Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 3 - Part 6
40
September 5th 1916
Nothing special, very wet again.
September 6th
Sr. Gibson still off. Sick sisters rather a trouble here. Very heavy rain and wind, my
ward not so busy today.
Good thing too for our Batman is lighting the copper for the hot water for the
sisters' bath. Poured kerosene in, then put his head and hands in and put it
alight and wondered why only his hands were burnt. You could here the
explosion miles away. Result, I have to do all the dirty work and washing up dishes,
which is rather dreadful.
The Col. has no other man to give me. Tells me plainly that if he was any good
anywhere else, he could not even let me have him, which is very comforting!
Cannot get a woman here at all, very unsatisfactory altogether. Awfully dirty and they
will do no cleaning or dirty work. Will not put their hands in hot water for fear of
spoiling them. An awfully dirty lot of people, these French we meet here.
September 7th
Parcel, cake and sweets from N. Elliott. 2 flags I asked for from Em. Arrived. I draped
them over table in mortuary and put flowers on. Looks quite nice now. Always try to
get a few flowers for there and also graves. Ward pretty busy, do most myself.
Always have to see to sister's meals etc. Man we have cannot and will not do things
unless you stand beside him. Suppose if I have the honour of being in charge, I must
have the honour of all these petty worries as well as my share of the nursing work.
Wish I could send off the growling sisters and get others who have come out to do a
bit of work and take Active Service conditions.
Sister Carpenter had a letter from Joliffe, saying she was going to be married. Not
returning. I'm very glad, one nuisance removed, does not suit C.C.S. work.
No official resignation or intimation received by either the Col. or myself. He says not
to take any notice until we hear officially.
Carpenter has applied now for leave (special) for England - asks me to recommend it.
Certainly I will, nuisance No 2, hope another stupid old Col. keeps her too.
September 8th
69 patients left by train 9.30am.
Sr. Gibson returned to duty 9am. Operation room.
Some bad cases gone today. Several bad wounds admitted during night. 1 very
bad dysentery, frightful ...? 3 days from my ward. Seems a little better though,
vomiting and everything, just the same.
O.C. received wire from Joliffe, automatically resigned (married?). Informed Miss
McCarthy.
41
September 9th 1916
Nothing special, work just the same –very light today, very few cases admitted.
September 10th
Church 9.15am. in new tent, very nice. Col. got orders just now to send Sr. Carpenter
to No.2. A.G.H. today. We thought we had better keep her for a while longer. Do not
know what will happen, whether they will give her leave. Hope so and that she does
the same as Joliffe. She will be no use here in a rush.
September 11th
Very light day, few patients – not enough fit for train, so no evacuation tomorrow.
No firing today, only a stray shot – things very quiet.
Circular from 2 M.N.G. saying 20 hats had been sent to me. No letters from the Sec.
or Quarter Master, really not time yet.
7 Aust. letters, all very well at home.
September 12th
Went into Bailleul by car, got a few things needful. R.C.P. Clark came with us, Sorley
and I. Took us to a Charity School. Sisters very charming to us. Gave us a few flowers
and bunch of hops. Children all boys, picking hops. Poor little beggars, fatherless and
motherless, poor little kids apparently went to the garden again and got flowers for
wards etc 2.50.
Pte Standhope lost right arm tonight –new admission, fairly well.
September 13th
About 40 patients left by hospital train 9.30am.
Another death, shot through chest, only lived one night. Poor boy, put a few nice
flowers in the room.
3 or 4 bad cases, very few admissions but generally bad ones, nearly all operated on.
Put the Red Cross quilt on beds today in my ward and another. Look very cheerful
and nice.
Paid Marie 17.60 F for 88.20 cents, each cross – really 2c. Gave Marie 3 quilts to
wash today to see whether they will wash well. They washed beautifully –charged 3c
each to wash. Said soap is dear now.
11 quilts to wash.
4 new quilts made 31/10/16.
September 14th
Nothing special today – quiet. Sr. Sorley had 6 men to afternoon tea. Remained to
dinner. Left 9pm. Aust and N.Z.
42
September 15th 1916
Good many bad cases –all Scottish Regiment.
Went to R.E. Canteen, paid bills for goods and to Steenwercke to where French woman
promised me some flowers. Got them and some milk and cauliflower. Sister carried
milk and flowers and the cauli for a mile. Glad to get the milk. Going to send
some daily. Milk very scarce, dear here.
September 16th
About 120 patients in today.
About 40 admissions in night. Our men raided German lines – badly wounded. 2
officers, 1 very badly. Several men of same regiment. Very fond of their young
officer, only 20 years of age. His chief thought when he was so bad here was for his
men. Never thought of himself. Some of his men in my ward, "Black Watch".
Lieut. Le Mele ? went to base operations all day today.
September 17th
69 patients sent by train 9am.
Rather busy. R.E. family around to tea. Sisters went out, I did not go. Our adm. Day, I
never go out.
September 18th
Very busy day, many ops, 2 deaths, very badly wounded. Q1 op. gas gangrene. Died.
7 letters from home.
Sr. Carpenter papers returned – no leave granted. Gave warm cardigan to several
orderlies who had no warm clothes.
September 19th
Canteen opened – we all gave 10 Francs for share. Fairly full again, rumour says a
man was shot this morning for being drunk and his regiment gone an hour
before he got back. Was buried here. Cannot believe all you hear.
Very wet and muddy – dreadful rain.
Mr. Newmarch came in today, says he, with General Christian are near here. He has
hernia and supposed to be coming in for operation, he says.
Received mosquito netting from Queen Mary's Needlework Guild.
September 20th
About 50 patients sent away by train this am.
Very quiet day – no ops. Some very badly wounded men in but nothing more could be
done. Hope they will be strong enough to pull through.
Wrote to Lady Lawly, thanks for more nets. Miss Conyers re allowances in London.
Frank Elliott, thanks for cakes and sweets.
Sr. Dickson re cape (red) allowance.
Fred Pocock, sent on from Luxor, letter posted Feb.
43
September 21st 1916
About 270 patients – good many convalescent cases. Nothing special – several bad
cases.
Letter from Jim Arnott's father and mother asking about his wounds. Poor boy is
dying, both legs so badly wounded he cannot live, I am afraid, have written to them.
September 22nd
Have 46 patients sent down – about 200 still left. Another man Gascoigen admitted
last night – wounds all over but quite conscious. Poor man. Operation midday – died
7pm. Awfully sad cases lately.
7 letters from Sydney and home.
September 23rd
A good many admissions – not very sick and only a few wounded. Some T104'.
Jim G Arnott died about 2pm. Wrote to his people today.
September 24th
Evacuation 9.30am. 56 patients left.
Jim Arnott buried today 2.30 pm.
Took a little piece of his hair to send home to his mother. Put one white aster on
him and one I sent home also. They were some that I had in a vase beside him in the
mortuary.
Several of the sisters friends to afternoon tea. We could not go down to O.C. so some
of them came up here.
Sister Carpenter had finger opened 10am. Was very little wrong. I could se nothing
but a little redness. Sr. Gibson said it should not have been opened – could have
looked after it herself and kept on duty. Thinks she ants to get away on leave, as all
other means of getting it have failed.
September 25th
Nothing special – not very busy - great many convalescent cases in just now.
Have asked that Carpenter may go down for 10 days as Col. Mclaurien suggested.
No answer yet. Will also write to Miss McCarthy and ask her to have sister relieved.
September 26th
Evacuation again. About 27 patients only left. They say that if men will be fit in a
couple of weeks, they must stay here and then return to their units. This will make no
more or less of a Stationary or General Hospital instead of a Clearing Station.
Sister Carpenter left by 7 pm train for No 14 General Boulogne. 7 or more days sick
leave. Hope she does not return – is not suitable for C.C. work – not strong.
FRANCE. 1914 - 1918 GREAT WAR
BRITISH KITE BALLOON ABOUT TO ASCEND.
(PRESENTED BY MRS D T DAY) (BRITISH OFFICIAL PHOTO)
NOTE THE BASKET SUSPENDED FROM THE BALLOON HOLDING
TWO OBSERVERS. THEY WERE TARGETED OFTEN BY GERMAN
AIRCRAFT SOME PARACHUTED TO SAFETY – SOME DIED.
Photograph - see original document
BESSIE WOULD HAVE LOVED TO GO UP IN ONE OF THESE BALLOONS
44
September 27th 1916
Much the same today.
Very great excitement this afternoon. An air balloon just over us. Seemed to have
drifted from German lines, everyone said. All our aeroplanes came along, soared all
round and round it, apparently firing into it. It was such a sight to see. It is hanging in
mid air with it's point down and then twisting about – then it drifted a long way off,
falling all the time and as it came down, broke into flames. Some men heard the guns
being fired into it. We were too far away. They tell us it was inside our lines. We are
in such a bend here. Very exciting, seeing our guns all round and trying to hit it. Such
a long way away from it and such a big thing, you would hardly think they could miss
it.
Capt. Higgenson came in – brought ribbon, asked us to tea tomorrow, if we are not
busy, may. The others off can go. I probably will not.
September 28th
Wrote to Mrs. Arnott, sent flower and piece of Jimmy's hair.
Some bad medical cases, very light day. About 6pm 3 or 4 cases came in from
Armentiers, only one bad. All operated on. Not our day to take patients out of order.
Many guns today, bombarding Germans shelling Armentiers. A good deal of big guns
firing further down, 8 and 9 pm. Some shake the little hut I'm in.
Got Capt. Higgenson to get me some M.M. (Military Medal) ribbon for 2
wounded patients. One man Pte. Matheson, Scottish Regiment, leg amputated,
was so pleased poor fellow when I pinned it on for him.
Another boy, just in also, has the M.M. I gave him a piece too, this am.
September 29th
Jack Regan gone, Powell sent in his place. Is a little cleaner, may not be so much
trouble. Very quiet all day. Several teeth cases. Anaesthetic. Nothing else all day.
5pm. Went round to tea on train. Capt. Higgenson away mending broken railway line.
Out a good deal last night. Say they have to go again tonight. Shelled Armentiers
badly yesterday. Say several Aust. and British soldiers killed and wounded. We got
three.
Notice from No. 14 General, Boulogne saying Carpenter had been sent sick to
England yesterday. I knew very well she would get there and meant to do so. Hope
she does not return.
Very cold tonight – very loud report of guns about 9pm, shook my hut.
Clocks to be put back one hour tonight, returning to our original time.
Col. Galway inspected Sisters Quarters here. Not as nice as I like them. Regan had
been so dirty and troublesome. The officers will not have anyone like him, but
anything is good enough for sisters, though Army Rule is one Batman to 4 sisters, you
never get any. The M.O'.s have one man each.
45
September 30th 1916
Nothing fresh, very few admissions – fairly full, light cases. If rush comes, will have
to be moved to the conv. tents to make room in wards, if any serious cases admitted
today or tomorrow.
Very much firing tonight from 10pm. Great reports, sky lighted up vividly, like
constant lightning, with flashes of shells. One would think that not a man could be left
alive within miles of the shells bursting very close to us.
October 1st
Evacuation train 9.30am...patients gone down today, some to lines. Train arrived up
to time.
No church today. I still have the 4 tents, very little in 3 of them, except conval. Which
I leave to the orderlies.
A1. Only 4 patients –officers. A2.5 other wards only slight. A3. 18 pts. A4...B. 1 pt
A5. 8 pts. B. 2pts. All to go to lines later.
Hospital very light this morning, so far, midday.
3 German prisoners came in, not admitted, sent to Canadian hospital where all
others are. Took 3 last night in raid, one would not come, so our men shot him.
Arm, leg, abdomen, pretty bad, poor beggar.
A French officer, interpreter we have as a patient, questioned him. Bavarian
Regiment, no other information.
Earl of night duty. Haines put on. She did not want to come off – the others want to
go on.
October 2nd
Been light day - nothing doing.
Letter from Miss McCarthy congratulating me on my promotion ?, I do not know
what she means. I have heard of no promotion. Also says she will see the sisters I
wrote to her about, who were on hospital ship with me, will not be forgotten. She will
remember them in France and she will tell Miss Osram to remember those who are
under her. Awfully glad. Wish some of them would get the R.R.C.
Mr. Roysten , officer, shot through chest, admitted last evening. Died at 7pm. Poor
boy. Mr. Sykes in ward, went to school with him, so he will be able to tell all his
people. (If he lives to get home)
Parcel from Em. Elliott, containing cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets. I will give
to men.
Gave some men going out to lines today singlets, and cardigans I got from the Q.M.
Needlework Guild. They were cold and not much warm clothes.
46
October 3rd 1916
13 patients left by train. Sent Wal Scobie 100 Francs. Nothing special – very few
patients, only 2 very serious in all hospital – one officer very badly wounded.
Sullivan an Australian from Granville, very bad since admission.
Sister Shearer arrived 8pm for duty in Carpenter's place.
Letter from Miss McCarthy telling me so today.
Gibson off duty again – earache.
October 4th
Shearer put in theatre.
Nothing fresh, no admissions – no letters.
Mr White died. Badly wounded officer.
Another parcel from Mrs. Elliott for the men, sweets, biscuits, chocolates. Very, very
acceptable, they love these things.
October 5th
Sr. Gibson better, not on duty. Going down to Base by train. Several admissions
today. 2 patients had legs amputated, one man's leg amputated before coming in,
apparently nearly shot off. Others not serious, small ops.
Wire from Mr. Royston's people asking might they come over. Poor boy dead and
buried. Very sad for all these people who lose their relatives.
October 6th
Knight , patient who had leg amputated yesterday afternoon, died early this morning.
He seemed so well last evening.
Wrote to Miss McCarthy re filling Gibson's vacancy. Also Mrs. Royston re son's
death – poor boy. Was shot through chest – liver was torn right in half. Only lived
about 24 hours.
October 7th
Raining – nothing special. Circular from Miss McCarthy saying Carpenter has a
months sick leave. Do hope she does not return here.
October 8th
All as usual – very nice church service – great many men there – several came to tea.
Mr. Derner, Mr. Sykes, Wadell, Campbell and a couple more stayed all afternoon,
then had tea with us. They all seemed to be happy together, so I don't mind much.
Sister Gibson still sick – going down by first train.
47
October 9th 1916
Sister Gibson left by Hospital Train 11am.
Gibson left by train – sick. Is not very well now. Will not return, so I hope they send
one of the people I asked for.
October 10th
From March 1st, Head Sister 10/6d per day and 2/6d..?. As I drew Matron's pay till
25th March, don't know what they will do and care less.
Quiet day.
4 of us went round to R.S. to afternoon tea, very kind, all of them, all at home. Capt.
Higgenson had to go away about 6pm with guns or to see about lines, he is very busy
lately.
Concert 7pm. Unit out one year, or rather, one year since they left Australia. Splendid
concert, Flying Corps men, very good. Several helpers from outside:
Sir J. Porter D.M.S. came round am. – came up to quarters. I was busy cleaning up
and helping orderly pack and clean up after Carpenter. I shall never let any of them go
away again without their luggage, I know.
D.M.S. appeared pleased with everything.
October 11th
Very light day, very few admissions.
General Plummer visited wards and our quarters – very nice, said things nice and
clean – seemed satisfied.
Wards are kept much cleaner now, so probably my speaking to the Colonel about
noticing dirty floors etc – matches and cigarette ends all over floors and drawers till I
was sick of it all.
An orderly told me today that the Colonel had got into a habit of looking for dirt
under the beds, so forth.
October 12th
About 14 patients only for train.
Boy, Whittaker, who came in yesterday afternoon had to have his leg off this
afternoon. Pretty bad, hope he lives – gassed?
Letter from Mr.Payne returning my money, saying he will send chocolates over for
me. He is awfully good. I really must send him something. Will get him a paper knife
made out of a brass shell case, they are lovely.
48
October 13th 1916
Nothing special – several admissions – fairly busy day for me. Very tired at night if
wards busy. The house and meals are a great nuisance, almost too much. Meals are
always a worry.
A young German prisoner in today. Very nice refined face and looks weary and not
very happy in a ward full of our men, but all very good to him. Operation on leg and
dressed. R.C. Padre talks to him and speaks German.
2 officers , 1 not badly wounded. Mr. Harvey, Northumberland Fusiliers, very
badly wounded men all devoted to him. Operation – dressed.
Mr. Sykes rejoined his unit today.
October 14th
Several ops. today – not very big. Whittaker's leg very bad, swollen – smells badly.
Do hope it will not cost him his life, poor boy.
Mr. Harvey pretty bad today again. Whittaker also very bad.
Letter from Mr. Roysten's mother – poor woman. Hope I shall see her if I go to
England.
Got a floor for our Mess Tent today. Very dirty – such a lot of cleaning up and seeing
the boy do it. I'm awfully tired tonight again – have not had one minute today. My
wards both full and busy. I made a cake and some tarts for tomorrow also. So feel I've
done my bit.
October 15th
Mr. Harvey died 10pm. Left leg amputated – gas – gangrene.
Nothing special – one man wounded – arm amputated 8pm. Blackwood -
comfortable after adm.
Whittaker bad all day. Do hope he will live – poor boy.
About 15 for afternoon tea. 3 patients – officers , remained to afternoon tea.
October 16th
About 50 patients left by train.
Sister Dickson arrived about 11am.
German prisoner also left. Gave sister my ward A.3. Just moved in today, 26 beds. I
must take tents, don't like it much, only have stretchers for patients.
Pte. Heath readmitted – died at 11/30pm. Had been in here for a few weeks about a
week ago.
A few things from Red Cross NSW. Little things from Cessnock. Have written to one
child – infants school. Not many useful things for us – mostly for patients.
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