17
Sick Sisters 200
Reinforcements: 1 TFNS arrived from England and was posted.
Return from sick leave: 2 trained nurses and 2 VADs returned from sick leave in England.
Miss G. G. Jones: Sent enquiry to DGMS as to whether Miss G. G. Jones, QAIMNSR, 11 General Hospital, who arrived in France 27.2.17, were a Staff Nurse or A/Sister, as this lady was quoted as Staff Nurse in the War Office letter notifying her arrival but was shown as a Sister on her last pay certificate.
Resignation: Sent reminder to DGMS with reference to Staff Nurse J. Riddell, QAIMNSR – as to whether she should be struck off the strength of 2 General Hospital, as no authority had yet been received for her departure.
Sick list: Received wire from OC, 25 Stationary Hospital, stating that Miss J. Smith Lee, VAD member, 9 General Hospital, was dangerously ill with purpura fulmans. Telegram repeated to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and copies sent to DGMS. Received notification later that Miss Smith Lee died at 10 p.m. Notification was sent to the War Office and to DGMS.
Miss Hallam’s grave: Forwarded to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, particulars received from Etaples with reference to Miss Hallam’s grave.
Surgical teams: Was informed by DMS, 2nd Army, that surgical teams had been arranged at four CCSs in the 2nd Army to be ready for emergencies, as had already been done in the 1st and 3rd Armies.


Establishments opened
1/1 London CCS, on 5.3.17: Staff supplied – 7
North Midland CCS, on 7.3.17: Staff supplied – 7
41 CCS, on 19.3.17: Staff supplied – 7
8 CCS, on 22.3.17: Staff supplied – 10
57 CCS , on 22.3.17: Staff supplied – 7
2 Ambulance Train, on 24.3.17: Staff supplied – 3
Barges 368 and 105, on 26.3.17: Staff supplied – 4
Total - 45

Establishments closed
49 CCS, on 25.3.17: Staff released – 7

Arrivals
Trained – 69
Untrained – 157

Transfers to Home Establishment
Trained – 7
Untrained – 3

Sent home sick
Trained – 25
Untrained – 22

Returned from sick leave
Trained – 22
Untrained – 12

Total sick at present in England
Trained – 115
Untrained – 67

Resignations sent forward
Trained – 9

Approximate number of leaves granted – 278

VADs returned to England
Termination of contract – 7
Resigned – 1
Invalided – 1
End of probationary period – 3
Special Pros. Returned to England – Nil

Deaths – 3
1 QAIMNSR (Miss L. Duncan – pleura-pneumonia)
1 TFNS (Miss M. Blencowe – cerebro-spinal meningitis)
1 VAD (Miss J. Lee Smith – purpura fulmans)

Total nursing staff now in BEF
Trained – 1962
Untrained – 1224

Shortage to War Establishment – 302