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In his third weekly report as Commanding Officer of the Brigade Hospital in Étaples, Colonel Trimble lists the convoys of patients, which all consisted of stretcher cases. The severity of the patients injuries including compound fractures and gunshot wounds meant that the Hospital found itself discharging the duties of a surgical institution. Trimble also lists the various visitors to the Hospital, all of whom seemed impressed by what they saw.
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MY Lord,
I have the honour to submit my report extending over
the dates July 26th to August 1st.
Convoys were received on the following dates:-
July 26th 13 Officers 1 Private
28th 80 other ranks
30th 80 “ “
Aug 1st 80 “ “
All these convoys consisted of stretcher cases, and the
wounds were of the most severe nature, consisting of compound
fractures of the thigh and arms, gunshot wounds of the head,
chest and abdomen. Dealing with these cases has entailed a
considerable amount of very heavy work on the part of the
surgical and nursing staff. At the present time the hospital
is discharging the duties of a surgical institution; there
have been very few medical cases. Some instances of gas
poisoning from shell fumes came under observation.
On Monday night there were only two vacant beds in
the whole hospital.
On Thursday morning, the 27th ult. , Colonel Carr, C.B.,
D.D.M.E., made a thorough inspection of the hospital, and he
expressed himself quite satisfied with everything he saw and
the manner in which the hospital is being conducted.
On the 26th ult. Sir George Morris, Premier of Newfound-
land, accompanied by Capt. Timewell, visited the hospital.
They were entertained to lunch and afterwards taken round.
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They expressed much interest in the Newfoundland Ward, and were
gratified that their efforts were beinging so much comfort to the
sick and wounded soldiers.
On the 30th Mons P. Artier and Mons. D Guilhaumoy, of
the French Medical Service, called (the former gentleman is a
member of the French Senate). I think I am right in saying they
were greatly pleased with what they saw. Our organisation down
to the smallest detail seemed to gratify them.
On Monday, the 31st, Lieut-Col. Gifford, Indian Medical
Service , accompanied by Major Turnbull and Major Tatet (the last
two officers attached to the staff of the D.D.M.S, here) arrived
about mid-day, had lunch with us, and then proceeded to visit the
hospital. Lt-Col. Gifford is inspecting hospitals both in
England and France on behalf of the Indian Government. He xxtsxx
certainly is very well versed in hospital construction and was
anxious to see new features, and I think we showed him one or two.
On the same day Surgeon General Woodhouse, C.B. , D.M.S. ,
- of C. , and Colonel Carr, C.B. , also came to the hospital.
General Woodhouse wanting to make some enquiries concerning cases
of shell shock.
I had also a visit from Brigadier General Graham Thompson,
C.B. , C.M.G. , the Commandant of the Etaples District. He proceed-
ed to several of the wards to talk to some of the patients. I
think he was anxious to heve a conversation with some of our
Australian men, of whom we have now about 180 in hospital.
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Yesterday Mr. J de Marsillac, Chief Correspondent in
Great Britain of “Le Journal,” Paris, come here. I took particular
pains to show him all we were doing, and I think he was impressed
with our work, and the excellence of our organisation seemed to
convey a certain British thoroughness which gratified him considerably.
He knows English people very well, as he resides in London, I think
he will have something to say about our hospital, And I tried to tell
him something about the Order of St John; He is going to visit
our headquarters when he goes back to obtain further information,.
I have taken up the matter of the dietary issued to the
Sisters` Mess, as there were sone complaints concerning their food.
I have dealt with it and think it will now be very satisfactory.
The cost in doing this I do not think will be very large, and it
will certainly be more than balanced by the satisfaction given to
those concerned.
The contracts for the sisters have now been completed, and
Capt. Gordon will be forwarding them in a day or two.
I do not think I have anything further to report. The
hospital is I think carrying on quite satisfactorily.
Yours etc.
(Signed) C.J. Trimble
The Director.
