To Recruiting Office and had the Commission papers signed by Medical Officer Royal Army Medical Corps. I was examined thoroughly. Writing letter in afternoon.
Lieutenant Commission in Imperial Army refused me by Canadian Officials.
Monday 26 April 1915 – fair
Parade early morning at 6:30 to 9:15, for walking exercise again at 9:30 am till 11 am.
A large contingent of 4,000 men and officers (160) left our camp for the front to fill up gap caused by the engagement at Langemarck and Ypres. We lost 80 Canadian Officers and 2,000 men in casualties.
*The Second Battle of Ypres – The Second Battle of Ypres began on April 22nd of 1915. It is most notable for being the first successful mass gas attack by German troops on the Western Front. Though the Germans had previously used gas on the eastern front at the battle of Bolimow, the cold air caused it to freeze and become ineffective. On the western front at Ypres however the Germans released 171t of chlorine gas that was carried by the wind towards allied troops and settled in their trenches. The allied troops, including Canadians, were forced to retreat due to the gas. However at Kitchener’s Wood the 10th Battalion of the 2nd Canadian Brigade counter-attacked pushing back the German troops. Though the Canadians suffered 75% casualties during the attack, it was the first time that a former colonial force had defeated a European power on European soil.
Saturday 17 April 1915 – fine
Up at 6:30 am, breakfast at 7 am. Parade before doctor at 7:30. He recommends me to a Medical Board for next week. Parade at 9 and walk down to the beach. Back to Barracks at 12 noon, after sunning ourselves. At 1:30 pm take a walk with Lance Corporal Simmons to Folkestone. Had tea there and return at 6 pm.
Friday 16th April 1915 – fine
Packing up ready to go to Shorncliffe to rejoin my regiment. I leave Portsmouth Harbour at 12:05 noon. Arrive at Waterloo at 2:25. Left [G.E. and C. Ry] at 3:30 and arrive at Shorncliffe at 4:50. Walked two miles to Barracks. Had no sleep at night. Lots of talk and a fight. Sent postcards to Ernest.
Monday 25 January 1915
Our Atlantic fleet sinks a German Battleship the “Blucher” 15,500 tons which cost 1 ½ million pounds to build. They were on way to raid England. The Hospital Authorities expect raids by Zeppelins and are preparing for them.
*The Battle of Dogger Bank – After the German Navy’s initial success raiding the British coastline in December of 1914, German forces attempted to initiate another raid in late January 1915. British warships however intercepted the Germans on January 24th 1914 at Dogger Bank, a large sandbank in the North Sea. Outnumbered, the German cruisers attempted to flee but the British ships caught up and sunk the SMS Blucher. The rest of the German boats however were able to escape.
Wednesday 20 January 1915
Harry’s Birthday. 29 years of age. Letters from Harry and Sophie White and two from Bessie of Lynn Creek B.C. There are German Zeppelins over Yarmouth and Sandringham. They drop bombs killing many people and damaging property. On leave from 2 till 5 pm. Sent papers off.
Visited the Cathedral of Christ Church. The Bodleian Library, Divinity Hall, Convocation Hall, and Chancellors Court. Back to hospital at 4:30 pm.
*Zeppelins were used by the German Army and Navy during WWI for reconnaissance and bombing missions. The Zeppelins had to be flown at very high altitudes to be effective as they were susceptible to damage by ground fire. Their vulnerability and high altitude flight were to blame for limited success in bombing missions. The first bombing raid by Zeppelins on England took place on the night of January 19th 1914. Zeppelins L3 and L4 had intended to attack Humberside but were thwarted by strong winds. They instead bombed Great Yarmouth and Sheringham
Friday 15 January 1915 – fine
We are quartered in the Examining Hall of the Oxford University. Certainly a fine building. Paintings and carvings etc; feeling very strange and would give anything to be out of it. The nurses are territorials and not as nice as those in France. Some bad cases here; Arms and legs off etc; Have notified Harry, Ernest, Mrs George Draycot and Mrs Joseph Draycot (of Seagrave). In afternoon at 3 pm a theatrical company entertain the patients. I converse with the actresses. The hours in hospital are – up at 6 am (but nurses commence to wash patients at 5 am). Breakfast at 8 am. Dinner at 12 noon. Tea at 4:30 pm. Cocoa at 7 pm. Lights out 9 pm.
Wrote a letter to Captain Adamson Officer Commanding Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Winchester regarding new serge puttees, a new cap and trousers for Private White and self
*Territorial Force Nursing Service – Formed in 1908 as part of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act. This group of nurses was intended to serve the Territorial Force (British volunteer reserve forces). During times of peace the nurses of the TFNS worked in civilian capacities but were quickly mobilized at the outbreak of WWI. The TFNS nurses were initially intended to only stay at military hospitals in the UK but some volunteers did travel overseas with the British Expeditionary Force.
Thursday 14 January 1915 – fine
Feeling very sick and unwell. Headache. Nurses are very kind and considerate. The ships Company give all the sick some tobacco and cigarettes and a photo of the ship. We land at Southampton at 7:30 am. A patient died on board at 7 am. Hard luck. Waited around until 10:30 am until taken off the boat for a hospital at Oxford. Arrive at Oxford and driven to hospital in motor cars, Landau’s etc; Oh! You higher ups!
Wednesday 13 January 1915 – rain
Left Rouen Stationary Hospital at 8:30 am for train to Havre where we arrive at 2:30 pm and sailed on the Carisbrooke Castle (Hospital Ship) for England at 7 pm. One man died during the voyage. No sleep during the night.
Sunday 10th January 1915 – fine
At 9 o’clock we are again put in motor wagons and conveyed to the Hospital train bound for Boulogne and Rouen. We come down to the base hospital in 1st Class Sleeping carriages. Good attention is shown us at Boulogne by English ladies who give chocolate, fruit and cigarettes. No French sympathy shown throughout but expect this is on account of having troubles of their own. Travel all night but no sleep.
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