PREVIOUS - MAY 1st – 15th 1917

CROWN COPYRIGHT: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WO95/3989

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MAY 16th – 31st 1917

16.05.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 210
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS departure report of S/Nurse K. J. MacGregor, Canadian Red Cross, attached QAIMNSR on resignation.
AANS reinforcements: Forwarded to DGMS arrival report of S/Nurses D. Northcote and H. Gillham, AANS for duty with 2 Australian General Hospital.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from S/Nurse K. M. Sambrook (née Pitchford) QAIMNSR on account of marriage. Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from S/Nurse G. M. Rees, QAIMNSR on account of private affairs. This lady had proceeded to England on sick leave on 12.4.17 and had not returned for duty. Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from S/Nurse E. M. Hargreaves, QAIMNSR Australia, on account of private affairs.
Trained Nurses Annuity Fund: Wrote to Miss Garriock, Principal Matron, QAIMNS Retired, to inform her that £148.13.2 ½ had been collected as an Easter subscription to the Trained Nurses Annuity Fund from the nursing staff in the BEF.
No.1 BRCS Hospital: Received communication from DGMS notifying that the increase in the number of VADs from 20 to 30 at No.1 BRCS (Duchess of Westminster’s) Hospital had been approved.
Indemnity claims – 21 CCS: Forwarded to Command Paymaster complete correspondence and indemnity claims for the Sisters who were stationed at 21 CCS whose laundry was destroyed by fire which took place on a motor lorry.
Indemnity claim – lost kit: Forwarded to AQMG indemnity claim from S/Nurse J. C. Johnson, TFNS for lost kit.
Date of Joining Army Service: Forwarded to Command Paymaster memo stating that no official information was forwarded to this office as to the date of joining Army Service of members of the Nursing Service arriving from England for duty with the BEF. Official application had been made on previous occasions but without result, presumably because the date on last pay certificate was considered to be accurate.
40 Stationary Hospital: The nursing staff of 40 Stationary Hospital proceeded to Havre.
Sick list: Received letter from Miss S. Smith, A/Principal Matron of Rouen, to say that Miss Drage, A/Matron, 10 General Hospital, is not well and had been recommended for sick leave.
New Agreement: Also received letter from Miss Smith saying that the number of Sisters signing on for present emergency in the Rouen area was small – no definite reasons were given, except that the members of 12 General Hospital’s grievance seemed to be the slowness of promotion.
21 CCS: Letter received from the Sister in charge, 21 CCS saying that the DMS 4th Army, had visited the unit and had said that the nursing staff were to remain there about a fortnight longer to nurse the French sick and wounded until the French Hospital would be ready.

17.05.17
Sick Sisters 210
Sister McInnes: Received application through DGMS from OC, 13 CCS asking if Sister McInnes, now stationed at 4th London General Hospital in charge of shell shock cases might be appointed Sister in charge, Shell Shock division at 13 CCS. Memo added by DGMS asking if a Nursing Sister specially qualified in the care of neurological cases could be detailed for this duty. Replied that a Sister with experience in mental nursing could be detailed if this would meet the case.
Nursing Sister M. L. Baillie: DGMS forwarded memo for information and necessary action, stating that DMS Canadian Contingents, desires the retention in England of Nursing Sister M. L. Baillie, CAMC, No.1 Canadian General, now on sick leave, also requests that Nursing Sister M. C. McDonnell, 2 Canadian General Hospital, be recalled to England on compassionate grounds and she would be replaced by Sister L. Morden.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that the resignation of S/Nurse H. Laing, TFNS had been accepted.
S/Nurse Murdock: Received correspondence re contravention of censorship regulations by Miss Murdock, Barge 105, from DA and QMG, GOC, L of C directing that his severe censure should be conveyed to S/Nurse Murdock for her breach of the censorship orders in indicating by code the names of the towns of Bethune, Calais and Merville. Passed to ADMS Ambulance Trains, to be forwarded.
11 CCS: DMS 5th Army reported that 11 CCS was moving to the 2nd Army and the nursing staff would be sent to the Nurses’ Home, Abbeville, on the 19th inst.
2 Canadian Stationary: Forwarded to DGMS arrival report of Nursing Sisters K. Shaw and E. Aitken, CAMC on 2.5.17, at 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital.

Left Abbeville 11.45 a.m. Arrived Amiens 1 p.m.
To No.1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital – went round the hospital, which consists of three buildings, one for officers. This unit was packing up to move and preparing to hand over to No.59 General Hospital. There were about 340 patients in hospital at the time of the visit, of which 40 were in the Officers’ Hospital. Saw Colonel O’Neill and Miss Willis, the Assistant Matron. Saw the CO of 59 General Hospital (Lt. Colonel Gowann, TF) and asked what arrangements he was making for the accommodation of 86 Sisters, as the existing accommodation for Sisters which includes rooms in the Officers’ Hospital, is only sufficient for 27. Called on the Base Commandant, Colonel Congdon, with the CO of 59 General Hospital, and asked about houses. Addresses were given of 3 – one too far away to be of use, one a good house “Cercle Militaire”, which would probably accommodate 36, and the other house would accommodate about 16. The Base Commandant and the CO suggested that the existing Officers’ Hospital should be used for Sisters, which would accommodate all, and the officers to be accommodated in a new building about to be taken to bring up the number of beds in the hospital to the strength of a General Hospital. Returned to Officers’ Hospital at 7 p.m. and stayed the night there.

18.05.17
Left Amiens at 8.30 a.m. Arrived Albert 9.15 a.m. – saw Surgeon-General Skinner and Major Hine. There was nothing special required. Surgeon-General Skinner asked me to visit Achiet-le-Grand and advised me to go on the Miraumont road and return on the Bapaume road. Arrived at 9 CCS (Aveluy) at 9.50 a.m. – saw the Sister in charge and CO. All working well. The Sisters are comfortably accommodated. Very few battle casualties, but about 300 local sick in hospital.
To 45 CCS at Achiet-le-Grand, Sister Watkins, QAIMNS in charge. 400 patients in at the time of the visit – all battle casualties, and 40 officers. Excellent accommodation for Sisters in large bell tents and some Nissen huts divided into four partitions – a large marquee for the Mess tent. There is a dug-out for the Sisters – one left by the Germans. The hospital was in excellent order – cupboards specially made for bedpans and utensils for the bad wards – linoleum on the floor of the huts.
To 49 CCS – went round the hospital with the Sister in charge, Sister Cardozo, TFNS. The Sisters are comfortably accommodated in Nissen huts and ordinary bell tents – a dug-out being made in case of shelling. The CO is Colonel Ellery from 13 General Hospital. The number of patients at the time of the visit was 110, of which 10 were officers – all battle casualties.
On to Grevillers, to 29 CCS. Saw the CO and Sister Cockshott, the Sister in charge. Sister Rice was away owing to her father’s death. The hospital had only just moved up, but they were taking in patients.
To 3 CCS – A/Sister S. F. Davies, QAIMNS in charge. Had lunch in the Sisters’ Mess – the staff were all well and happy and contented. The staff of 28 Field Ambulance are attached for temporary duty (4). When these Sisters rejoin, 2 more will be required. Went over the hospital. The CO was at Albert – the hospital not very busy at the time of the visit. Huts for Sisters are being put up by the Anzac Headquarters.
To 3 Australian CCS  Here there is an excellent compound for Sisters, partitioned off, comfortable huts, all in excellent order – the hospital not very full at the time of the visit. Went round with the Sister in charge, Miss O’Dwyer, and the CO. These three Casualty Clearing Stations are all quite close together.
To Bapaume and on to Varennes – passed through villages and the town of Bapaume – all razed to the ground, trees all cut down or burnt and everything one scene of desolation.
Arrived at Varennes at 4.45 p.m. To 4 CCS – all the tents down and they were taking over huts from 11 CCS who were just packing up and moving to the 2nd Army. About 500 patients in at the time of the visit. The Sisters of 4, 11 and 47 CCS all share one compound and are comfortably accommodated in Nissen huts. The CO of 11 CCS requested that his staff may return to the CCS when it is established.
To 47 CCS – went round with the Sister in charge and the CO. There is a new ward for Officers suffering from gas attacks about to be opened. 20 officers were in hospital at the time of the visit and 340 men.
To Warloy, to the Officers’ Hospital, now attached to 47 CCS – Sister Church, ANSR in charge. No wounded officers in at the time of my visit – about 40 sick. There are 4 Sisters only who are in comfortable billets just opposite the hospital. The Officers’ Hospital is a comfortable building – a French hospital in peace time. Stayed the night at Warloy.

19.05.17
Left Warloy at 7.45 a.m. and arrived at Villers Carbonel, Headquarters of the 4th Army, at 9.45. HQ are in Nissen huts, the village of Villers Carbonel being completely devastated. The DMS was on leave – saw Colonel Longford Lloyd, who accompanied me to advanced Casualty Clearing Stations at Tincourt – Nos. 36 and 39 ready to take patients in two days’ time. Saw the accommodation for Sisters. Both hospitals had Mess huts for the Sisters and boarded bell tents – one each – all the arrangements seemed convenient and comfortable. The country close to these Casualty Clearing Stations is quite pretty and not devastated as on the Peronne road.
To 55 CCS – saw the Sister in charge, Miss Lloyd, TFNS and the CO. (This unit is about a mile outside Peronne), and I passed through Peronne town, of which nothing is left standing but a few brick walls). Both the CO and Miss Lloyd reported an indiscreet letter of Sister St. Leger to an officer’s wife after the death of her husband. (Orders have been sent for this lady to serve at a Base Hospital). Had lunch in the Sisters’ Quarters which are comfortably arranged. Wards in excellent order – not many patients in at the time of the visit – evacuation had just taken place. Told the Sister in charge to put in applications for Sisters’ leaves which were overdue.
To 34 CCS; quite close to 55 CCS. Sister in charge – Miss Hill, QAIMNSR. The hospital was fairly full and the wards in good order – the Sisters’ Quarters most comfortable.
To Nesle, where No.21 CCS is, with Sister Ruck, TFNS in charge, (CO Major Walters). Went all round the hospital which has now the appearance of a Stationary Hospital – nursing arrangements excellent – staff comfortably accommodated. This town is being taken over by the French and the hospital will be moving in about 3 weeks’ time. In the meantime no more English are to be admitted, but French soldiers will be taken in. Left Nesle at 5 p.m. and arrived at Abbeville at 8.15 p.m.

During my absence, the DMS 4th Army, had reported that 13 CCS at Gailly was being taken over by 41 Stationary Hospital. As a temporary measure the nursing staff had been left at 41 Stationary Hospital.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Miss H. M. Hawkins, VAD had resigned her appointment on termination of contract – May 18th. Forwarded confidential report to DGMS – not recommended for further service on account of health.
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Miss Ewart, VAD and Miss D. Cross, VAD had been instructed to rejoin on expiration of sick leave.
CAMC reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter stating that Nursing Sisters V. Larter, A. Larter, A. Sergeant and W.C. Riddell, CAMC had been authorised to embark in part completion of demand from DAG Base. These ladies reported for duty on 16.5.17 at 3 Canadian General Hospital.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse V. C. Consterdine, QAIMNSR from 11.5.17. Confidential report forwarded to DGMS. Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse M. L. Piddocke, QAIMNSR 26 General Hospital, and requesting that claim for gratuity and insurance particulars should be forwarded.
Transfer: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Staff Nurse M. Oswald, QAIMNSR had been transferred to Queen Mary’s Military Hospital Whalley on 11.5.17.
VAD Agreements: Forwarded to DGMS reports and signed agreement forms of VAD members due to renew their contracts this month. Agreement forms only forwarded for VAD members Johnston, Davis and Lyster.
CAMC Transfer: Received copy of wire from Medsercan requesting the recall of Sister A. Williams, CAMC 1 Canadian General Hospital to Ontario Military Hospital, Orpington. Sister L. D. Smith available as relief.
CCS in 1st Army: Received telephone message from DMS 1st Army saying that there were 24 Sisters surplus to establishment in the Casualty Clearing Stations in the 1st Army. They were not now required for duty, and he asked where they should be sent.
Non-return from leave: Reported to DGMS that Staff Nurse M. Hissey, 16 General Hospital, who had been granted extension of leave to May 9th had not returned to duty.
41 Stationary Hospital: Received from DGMS copy of War Office wire stating that Matron Rowe, QAIMNS, 10 Sisters and 12 Staff Nurses, the staff of 41 Stationary Hospital, would be arriving on May 18th.
Harvard Unit: Received from DGMS copy of correspondence re allowance for uniform of the nursing staff of the Harvard Unit, stating that they should be treated on similar lines to those laid down in previous War Office letter of June, 1916.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse F. J. Fogarty, QAIMNSR from May 25th. Forwarded copy of letter to DDMS Rouen.
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter stating that the embarkation of Staff Nurse Looker, AANS had been authorised.
CAMC Transfers: Received copy of telegram from DGMS with reference to recall of Nursing Sisters E. E. Alexander and H. L. Reid, 2 Canadian Stationary, Nursing Sisters Middleton and McLenachan available as reliefs, also recall of Nursing Sisters Carter, Stamers and Templeman, from 1 Canadian General with Sisters Paynette, Robertson and Wilkinson available as reliefs, also Nursing Sister Pugh from 2 Canadian General, relief Nursing Sister Kirk, and from 6 Canadian General Nursing Sister Sare, relief Sister McLoughlin. The Sisters recalled to be detailed for duty at Ontario Military Hospital, Orpington. Issued instructions accordingly.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Sister M. E. Rogers, TFNS on account of marriage.
Promotion: Received from SMO Treport, recommendation for promotion to rank of Sister of Staff Nurse E. M. Davis, TFNS. Recommended and forwarded to DGMS for transmission to Matron-in-Chief, TFNS.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse Maxwell, QAIMNSR on account of private affairs.
Michelham Convalescent Home, Dieppe: Nursing staff ordered to join the Michelham Convalescent Home, Dieppe. Miss Minns, A/Matron, QAIMNS in charge.

20.05.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 199
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Staff Nurse M. E. Johnson and A. Siers had been instructed to rejoin from sick leave.
Rest Club for Nurses, Abbeville: Received correspondence from Commissioner, BRCS asking for authority for the employment of 2 VAD members at the Nurses’ Rest Club, shortly to be opened at Abbeville. Also for the employment of 3 VAD members at the new recreation hut being erected at Wimereux to serve the 3 new General Hospitals established there. This was sanctioned.
Detention allowance: Received copy of War Office letter authorising the issue of detention allowance to members of 40 Stationary Hospital who had been detained in London on the night of the 14th. Forwarded copy of letter to Command Paymaster, and to ADMS Havre.
57 General Hospital: Received copy of War Office letter from Matron-in-Chief, TFNS stating that Miss Oates, Matron, Miss Crook, Assistant Matron, 17 Sisters and 31 Staff Nurses of No.57 General Hospital were proceeding to France on May 25th. The VAD nursing members and Special Probationers were being held in readiness until their services were required.
Termination of engagement: Received copy of War Office letter stating the engagement of Miss H. Lloyd Thomas, VAD was terminated from April 16th and she should be struck off strength of the BEF from that date. A confidential report was asked for.
American Hospitals: Instructions issued that all American hospitals are to fly the American Flag as well as the British. Received copy of circular sent out by DMS, L of C re American hospitals shortly to be established in this country. The hospitals which were to be handed over were 9 General. 11 General, 16 General, 1 General and 18 General Hospitals. The present Matron and CO of each hospital were to remain for a time with the new staff. Necessity may arise for subsequent transfer of these hospitals to the American authorities.
WAAC sick bays: Returned to DGMS correspondence received re the employment of VAD members in detention rooms or sick bays for the WAAC. It was suggested that patients should not remain in the sick bay longer than 48 hours, and, then if necessary, should be admitted to hospital.
Miss Swift: Matron-in-Chief, Joint Committee, and Miss Fletcher, Principal Matron, BRCS called.
Barges: Received letter from Matron, 10 Stationary Hospital, stating that the nursing staffs of Barges 366, 367, 368 and 369 had joined, as the barges were again in use.

21.05.17
Sick Sisters 204
Sister Hissey: Received copy of War Office telegram notifying that extension of leave had been granted to Sister Hissey, owing to critical condition of her mother.
Reinforcements: Forwarded memo to DGMS requesting that reinforcements of nurses and VAD members be temporarily withheld owing to lack of accommodation. The staffs of 57 and 58 General Hospitals should be sent. The large number of American nurses arriving would have to be accommodated in the existing units.
Inoculation: Received correspondence from DDMS Boulogne re 2 Australian Sisters from 2 Australian General Hospital who refused to be re-inoculated. The OC suggested that they should be transferred to England as a matter of discipline. Correspondence forwarded to DGMS for transmission to Matron-in-Chief, AIF.
40 Stationary Hospital: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, nominal roll of 23 members of 40 Stationary Hospital who reported for duty on 15.5.17.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Sister E. A. Baines, QAIMNSR on resignation.
Sick Sisters: Forwarded to DGMS notification that Staff Nurse B. Curtin, QAIMNSR and Sister B. Vidal, CAMC, who had been reported as evacuated sick to England, were detained at the port of embarkation and were not actually evacuated until 19.5.17.
BRCS Sick Sisters: Sent circular to all areas where there are Sick Sisters’ Hospitals, giving instructions that when any member serving under the Joint Committee is to be evacuated to England, the Commissioner, BRCS is to be notified.
42 Stationary Hospital: Received copy of War Office telegram notifying that the nursing staff of 42 Stationary Hospital would be joining on May 22nd. Forwarded copy of wire to Havre asking that arrangements should be made for their accommodation, and to Boulogne for information.
American Hospital: Received copy of War Office telegram notifying that the nursing staff of an American Hospital was arriving in Boulogne on the 24th and was proceeding to Rouen to take over 9 General Hospital. Forwarded copy of wire to Rouen requesting that the staff of 9 General Hospital should be distributed in other Rouen units. Miss Toller, the Matron, the Assistant Matron, Home Sister, Theatre Sister, 2 Divisional Sisters on day duty and 2 Sisters on night duty to remain temporarily.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse Ripley, QAIMNSR on account of private affairs.
CAMC Transfers: Received wire from Medsercan through DGMS requesting the recall of Nursing Sisters A. Allan and M. Dickinson, CAMC from 2 Canadian CCS – Sisters Scoble and McDonald available as reliefs.
Miss McCarthy returned to Abbeville and was seen by Sir George Makins.

22.05.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 202
Miss Ormerod, VAD member (Matron-in-Chief’s office) left for England on termination of contract.
41 Stationary Hospital: Received War Office letter notifying the arrival of the nursing staff of 41 Stationary Hospital, who were embarking for duty on May 18th.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Sister A. Robertson Nicholl, TFNS on account of marriage. Instructions were to be issued for her to return to England and report to Matron-in-Chief, TFNS on arrival.
Harvard Unit: Received copy of War Office letter approving the transfer of Nurses Brookes, Duffy and Murray from the American Ambulance, Paris, to the Harvard Unit, in relief of 3 Nursing Sisters who were leaving on June 9th.
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that Miss N. Westbury, VAD had been instructed to rejoin for duty after sick leave in England.
Termination of engagement: Received copy of War Office letter notifying that the engagement of Miss H. Smythe, Special Probationer, had been terminated from the 7th inst. inclusive.
Efficiency stripe: Sent circular re Efficiency Stripe for VAD members to all areas.
VAD Agreements: Forwarded to DGMS names and reports of VAD members returning to England on termination of contract, who had arrived in France May and November, 1915 and 1916.
41 Stationary Hospital: Nominal Roll of the nursing staff of 41 Stationary Hospital forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, and Command Paymaster, with particulars of allowances.
Leave to Canada: Forwarded to DGMS application for two months’ leave to Canada from Sister F. Ellwood, CAMC 7 Canadian General Hospital. Sister Ellwood wished to visit her husband who had returned to Canada disabled as the result of a wound.
WAAC Sick bay: Remarks re WAAC detention room or sick bay received from DDMS Boulogne. He considered the scheme a sound one as the rules of the Corps required that all beds should be rolled up and sleeping quarters not to be used during the day. The object of the detention room was that when a worker was not well, she should have a place to lie down for 2 or three hours. At Wimereux a ward at the Chateau Mauricien could be set aside as a detention room but other arrangements would have to be made at Boulogne and Henriville.
Resignation: Received wire from War Office re Staff Nurse K. Mahoney, asking that she should be sent to the War Office for an interview before her resignation was accepted. Replied that Staff Nurse Mahoney had already left for England on termination of contract on 20th.
Sick List: Sent telegram to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, reporting that Miss J. Reeves, VAD was seriously ill with enteric. Copy sent to DGMS.
Promotion: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Sister Cameron, TFNS who was recommended for promotion to the rank of Assistant Matron. Also forwarded to DGMS recommendation for promotion to the rank of Sister of Staff Nurse S. I. Thomson, TFNS.
Pay of nurses travelling: Received telephone message from Paymaster-in-Chief with reference to the pay of nurses travelling East through France, saying that he has arranged they should have a pay book – they would know what was due to them each month and what they drew would be charged against their account, by the Command Paymaster, Base.

Left Abbeville 8 a.m. – arrived at HQ, 2nd Army (Hazebrouck) at 11 a.m. Saw Surgeon-General Porter and Colonel Chopping re requirements of Casualty Clearing Stations in the Army. The nursing staff of ten of the CCS was to be increased to 13. No.12 was moving to Proven and No.1 Australian to Bailleul. The New Zealand Stationary Hospital was taking over the buildings evacuated by No.12 CCS. The Sisters would be comfortably accommodated in a building – probably the existing Officers’ Hospital.
To 12 CCS – saw the Sister in charge and visited the Officers’ Hospital. Had lunch in the Sisters’ Quarters – a most comfortable billet, with a large room.
To 15 CCS – very few patients. Saw the Sister in charge, Sister C. Robb, and visited the billets, quite comfortable.
To Bailleul, to 2 CCS – Went over the hospital with the CO and Sister in charge, and looked at the extra accommodation for the increase of staff – one or two changes in nursing staff necessary before the extra work begins.
To No.1 Australian CCS – saw the Sister in charge, Miss Tait, AANS. The hospital had only just arrived and had no patients.
To No.2 Australian CCS at 4.30 p.m. Went over the hospital – about 200 patients in at the time of the visit and 10 officers. Saw the CO and the Sister in charge – all working well.
To HQ 1st Army at Lillers, 6.30 p.m. Saw Surgeon-General Pike, who gave me an amended nominal roll of all the Casualty Clearing Stations in the 1st Army. All the extra Sisters he wished returned, and he hoped to re-open leave for the nursing staff as required.
To 39 Stationary Hospital, Aire – went round the hospital with Miss Dowse, the Matron. This hospital is situated in an old French fort, Fort du Gussin, and will take about 400 patients in the building. Beds to make up the number to 600 will be provided in Nissen huts. At present there is only accommodation for 15 of the nursing staff – small Nissen huts to accommodate four in each hut are being put up. The Sisters are at present in three small houses and some bell tents. About a hundred Portuguese soldiers were in hospital at the time of the visit. Saw the CO and asked him to try and get accommodation to take at least 30 nurses. Stayed at Aire all night. Received telephone message from Abbeville that I was to meet the Americans at Boulogne before returning to Abbeville.

23.05.17
Left Aire at 10 a.m. after having telephoned to Miss Hordley instructions for requirements of Casualty Clearing Stations in the 2nd Army.
Arrived at St. Omer at 10.45 a.m. To 7 General Hospital – saw the new Officers’ ward and extra accommodation for sick Sisters. Went all round the Infectious Camp and building with the CO and the Matron, Miss Keene. The CO reported Miss I. Wright, who had been writing indiscreet letters which had been read by the Censor. She had been reprimanded by the CO and I arranged to move her.
To 10 Stationary Hospital – saw the extra accommodation for sick Sisters and the Officers’ Hospital. Saw the CO and Assistant Matron – Miss Tunley, the Matron, was off duty temporarily indisposed. Correspondence shown to me relating to the improper behaviour of Sister N. Harker. Saw this Sister, and had her suspended from duty and sent to the Nurses’ Home, Abbeville.
To Ambulance Barges Nos. 109 and 110 Went over both and saw the Sister and Staff Nurse of each barge and the CO, Capt. Smythe. All in excellent order and the Sisters working satisfactorily. Carrel-Dakin apparatus fitted up over each bed in Barge 110. Returned to 10 Stationary Hospital Sisters’ quarters for the night.

24.05.17
Boulogne
Left St. Omer 8.30 a.m. – arrived at Boulogne 9.50 a.m. To Hotel Christol to make arrangements about seeing Miss Crowdy – saw Miss I. Crowdy. To DDMS office and heard that the United States Army Medical Unit would arrive 7 p.m. message from Abbeville to say Miss Denne was ill – arranged I would visit Etaples and see her on my way back to Abbeville.
To 14 General Hospital to see Miss Fox, Acting Principal Matron of Boulogne, and took her with me to visit hospitals.
To 2 Australian General Hospital – saw the Matron, Miss Gray, and the CO – went all round the hospital and Sisters’ quarters – very fine huts – not busy at the time of the visit.
To 8 Stationary Hospital – saw the A/Matron, Miss Kaberry, and the CO. Visited the Sisters’ quarters – no extra accommodation yet put up – Sisters very crowded. This service has been requisitioned. Extra nurses were required for the mental hut (E. Masterton, S/Nurse instructed to join).
To lunch at Sisters’ Mess, 14 General. At 2.30 p.m. visited 14 General Hospital – went all round the hospital with the CO and the Matron. Saw Miss King, VAD very ill with cerebro-spinal meningitis, and spoke to her Sister who was with her, also saw Miss Reeves, VAD from 24 General Hospital, who had enteric and appeared very ill. Visited the Sisters’ quarters at the Hotel de la Plage, the old site of Rawal Pindi Hospital – can accommodate 98 staff. The CO asked that an extra regular Sister might be detailed to look after a new hut being put up for consultants.
To 55 General Hospital – saw the Matron, Miss MacDonald, who had started work in hospital with 15 of her staff – tents all pitched but no huts ready for occupation and water not yet laid on, or sanitary arrangements completed. It should be ready in about 3 weeks’ time.
Saw the Matron of 53 General Hospital, Miss Riddle. Hospital marquees pitched and the Matron and a few Sisters working daily equipping wards – not able to accommodate Sisters yet – will not be ready for patients for some time. The nursing staffs of 53 and 55 are all accommodated in Boulogne units.
Nos. 54 and 57 General Hospitals are being pitched beyond Ambleteuse – the nursing staff of No.54 are at present at Etaples waiting. The nursing staff of No.57 have not yet arrived – when they do, will be accommodated in Boulogne in existing units. At 5.30 received message to say the United States Unit was arriving at Havre and proceeding to Rouen direct. Saw Mrs. Hagar, Matron of the American Unit, and Miss McLatchey, the Matron of 3 Canadian General, who had come in to Boulogne to meet the American unit.
Visited 13 Stationary Hospital – saw the CO and Assistant Matron, Miss Bentley. Miss Walker, the Matron, was away on sick leave, but expected to return in a fortnight. The hospital was not busy – the Therapeutic hut not yet ready for occupation – the nursing staff had already been supplied. Made an appointment to see Miss Crowdy at 7.30 p.m. but she did not arrive. Stayed all night at the Louvre Hotel.

25.05.17
Boulogne
Called at the Hotel Christol and saw Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant, VADs in France, about General Service members. At present only arrangements for clerks and cooks had been considered. The question of hostels for these members was discussed – the rate of pay for messing would be about 10/6 per week. No members will be sent till accommodation is provided for them.

Left Boulogne 10.45 a.m. – arrived at Camiers 11.20 a.m. Visited 20 General Hospital – saw the CO and Matron. Arranged with Miss Hill that she should see the Matron of 53 General Hospital (Territorial Unit) and take her all over the hospital.
To DDMS office, Etaples.
Saw Colonel Carr who told me 56 General Hospital would be ready to take in patients next week. Miss Denne, A/Principal Matron, was ill with acute iritis. Miss Hartigan, the Matron of 26 General Hospital, was acting for her. Colonel Carr asked that arrangements should be made to accommodate the nursing staffs of 11 and 18 General Hospitals when the American units arrive.
To Villa Tino to see Miss Denne. Saw Sir John Rose Bradford there, who told me he considered Miss Denne should have about 2 months’ leave. Saw the sick Sisters – Mrs. Johnston, VAD the only one now seriously ill. Returned to Abbeville arriving at 5.15 p.m.

Forwarded confidential letter to DMS, L of C re Mrs. Harker, Staff Nurse, QAIMNSR, requesting that she might proceed to England and her engagement in the nursing service be terminated forthwith.
During my absence, War Office letter had been received from Matron-in-Chief, TFNS forwarding nominal roll of the trained nursing staff of No.58 General Hospital, proceeding to France on 29.5.17. The Assistant Matron, Miss M. Cameron, at present serving at 13 General Hospital, would join on arrival.
Promotion: Also received letter from Matron-in-Chief, TFNS with the notification on that the promotion of Miss Alice Flamank, TFNS to the rank of Sister from May 12th, 1917, was approved.
Reinforcements: DGMS forwarded for information copy of wire which had been sent to the War Office asking that all reinforcements of trained nurses and VAD members should be withheld for the present. He asked that a notification be sent when further reinforcements could be accommodated.
Neurological Dept. 13 CCS: DGMS returned correspondence re neurological department, 13 CCS, asking that a suitable Nursing Sister should be detailed for this work.
AANS reinforcements: Received copy of letter from Matron-in-Chief, AIF notifying that Miss M. Coonan, Staff Nurse, was embarking for France on 25.5.17, in relief of Miss M. Curtain, invalided to England from 1 Australian General, also Miss E. Rush, Staff Nurse, on the same ___
WAAC Rations: DGMS returned the correspondence re application for rations to be drawn by VAD members attached to WAAC detention rooms. Instructions issued to all bases concerned to arrange for these ladies to draw rations free.
Promotion: Received copy of War Office letter re Miss A. Flamank’s promotion to the rank of Sister.
CAMC Reinforcements: Copy of War Office letter received stating that the embarkation of Sisters Roots and McLaughlin, CAMC was cancelled.
Extension of sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter stating that Sister B. M. Nye, QAIMNS in England on 3 weeks’ sick leave had been granted sick leave in extension.
Reinforcement: Received copy of War Office letter stating that Staff Nurse Gilkes, QAIMNSR, had been instructed to embark for France on the 22nd inst. and had signed a contract for 6 months. Particulars of allowances given.
VAD members: Received from DGMS copy of a letter which had been sent to the War Office with reference to the recognition of the work of VAD members. He proposed that the Higher Grade VADs should be given, during the war, the status and duties of Staff Nurses and should officially be styled “VAD Staff Nurses”. They should be selected from nurses of not less than 18 months standing by reason of their aptitude and efficiency. The selection was to be made by a Board consisting of the CO, the Matron, the Medical and Surgical Specialists of the hospital together with a senior officer selected by the DMS, L of C. The Board was to meet every two months or oftener if required. He did not agree with the award of a second stripe at the end of the second year’s service but he considered that this would be an error and would vitiate the principal that the scarlet stripe denoted efficiency. If it was desirable to have a distinctive mark denoting length of service, it would be better to retain present white stripe. DGMS came to the office, also Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant, VADs and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox.
American Hospital: No.4 Base Hospital (American Unit) arrived at Rouen by Hospital Ship “Western Australia”. This unit was to take over No.9 General Hospital.
Extension of leave: Copy of War Office letter received granting 7 days’ leave in extension to Special Probationer Singleton, 14 Stationary Hospital, owing to illness of near relative.
Nurses’ Club, Abbeville: Received information from DGMS that approval had been given for the employment of 2 VAD members at the Nurses’ Rest Club, Abbeville, and 3 VAD members for the new recreation hut now being erected at Wimereux.
Agreement forms: Forwarded to DGMS signed agreement forms of members of the TFNS, QAIMNSR, and CHR who had signed for the present emergency, 476 Reserves and 276 TFNS.
Sick List: Miss N. King, VAD member, died at 14 Stationary Hospital of cerebro-spinal meningitis.

26.05.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 203
Reinforcements: Miss Derrick, QAIMNSR arrived from England.
CAMC reinforcements: 40 members of the CAMC arrived for duty in Canadian units.
72 Nurses from Modane, sick and time-expired, arrived at Boulogne on their way to England.
42 Stationary Hospital: Nominal roll of 42 Stationary Hospital forwarded to the Command Paymaster. All the nursing staff stationed temporarily in the Havre area.
Miss Durham, AANS: Received instructions from DGMS that Miss Durham, AANS from 2 Australian General Hospital, was to be transferred to England as she was showing signs of the long continued strain and required a change to less strenuous work. She would be replaced at an early date.
Nursing Sister M. Baillie, CAMC: Received correspondence from DGMS stating that Nursing Sister Baillie, CAMC was to remain in France. All previous instructions regarding this lady were cancelled.
AANS Reinforcement: Received copy of letter from Headquarters, AIF stating that Staff Nurse A. McHardy, AANS would join 2 Australian General Hospital for duty on 29.5.17, in relief of Miss M. E. McKenzie, transferred to England.
Reinforcement: Received copy of War Office authority for the embarkation of Sister Moynihan, QAIMNSR on the 10th May.
WAAC sick bays: DGMS returned correspondence re the establishment of sick bays in WAAC units. Establishment approved and also the arrangement that no woman should be allowed to remain in the sick bay for more than 48 hours, at the end of which time she should be admitted to hospital if necessary.
CAMC Transfer: Received instructions from DGMS to arrange for the transfer of Sister M. E. Hoctor, CAMC, to England. Forwarded to the Commandant, British Troops, Paris. Miss Hoctor was stationed at 6 Canadian General Hospital.
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter notifying the return from sick leave of Sister J. Cumming, QAIMNSR from sick leave.
Inoculation: Received correspondence from DGMS with reference to the refusal of Sisters Weatherhead and McCarron, AANS to be re-inoculated. The transfer to England of these ladies was not recommended in view of their statements and the fact that inoculation against typhoid and para-typhoid was not compulsory. Forwarded to DDMS Boulogne for information.
Certified record of previous service: Received correspondence from DGMS re the certified record of previous service of Miss Whiteford, ANSR, asking that her initials might be verified.
VAD Agreements: Forwarded to DGMS signed Agreement forms of VAD members who arrived in France on 3.4.17 and confidential reports on those who had not previously served in military hospitals.
Miss J. Davis, VAD: Received and forwarded to the AAG proceedings of Medical Board on VAD J. Davis, suffering from septic hands. 3 weeks’ sick leave recommended.
42 Stationary Hospital: Forwarded to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, nominal roll of the nursing staff of 42 Stationary Hospital.
Promotion: Circulated memo to the A/Principal Matrons and the Matrons of units at Treport, Calais and St. Omer, asking for official recommendations for the promotion of staff nurses to the rank of Sister.
American Hospitals: Forwarded to DGMS memo referring to the disposal of the extra equipment in the Sisters’ Messes in the hospitals which were shortly to be taken over by American personnel. It was suggested that an estimate of the value of extra equipment should be made and, on the arrival of the American nursing staffs, it should be offered to them at the valuation.
Miss H. Lloyd-Thomas, VAD: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Miss H. Lloyd-Thomas, VAD.
CAMC transport duty: Forwarded to DGMS applications for transport duty to Canada from Nursing Sisters McDougall and McDonald, 6 Canadian General Hospital.
Return from sick leave: Forwarded to DGMS arrival report of A/Sister C. Woodman, QAIMNSR, from sick leave.
Resignations: Forwarded to DGMS departure reports of Staff Nurse F. J. Fogarty, CHR and Staff Nurse M. H. Self, QAIMNSR on termination of contract.

27.05.17
Sick Sisters 202
Resignation: Received War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse I. McCalman, QAIMNSR late of 2 Stationary Hospital, also War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse G. A. Salmond, QAIMNSR 14 Stationary Hospital, to be married.
Miss A. B. Wellman: Received copy of War Office letter stating that a note had been made that Miss Wohlmann’s name should be altered in the Army List to Miss A. B. Wellman. The Deed Poll, which had been duly enrolled in the Central Office of the Supreme Court of Judicature was returned. Forwarded copies of letter to DDMS Havre and to Command Paymaster, Base, and forwarded by registered post to Havre.
Sick List: Sent telegram to Matron-in-Chief, War Office, stating that Staff Nurse N. S. Latta, CHR was seriously ill with haematemesis.
Transfer: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on A/Sister M. Armitage, QAIMNSR, lately transferred to Home Establishment.
Allowances of Matron-in-Chief, BEF: Forwarded application to AQMG requesting that the rule that no member of the QAIMNS or other nurses could draw Lodging, Fuel and Light allowance should not hold good in the case of the Matron-in-Chief, BEF, also that she should be allowed to draw 5/- per day charge pay as she had now over 5000 nurses under her administration. It was requested that these allowances should be made retrospective from the date on which the Matron-in-Chief entered on her duties in August, 1914.
WAAC Detention rooms: Sent circular to DDMS Boulogne and Rouen, ADMS Abbeville and Dieppe, and SMO St. Omer, re the establishment of detention rooms for units of the WAAC.
Staff Nurse Harker: Received from DGMS instructions to send Staff Nurse Harker, QAIMNSR to England forthwith to report to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, on arrival.
CAMC units: Letter forwarded to Miss Macdonald, Matron-in-Chief, Canadians, re Canadian moves and informing her that more Sisters would be required for the Canadian Casualty Clearing Stations.

Miss Hordley, A/Principal Matron, QAIMNS left Abbeville 11 a.m. for Dieppe to see Sister in charge about extension of Michelham Convalescent Home for Officers and increase of staff. The Metropole Hotel, first taken for the Home, accommodated 115 officers, but as this was not considered to be sufficient, the Grand Hotel was also hired, giving further accommodation for 110 officers. The Grand Hotel is some distance from the Metropole and would need a separate staff, both nursing and domestic. Miss Minns, QAIMNS the Matron, proposed having one Sister and 4 VADs at the Metropole and one Sister and 4 VADs at the Grand Hotel. The extra staff would be required on June 2nd. On leaving Dieppe, Miss Hordley went to Treport to see the Matron of 16 General Hospital re the moving of nursing staff on the arrival of the American personnel. Miss Willetts said her present staff was 104, and, in addition to the VADs, she would like to keep 6 senior Sisters when the hospital was handed over. The hospital was busy at the time so would not be able to spare any of the staff until they could be relieved. She also visited 47 General Hospital and went through some of the wards with the Matron, Miss Lang, QAIMNS, arriving back at Abbeville at 8.30 p.m.

28.05.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 191
CAMC reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter with nominal roll of Canadian Sisters due to embark for France on 26.5.17 – 10 for 7 Canadian General, 12 for 2 Canadian General, 2 for 7 Canadian Stationary. Also received copy of second War Office letter with nominal roll of more Sisters due to embark on the same day – 6 for 1 Canadian General, 8 for 3 Canadian General, 1 for 6 Canadian General and 1 for 8 Canadian General Hospital.
Resignations: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse A. A. Maxwell, QAIMNSR at 17 CCS, also of Staff Nurse A. Welch, QAIMNSR, 32 Stationary Hospital, and Staff Nurse M. Mitchell, QAIMNSR, 16 General Hospital, also of Staff Nurse K. M. Sambrook, QAIMNSR, 9 General Hospital.
New Zealand Stationary Hospital: Received copy of War Office letter authorising the embarkation of Staff Nurse M. Davies, NZANS for duty at the New Zealand Stationary Hospital to replace S/Nurse Rose, who is unable to resume duty for the present.
AANS Reinforcements: Received War Office letter notifying the embarkation of Staff Nurse Coonan, AANS for 1 Australian General Hospital and Staff Nurse E. Rush, AANS for 2 Australian General Hospital, on the 25th inst.
Resignation: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Staff Nurse E. M. Hargreave, QAIMNSR Australia, from June 10th.
58 General Hospital: Received copy of War Office telegram stating that the nursing staff of 58 General Hospital was proceeding to France on the 29th – Miss Humphries, Matron, 17 Sisters and 31 Staff Nurses.
Nurses’ Home, Abbeville is attached to 2 Stationary Hospital for discipline and supplies.
57 General Hospital: Forwarded to DGMS arrival report of Matron Miss Oates, the Assistant Matron, 17 Sisters and 31 Staff Nurses, the nursing staff of 57 General Hospital, on 25.5.17.
Resignation: Forwarded to DGMS confidential report, gratuity claim and insurance particulars of Staff Nurse F. E. Kewley, CHR on resignation on 26.5.17.
Miss Adeane: Reported to DGMS that Miss Adeane, Special Probationer, was not renewing her contract, also that Miss J. Bradburn, VAD member, was not renewing her contract on account of health.

29.05.17
Sick Sisters 183
Miss McCarthy was operated on by Sir George Makins, and her appendix removed.. Condition satisfactory.
Reinforcement: Miss N. Wright, VAD, arrived for duty in the Matron-in-Chief’s office.
58 General Hospital: The nursing staff of 58 General Hospital arrived in France.
New Zealand Stationary Hospital: Received wire from DMS, 2nd Army, asking that the Sisters of the New Zealand Stationary Hospital should arrive on Thursday, the 31st. Instructions issued.
CAMC transfers: Received approval from DGMS for the moves of Canadian Sisters from 1 and 7 General Hospitals for duty at 2 Canadian CCS and for Sisters from 3 Canadian General Hospital for duty at 3 Canadian CCS. Approval also received for the transfer of Miss A. R. Walker, CAMC from 1 Canadian General Hospital to 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital.
Return from sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter stating that Sisters Sawyer and Metcalfe, TFNS and Cassidy and Woodman, QAIMNSR had been instructed to rejoin from sick leave in England.
Reinforcements: Received War Office letter stating that Staff Nurse W. Derrick, QAIMNSR newly appointed, had been instructed to join for duty in France on the 26th inst.
Miss M. Thorneley: Received copy of War Office letter stating that the appointment of Miss M. Thorneley, VAD member, had been approved.
Reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter giving a statement of the reinforcements sent to France during the months of March and April, 1917 – total for March 255, and total for April 612 (including the personnel of 3 new hospitals).
Resignation: Received from DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse A. Y. Brotherton, QAIMNSR, 61 CCS on account of family affairs.
CAMC Transfer: Received instructions from DGMS to issue the necessary orders for Sister P. Mellen, CAMC to proceed to England from 3 Canadian CCS on relief by Sister H. A. Macdonald.
Shell Shock Division, 41 Stationary Hospital: Reported to DGMS that Miss K. Cameron, TFNS, had been instructed to proceed to 41 Stationary Hospital as Sister in charge of the Shell Shock Division. This lady had had three years’ mental training at Blackburn Asylum, and altogether 6 years’ experience in mental nursing.
Miss D. M. Bates: Forwarded to DGMS application from Miss D. M. Bates, VAD, for passage on duty on hospital ship or transport to Australia, to join her invalided brother there.
Promotion: Forwarded to DGMS recommendations for the promotion of Staff Nurses M. H. Croll, E. Scrivener and M. Richardson, all TFNS. Confidential reports attached.
Identity Discs: Identification discs for members of VAD received from Miss Crowdy and forwarded to various hospitals for distribution.
Lt. Col. Wroughton: called to see me with reference to the rules recommended for the maintenance of discipline amongst the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps.

30.05.17
Abbeville
Sick Sisters 188
American Hospitals: The 5th Harvard Unit arrived at Boulogne.
Miss McHardy, AANS: Received copy of telegram from Matron-in-Chief, AIF stating that Miss McHardy, AANS was detained in England until Saturday by inoculation.
CAMC reinforcements: Received copy of War Office letter stating that the embarkation had been authorised of the following CAMC Sisters – A. Lord for 6 Canadian General, M. Heath, J. Macfarlane, F. Pounceby and A. Taylor, for 3 Canadian General Hospital, in part completion of demand.
Resignations: Received copy of War Office letter accepting the resignation of Miss E. M. Faulkner, VAD 11 Stationary Hospital. Forwarded to DGMS application to resign from Staff Nurse H. Baird, QAIMNSR Canada, on account of ill-health of mother. Forwarded to DGMS departure report of Sister A. Robertson-Nicholl, TFNS on resignation for marriage, on 28.5.17. Forwarded to DGMS confidential report on Miss H. Smythe, Special Probationer, on resignation.
American Hospitals: Received information from DGMS that No.2 Special Unit (American) was due to arrive at Havre to take over No.1 General Hospital Etretat, also that No.5 Special Unit was arriving at Boulogne to take over No.11 General Hospital.
21 CCS, 5 CCS and 11 CCS The nursing staffs of 21 CCS and 5 CCS arrived at the Nurses’ Home, Abbeville, these units having closed temporarily whilst moving. The OC of 11 CCS wrote to say that the hospital was to be re-opened and that the nursing staff should rejoin on the 31st.
VAD members: Letter received from Miss Crowdy, Principal Commandant, VADs in France, asking if it is a rule when a military VAD terminates her contract, she should return to England, even if she wishes to take up work immediately in some other organisation in France. Saw Miss Crowdy at Boulogne and informed her that the orders were that members should return to England on completion of contract.

To Boulogne at 11.15 a.m. arriving 1.15 p.m. Called on Miss Crowdy and saw the new Hostel for nurses. Called at the Nurses’ Club to see Mrs. Roberston Eustace.
To 14 General Hospital – went over the new camp, which takes an additional 500 men. Met the American unit who arrived by mail at 7.30 p.m. and saw them off in charabancs to Camiers, to No.11 General Hospital. The nursing staff consists of Miss Hall, the Matron and 68 nurses. Returned to Abbeville, arriving 10 p.m.

31.05.17
Sick Sisters 186
Miss K. M. Sullivan: Received application from Miss K. M. Sullivan, VAD for permission to return to Paris for a short time before proceeding to England on termination of contract on June 9th. She had had a typewriting business in Paris before she joined the Red Cross, and she wished to take up the business again. In order to return to France as a civilian, she had to give proof to the French consul in London of domicile in Paris and business interests there.
Miss N. Westbury: Received copy of War Office letter with 2 enclosures, one being copy of proceedings of Medical Board convened on Miss N. A. G. Westbury, VAD, in which she was passed fit for general service, the other being a copy of a letter from Miss Westbury to the Matron-in-Chief, War Office, asking if the opinion of the Medical Board only applied to Home Service, and asking that she might be allowed to stay on for Home Service, if not for service abroad. The War Office letter stated that this lady was fit for general service.
Extension of sick leave: Received copy of War Office letter stating that Miss I. H. Barron, Special Probationer, had been granted sick leave in extension on medical certificate, and another Medical Board would be arranged.
WAAC: Received copy of War Office letter re the WAAC organisation, asking what proportion would be required in France to replace casualties from sickness. Replied that the organisation of this corps was not known, but with regard to the Military Nursing Service, the proportion allowed for casualties was 5% of establishment.
Princess Louise Convalescent Home: Forwarded correspondence to Boulogne with reference to the Princess Louise Convalescent Home, Hardelot. It was stated that in view of the fact that additional Convalescent Homes for Sisters and VADs had been opened in the Etaples area, it was not considered necessary for the accommodation to be increased. Arrangements would be made to send only Sisters and VADs from Calais, Boulogne and St. Omer and Sisters from the CCS in the 1st and 2nd Armies.
American Hospitals: DGMS returned correspondence with reference to the extra equipment of Sisters’ Messes in the hospitals which were being taken over by the American personnel. He agreed with the suggestion that this equipment should be taken over by the Americans at a valuation, but said the subject had better be referred to the GOC, L of C. Forwarded correspondence accordingly.
61 CCS: Received telephone message from DMS 5th Army, to say that 61 CCS was being closed whilst moving and asking for instructions for the temporary disposal of the nursing staff. Said they should be sent to the Nurses’ Home, Abbeville.
American Hospital: The A/Principal Matron, Havre, reported that the New York unit had arrived by the Hospital Ship “Panama”. The DDMS, Havre, the American Consul and others went on board to meet them, and afterwards they were conveyed in cars to Etretat. They had an enthusiastic reception at Etretat and the whole town turned out en masse to greet them. They are to be established in No.1 General Hospital, which is to be handed over to them at once.

Establishments opened
29 CCS, on 11.5.17: Staff supplied – 12 Trained
39 CCS, on 17.5.17: Staff supplied – 9 Trained
Advanced Operating Centre, Estaires, on 23.5.17: Staff supplied – 5 Trained
Total – 26

Establishments closed
No.9 General Hospital, on 25.5.17: Staff released – 32 Trained, 43 VADs

Arrivals
Trained – 13
Untrained – 53
Also complete staffs of 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 Stationary Hospitals, and staffs of 56, 57 and 58 General Hospitals with a total staff of:
Trained – 265

Transfers to Home Establishment
Trained - 1

Sent home sick
Trained – 19
Untrained – 20

Returned from sick leave
Trained – 18
Untrained – 8

Total sick at present in England
Trained – 80
Untrained – 68

Resignations sent forward
Trained – 17

Approximate no. of leaves granted – 300

VADs returned to England
Termination of contract – 22
Resigned – 4

Deaths – 1 (Miss King, VAD from cerebro-spinal meningitis on 25.5.17)

Total nursing staff now in BEF
Trained – 2494*
Untrained – 1569*
*These figures include the nursing staffs of 53, 54, 55, 56 57 and 58 General Hospitals, and 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 Stationary Hospitals.

Shortage according to War Establishment
Trained – 372

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