Nurses Narratives Sister Alma L Bennett (part 2)

9 
and I admit I was greatly relieved to see the 
buildings of Bombay once again.  When the Pilot 
came on we feared of the fate of the P&O. Moldavia 
having been mined the previous evening only  
18 miles from Bombay,  We had to spend a busy 
morning getting all of patients dressed - all  
Indian troops going ashore in white cotton suits &  
turbans - quite interested in their personal appearance.  
We had many heat stroke cases on  
board but none had become any worse on the  
voyage, and that was much to be thankful for.   
To our intense disappointment we were informed  
we were not to disembark until 8 o'clock  
Monday morning. We were within sight of Bombay 
& could not get across. So we had to wait until  
Monday midday for our mail.  We moved  
quietly into port early Monday morning and   
disembarked our patients quite satisfactorily.  I  
then reported our arrival to the Lady Supt. QAIMNSC  
at Alexandra Docks, giving details of our trip  
work accomplished & after seeing the two Sick  
Sisters safely off in an Ambulance for the Sick 
Sisters Hospital Colaba where they were all 
well cared for & nursed. I was then informed 
I had been appointed as matron in charge of the 
34th Welsh General Hospital, Deolali. Containing 
3,000 beds. 4 hrs train journey from Bombay 
and staffd by Imperial Sisters - who had recd urgent 
orders from Mesopotamia. My staff recd instructions 
to report back to the V.W.H. then in charge of an 
acting matron for a short time. Miss Davis having 
left Bombay that morning for Deolali taking 45 Sisters 
just arrived from Australia. I was rather anxious to see 
Miss Davis. (then Principal Matron) as I knew nothing of 
this new appointment.  So after having a good nights rest 
I took an early train next morning.  There were marked 
evidences every where of the monsoon.  Sheets of rushing 
streams of water in all directions.  I reached my

10 
destination to find some confusion. 45 nurses coming in  
and 65 going out. However it was accomplished quite 
comfortably and next day saw the A.A.N.S. established. 
The Hospital had been organised exactly - 12 months previously 
by Col. A. W. Sheen R. A. M.C. T.F.F as O/C and Miss Earl T.F.N.S. 
as matron, with a staff of Imperial Sisters and R.A.M.C. 
Personnel. leaving [[?Turkey]] in May 1916 reaching Bombay  
June 1916. The Hospital consisted of Bungalows (Stone) 
well built 50 years ago. for Garrison troops. and also  
used by Troops  resting in Deolali whilst travelling.  
They made excellent Hospital Wards. having a small 
pantry one end and duty room the other, wide 
verandah all round, stone floors throughout, & 
alternate windows & doors either side - and contain 
ing 54 beds in the Wd. and 22 on the verandah and 
side out. Attached to each ward were three marquees 
each containing 12 beds. I might here say. I did  
not like the beds. a frame work of wood with canvas 
threaded thro' both sides and ends with fine rope and  
lashed round the frame work of wood. The canvas 
was continually splitting and the rope breaking.  
We found it extremely difficult to replace either.  
The mattresses were mostly of the three biscuit type 
enclosed in one large linen cover. They were  
quite satisfactory. Between Nov. 1916 & June 1917 twelve 
new Bungalows same size capacity & design as the  
Stone ones were erected. Built of corrugated iron & wood 
with tiled roof. They were built on the spaces between  
the other bungalows. Making in all 46 Bungalows for  
Hospital accommodation. 12 of that number  
accommodating the R.A.M.C. officers, Nursing  
Staff & Administration Offices. The station was  
purely military and the climate much better than  
Bombay. (We had the usual monsoon season - it was  
with us thru) The Hospital Covered an area of 1 mile 
in length & 1/2 mile in width. We had an  
excellent & up to date X Ray Dept. Also Electro 
Therapeutic & all appliances for Exercising those

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patients whose treatment required it - also a massage  
Dept. Our results were exceedingly good. The Operating  
Theatre had been converted out of a wash house, &  
it was really remarkably good. taking that fact into 
Consideration - A more up to date one was built 
within the course of a few months. There were 740 
patients in Hospital when we took over June 26th. 
All the Sisters were at once innoculated against 
Cholera, also myself, and it has little reaction. We 
were well received by the Station people, all the  
Residents calling on us, and giving us a cordial  
welcome. A large garden party being given in  
our honor about 10 days after our arrival. Work 
in the Hospital went on steadily our patients  
increasing rapidly in number. Our cases were  
all from Mesopotamia. Some directly = others indirectly 
coming from various Bombay Hospitals - when they  
in turn of recd their Convoys. We also had 
200 Turkish Prisoners of War. Almost all surgical 
Cases, some with shocking wounds - septic. Each  
week we recd Convoys, And September found us  
with 2188 patients. My staff had been increased to 
59 Aust Sisters & 15 Indian Temporary Nurses - 74 
in all, including myself, my assistant H Sister,  
Home sister mess Sister & massage Sister, leaving  
68 for duty, both day & night. No more staff was 
available and I was at a loss how to relieve the 
pressure of work. For everyone was going at high  
tension, if not with actual acute cases, dealing  
with numbers.  The theatre was very busy, in  
fact every department, but everything ran  
smoothly, and we all felt at the end of each day 
we were indeed doing something, altho not where 
we were all as anxious to be - either in Mesopotamia 
or France. Having been loaned to the Indian Gov't 
we were not eligible for Mesopotamia, as it  
was then known as the Mesopotamian British Force

12 
Both the C.O. and myself realised something must be 
done, & we finally decided to segregate. all convalescent 
Patients to Bungalows one end of the Hosiptal & all nursing 
Cases to the other end, closer to the various Departments.  
We called that Section the Convalescent Division - as 
this was already a Convalescent Section where all  
our patients passed into when discharged from Hos. 
and given light duties. There were hundreds not 
yet fit to go there, hence we found the Convalescent  
Division a splendid idea. Each ward 86 beds. 12  
more added to the verandah, was in Charge of  
an R.A.M.C  N.C.O and all the patients were up 
Cases - each medical officer had 2 wards as well 
as his wards in the Nursing Division. Any one 
patient was not allowed to remain in those wards  
more than 24 hrs if not well enough to be up - he 
was then transferred back to the Nursing Division  
I visited those wards daily, in addition to the  
others, and found everything and everybody quite  
satisfactory. At that time, to my great regret, 
our O.C. recd orders to proceed to Bombay - he has  
been appointed Consulting Surgeon to the Army of 
Southern India. Our short four months 
together had been most Congenial in every way.  
His administration and discipline being excellent.  
At that time, also, an outbreak of Small Pox occured 
in one of the wards. followed in 3 weeks time 
by an outbreak of Plague in another W.d Thus 
began an strenuous and anxious time - all the 
Sho Sisters, Medical Officers & Orderlies - in fact 
having to be vaccinated against Small Pox & 
inoculated against Plague, also all the patient  
Contacts. The vaccinations against Small Pox were in 
most cases unsuccessful, and it was fortunate  
the attacks were all of a mild nature. The  
patients were immediately taken to a marque 
& isolated. The Sisters nursing them sharing the 
same fate. No deaths occurred. 

13 
We were not so successful with the Plague. Deaths 
occurred. within 48 hrs. and we recd orders to evacuate 
the whole of our Nursing Division 1600 patients. 
The Convalescent Division& Officers Hospital of 40 beds 
remained as they were. being quite apart from the 
Nursing Division. I might here add all the native 
servants engaged on various duties round the Hospital 
Sisters quarters & mess were also inoculated. 
They make a great thing out of it. demanding 
48 hours 'rest'. which I understand is usual 
in any one case of inoculation. in India but we were 
far too busy to think of that. and everyone was  
on duty as usual. All the bed cases were to be 
accommodated in the mess building then in the 
Course of erection for the 44th. B. G. H. one mile 
distant.  "up cases" to be accommodated in tents 
and marquees to No. 6 Camp. about 1/4 of a mile 
further on. I was nominally appointed i/c whilst they 
were there, with orders to detail my Staff as required. 
There were several patients who could not be moved 
so they were left with us. The evacuation took place  
November 1st. and everything went off quite smoothly. 
and quickly. The Sisters were conveyed daily to the 
44th. in Ambulances . dining in our own mess 
& occuping their own quarters. The duty hours were as 
usual 2 hrs off in the morning on their long 
day & every other 1/2 day - whole day a month. The 
C.O. 44th. B.G. H was already there. also the Medical 
Officers - having come down from Rawal Pavidi 
4 days journey. a few weeks previously. awaiting 
Completion of their new hospital. They carried 
on the treatment of the patients. our own Medical 
Officers attending to the camp cases. Conval. Div. & 
Officers Hospital. In the meantime our wards 
were all thoroughly cleansed. & the Walls limed. 
At the end of three weeks all was ready to receive 
patients again - all admissions to the station 
having been cancelled. during that time as no further cases

  
14 
had been reported. and tho one case still living was 
doing very well being nursed in in a marquee 
in the compound.  We recd orders from the A. D.[[ .S.]] 
Bombay Brigade to transfer our patients back, which 
was accordingly done.  By the end of November we were 
carrying on again as though nothing had happened 
& were once again receiving patients.  On Dec 1st 
the 44th B.G.H was officially ready to receive 
patients. Miss Dowsley A.A.N.S & her staff already 
being in residence.  Dec 12th was set apart as  
"Our day" throughout the whole of India - a day set 
apart to raise special funds for the Mesopotamian 
troops.  who were the ones in  [[?show]]  we on  Indian 
Service were all so closely associated, interested & 
anxious to help.  Everybody was expected to help & 
everyone did - right well.  From a series of foot 
ball matches alone our officer handed in 
R1,000 - (£66.10) as his share - day staff in their 
off duty hours made home many varieties of sweets - 
small cakes [[&c &c]] having arranged a kind of kiosk 
on the Sport grounds.  also including ice cream. 
They did remarkably well - I raffled 2 "Real Aust.  
Sovereigns" 1 Rupee a ticket.  bringing in R280. 
In all all we were pleased to hand in. as our  
share R1300.  In addition to the Sweets [[&c]] the Nursing 
Staff had compiled a magazine. which sold 
readily at R1 per copy.  We were disappointed in 
that as the Printer charged us R600 for to 
print 1000 copies so that we only  made R400 
out of that.  The station did remarkably well. 
Christmas was thin won & the Hospital quiet 
large numbers in but nothing particularly 
worrying.  We gave up the whole day to make it 
a memorable one for the patients.  and I feel sure 
they enjoyed the whole day. and greatly appreciated 
all that had been done for them.  We had our 
Christmas dinner 8.30pm.  85 Sisters including 
myself sitting down to our beautiful meal. 
 

  
15 
and I felt a glow of pride as I looked round on all  
those bright eager faces.  They had proved so staunch 
& loyal in many busy, anxious days & nights. 
The few remaining days of 1917 quickly sped by. and 1918 
was ushered in not quickly.  The Band from the [[Carnwales]] 
[[Camp]] Section visits each Bungalow in turn. playing 
bright selections.  Jan 2nd 1918 was to be a busy & 
interesting day.  The Viceroy of India & Staff - 
(Lord Chelmsford.) was paying a visit to the Hospital. 
The visit has been promised and arranged when  
over our former O.C. Col A.W.Sheen was in Command.  So 
to altho he had given up the command he paid 
many visits to the Hospital in his present capacity 
Consulting Surgeon.  Still as keenly interested as ever  
in the Hospital he so splendidly organised in 1916. 
& carried on so successfully until Oct 1917. 
Both Mrs Sheen & himself were present there to welcome the 
Viceroy and party.  Also our present O.C. Col A.W  
Maturin R.A.M.C and Mrs Maturin.  It was 
unaninmously decided by those in authority that  
as Lord Chelmsford had held position in Australia 
(N.S.W & Queensland.) it was the prior right of 
the A.A.N Sisters to enterain them at afternoon 
tea in the Sisters Mess. which was accordingly 
done and a much enjoyable interesting time 
we spent.  The mess being beautifully decorated 
with roses and looking its best with many  
tables daintily set round.  He Lord Chelmsford 
asked specically to meet if possible all the  
members of the Staff and I think he began to 
wonder if that was an unwise request - 
However the occasion was a particularly happy  
and memorable one.  The troops were received, 
Wards visited, and all the Officers in the Station 
put in an appearance to welcome the Vice Regal 
Party into our midst.  The weather was now 
most enjoyable and had been since the end of  
November.  or that  the Hospital being quiet many

  
16 
of the Sisters were having 15 days leave into the Hills 
I might state no one, unless compelled, will travel  
through the Punjab during the months between 
May & Dec the heat is intense.  I allowed none of my 
Sisters on leave during these months - but as soon 
as good weather set in I arranged their leave.  In 
Early March we were innundated with Officers coming in 
suffereing with Scarlet Fever.  Coming from the 
Officers Convalescent Hospital at Masik (of 60 beds) 
7 miles away.  We had to move all our patients  
into the corruguated iron & wood Bungalow. which 
I might state we do not use during the hot  
months.  March to Nov. unless compelled.  However 
there was nothing else to be done.  Just at that 
time electricity was installed into all the wards. 
having previously been lighted by Barrack 
lamps & hurricane lamps. with Primus stoves 
for sterilising &c  It was a great comfort and would 
have been installed 12 months previously excepting 
that the plant went down in the Mediteranean 
in 1916.  However, we were all delighted but 
each Sister still kept her Hurricane lamp 
burning beside her bed at night, as snakes 
were very prevalent. many deadly ones 
such as Russell's Viper. Krait & Cobra having  
been killed.  Some in the Sisters rooms.  One Sister 
of our service was bitten at the DecconWar Hospital 
Poona. but fortunately recovered.  In March & 
April I took my leave.  The first time I had taken any  
leave whilst on the 34th.  I decided to go to Simla 
one of my Senior Sisters going with me.  The  
weather by this time was unbearably hot. and I was 
really glad to leave the heat for 30 days. having 
waited over 12 months for leave.  The Senior Sister 
carrying on my work in my absence.  Simla] is  
2 days & 2 nights train journey from Bombay. 
and is well known as Military Head Quarters.

  
17 
A most delightful little spot.  7000ft above sea 
level. with the snow clad Himalayas in full view 
We returned thro Agra and Delhi staying a few 
days in each place.  visiting the wonderful Taj 
Mahal at Agra. which I feel sure everyone has 
read about.  It was all very wonderful. but the  
heat was over powering especially after having been 
amongst the snow in Simla.  So we were not 
sorry to reach Deolali and take up our duties 
once again.  I found the Hospital very quiet on 
my return. but many changes amongst the 
personel.  Some of the Medical Officers had gone 
to Mesopolamnia to relieve others to had been there  
2 years with out relief.  Orderlies were being taken 
off the strength. first class nursing Orderlies 
for service in Egypt. their places being filled 
by R.A.M.C orderlies from the Depot with little 
or no nursing experience - they had much to 
learn.  However, from that time on there was a  
steady demand for good nursing orderlies in  
Mesopotamnia. and gradually all our work 
all of the orderlies who were on the strength 
when I took over where withdrawn for other  
service.  We still had Turks with us as patients 
but much less in November being transpd 
to Bellary when discharged from Hospital. 
Everything went on quietly - until August 
when the Spanish Influenza made its 
appearance in the Station.  We were getting in 
all the local admissions cases as No 44th B.G.H 
had been converted into an Isolation Hospital 
the previous month - There were thousands of 
troops in the station.  So we began to be busy 
again.  In September it was at its worst. 
Continuing into Oct & Nov.  Until that time 
the health of my Staff had been excellent. 
but early in Oct. they were attacked with influenza 
having been then nursing tho cases some weeks

  
18 
They were tired and soon fell victims.  18 being 
off duty at one time.  To my intense regret 
one of my Staff/Nurses died Oct 17th from 
Pneumonia following Influenza. only five 
days ill.  Another on the D.I list for 5 weeks had a tremen 
dous fight for her life. and ultimately 
made a good recovery.  I had a sick Sisters 
Hospital attached to the Hospital. and it was 
a veritable haven of rest to those poor tired 
Sisters after the distressing time they had had. 
Meanwhile the remainder of the Staff were 
working long hours, battling with the epidemic 
in its worst form.  We were fortunately able 
to get everything in the way of medical 
Comforts. & nourishment for the Tommies 
who put up such a splendid fight.  I shall 
always remember them with the greatest admir 
ation.  their endurance, uncomplaining 
suffering - the heat being most exhausting 
We had electric fans - 6 in each Wd going day & 
night which helped considerably to freshen up the  
atmosphere.  Towards the end of Oct. the number of  
daily admissions began to lessen.  The cases also  
being in a less severe form.  Our death rate 
was really remarkably low. 4.3%.  Considering 
the severity of the form in which it appeared.  Several 
of the Medical Officers also fell victims and 
being on the D.I. list for 2 weeks.  Just as we were 
beginning to feel the worst was over. we received 
a convoy of 80 pts from Bombay.  They came  
in 6.30pm and by next morning two had died 
of Cholera with others rapidly sinking.  Then 
began another anxious time.  I was short of Staff 
so wired Head Quarters Bombay for help. 
Three Sisters of our own Service arriving that 
evening from Colaba War Hospital.  where they 
too had lost several during the night having 
also received some patients the previous day

  
19 
from the same Hospital.  I we only saved one 
patient out of many.  They would respond to the  
treatment - Pot.  Permang. by mouth.  Saline 
freely administered in every possible form. 
the more the patient could absorb the better 
his chances of recovery - stimulants Hypodermically 
fluid nourishment - for a short time. then 
suddenly collapse & die - but we were very 
proud of our only one patient who lived.  as  
we were the previous year of the plague cases 
Nov 18th I recd orders for 16 of my Staff  
to report to Head Qtrs Bombay in 24 hrs for 
embarkation to U.K.   The excitement was 
intense - after awaiting so long it had at 
last come.  I forget to mention 13 Sister were 
transferred to Egypt in Sept. and not 
replaced so you can see I was very short 
of staff during the Epidemic.  Nov 24th again 
urgent orders for 8 more sisters to report 
Head Qts for Embarkation to U.K. including  
myself if I wished to go.  Needless to say 
reported to Head Qtrs with the 8 Sisters already 
mentioned.  20 SIsters having reported to 
me for duty a few days previously. just arrived 
from Australia.  Miss A. Scott of the A.A.N.S 
having come abroad in 1914 & returned to 
Australia taking the position rendered  
vacant by my transfer to the U.K. So ended my  
Indian Service also my rank as Matron. 
I reverted to my former rank of Sister on  
choosing to leave India. having received my  
promotion in India.  For Indian Service only. 
We travelled overland to Colombo leaving 
Bombay Nov 25th/18. went aboard the Wiltshire 
reached Egypt Dec 11th after a most pleasant 
voyage - Left Port Said Dec 28th on the Kaiser [[?]] 
[[Hand]]- Thence to Marseilles - thence over  
 

20 
land thro' France to England. detailed to  
Dartford No 3  A.A.H.  Remained there on 
duty 10 days.  Transferred to No 1 A.G .H 
Sutton Veny, where I am still on the staff. 
We felt the cold very much on reaching 
France as we were all somewhat enervated with 
the Tropical climate. I left service with many 
regrets, realising I should never attain my 
ambition to do Service in France. as the 
Armistice had been signed before I left 
Delhi.  My health in India was excellent 
I did not lose one day off duty. also I think 
it quite worthy of mention - out of my staff 
of 74 not any of them developed malaria. 
Most of the Aust Sisters in other Stations had 
attacks. more or less severe. We alone were 
quite few on leaving India. & since not 
one has developed it. 
  
Alma L Barnett 
A.A.N.S. 
No 1. A.G.H. 
Sutton Veny