Pt. Nield of N. Vancouver & I go to Bromley. An airman (Canadian) gives rides to some wounded soldiers & about 12 Sisters of the Hospital. On ascending to go back to his aerodrome he fails to notice a shed & drives into it, smashing up his machine & his observer is cut about the face.
Archives for July 2018
Monday 29 July 1918
The colonel sent for me. He wants to know my story. Took letter along, also sketches. Said he “Damn shame. Confounded selfishness & carelessness. From now on you will wear Sergeant’s stripes. If any questions are asked, refer them to me. It’s outrageous to think if a man has served as you have & then discarded is beyond human conception. You may go Sergeant. What a relief to find one Human who understands!
Sunday 28 July 1918
– rain
Splendid accommodation. All the staff are splendid. A lone Australian is in this ward. Tall, lithe,
Saturday 27 July 1918
– rain
Miserable day.
Friday 26 July 1918
– rain
Justicia sunk, 32,000 ton vessel. Attacked by 8 submarines, 16 killed.
Rained all day, remained indoors.
*SS Justicia, a passenger steamer converted to a troopship, was torpedoed on July 19th and sunk the next day by a further U-boat attack while undertow. 16 crew members were killed. She was one of the largest ships sunk in WW1.
Thursday 25 July 1918
– showers
Not medically inspected yet.
I go to Orpington & Green Street Green. Small villages, have tea at latter place. 1/6.
The Colonel & two other officers give me a short “Star Chamber” exam & are satisified with my condition.
*In modern usage, legal or administrative bodies with strict, arbitrary rulings and secretive proceedings are sometimes called, metaphorically or poetically, star chambers. This is a pejorative term and intended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the proceedings. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Chamber)
Wednesday 24 July 1918
Paraded at 6.45 am for Hospital.
Leave Egham @ 8.40 am for Orpington Hosp’ via London (London Bridge). Arr. Orpington @ noon. 35 min. run from London. The Hospital is a collection of Huts containing 50 to 60 beds.
Tuesday 23 July 1918
– heavy rain
Up again in front of Med. Officer who passes me for Hospital at Orpington. In evening to Egham. Say good-bye to Mrs. & Mr. Harry Cross, Mrs. Beamint, Mr. & Mrs. Heard.
Monday 22 July 1918
– heavy rain
“posed” in front of Travelling Med. Board after waiting for 4 hours. The whole thing a farce. The Doctor states he cannot do any more for me & the Regtl. Doctor is the one to send him to Hospital! More waste of time!
Sunday 21 July 1918
– fine
Up at 9.30 am. A lovely day.
Leave Liverpool (Lime St.) at 3.55 pm for London & arr at 8.37. Miss train for Egham & have to take the 10.15 for Staines. Walked to camp 6 miles. Get in at 1.30 pm. Made down my bed of blankets & sleep sound.
