For an introduction to this project, follow the link.
Chief Commissioner Clark begins his report dating 4th September 1915 by stating that there is ‘nothing much to report.’ Yet, the Hospital at Étaples receives a visit from the Queen of Portugal on Monday 20th September, as well as a visit from Field Marshal Lord Grenfell and the Marquis of Salisbury on Tuesday. Elsewhere, he notes that the health of all is good and that the Hospital is in full working order as they are ‘taking in and evacuating patients two or three times a week’. There is also news that a new Chaplain has been selected for the Hospital in Étaples, and that fifteen more ‘St John’s men’ have arrived to work as orderlies, under the employment of the War Office and enlisted as part of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
There is also further discussion of building work that needs to take place on site. A number of convoys have arrived at the Hospital, full of ‘sitting up cases’, and space is becoming an issue in the Hospital’s Receiving Block. Chief Commissioner Clark notes that with winter coming, a building for that purpose is essential and so puts forward a proposal which would have the Hospital purchase an unused wooden kitchen at ‘break-up price’.
.
Page One
St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital,
Army Post Office S. 11,
British Expeditionary Forces,
France.
24/9/15
The Director,
The Ambulance Department,
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem
In England.
My Lord,
I am sorry to say I missed the post ensuring my letter
reaching you in time for the Finance & General Purposes Committee
meeting. I have nothing much to report.
The Hospital is in full work taking in and evacuating patients
two or three times a week.
I find a building will be required near the Receiving Block
to accommodate the sitting up cases that arrive with the convoys, some-
times to the number of 100, our Receiving Block not being large
enough to contain them and at the same time allow of the necessary
work being carried on there. With the winter coming on a building
for this purpose is absolutely essential. I propose to buy from
Messrs. Humphreys, at break up price, a wooden kitchen they will no
longer require and which will be quite suitable for the purpose.
I cannot say what it will cost at present but the price will be a
very considerable reduction on the cost of a new building.
Amongst many visitors that have come to see the hospital
we were honoured by receiving the Queen of Portugal on Monday last
the 20th inst. and on Tuesday Field Marshal Lord Grenfell and the
Marquis of Salisbury payed us a visit.
The health of all is good. We received a further reinforce-
ment of 15 St. John’s men for the hospital who have enlisted in the
R.A.M.C. and are of course as the other orderlies in the pay of the
War Office.
.
Page Two
Page 2
(2)
I received a letter from Lord Norreys regarding Cars which
I have answered.
I note in the Report of the Chapter General forwarded to
me that a Chaplain has been selected for the Hospital. It was I
think ruled that he was not to be a member of the Hospital Staff
and live in the Hospital. I think therefore it will be well if
before he comes out some enquiries are made as to what accommodation
there is for him in the neighbourhood, as the only hotel available
is now closed. Perhaps the Bishop of Southwark could communicate
with the Chief Chaplain here – The Rev. E.R. Day – and meanwhile I
will also see him on the subject.
I have the honour to be,
Your Lordships
Obedient Servant
James Clark.
