KENISCAREOI
THE^DUNDED
A RECORD QFTHE\^C»KOf THE
A/QLUNIAFY.AID DETACHMENTS
KENT'S CARE FOR
THE WOUNDED
THE MARCHIONESS CAMDEN
President, Kent County War Fund.
KENT'S CARE
FOR THE WOUNDED
BY
PAUL CRESWICK, G. STANLEY POND
AND
P. H. ASHTON
WITH A PREFACE BY
SIR GILBERT PARKER, BART, M.P.
{Hon. Col. Kent Royal Garrison Artillery)
All Profits on Sale given to the Kent County War Fund
HODDER AND STOUGHTON
LONDON NEW YORK TORONTO
MCMXV
INTRODUCTION
No nation in the world has the capacity to impro-
vise and the will to compromise so thoroughly as
Great Britain, and these characteristics have never
been shown more fully than during the past ten
months ; that is, since the Great War began.
There is in the British nature a curious instinct of
freedom which, in its highest expression, has made
Great Britain the mother of freedom in govern-
ment in the world, and in its lower form makes
anything like iron discipline imposed by any force
outside the individual himself more than difficult
to apply. The instinct of every British man is to
think for himself, act according to his conscience,
fear God and honour the King ; but he does not
easily lend himself to what has been called " mili-
tarism " in civil life. No doubt he carries that to
an extreme, and organization on an extensive
scale is, therefore, difficult in ordinary times. Yet
his habit of thinking for himself, and of assuming a
6 INTRODUCTION
personal responsibility, enables him to recover lost
balances in crises like that produced in August,
1914. Given the crisis and the need, action is not
long delayed, and the Englishman can produce
marvels of improvised organization in a quicker
time, with more skill, and with a greater basis of
solidity than any man anywhere in the world. That
he has the defects of his qualities is unhappily
apparent, because he fails to appreciate organiza-
tion for long purposes and for far-reaching ends ;
but when once he gets going, as it were, when once
he begins to organize for his accepted purposes, he
keeps on and on with endless persistence.
It was well known that the Red Cross Society
and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem had an
efficient and well-tested organization, that they
were filled with enthusiastic, capable and skilful
workers ; but they were not organized for a war like
the present. However, the same earnest, far-seeing
souls who realized that a great European war might
come, did something to prepare for the crisis and
arrange a nucleus of purposed effort by establishing
Voluntary Aid Detachments in connection with
the Territorial Force.
I do not think that enough credit has been given
INTRODUCTION 7
to those who originated this idea, or to the enthusi-
astic people in Kent and elsewhere who worked,
long before there was war, in preparation of hospital
work by trained amateurs, with all the multifarious,
difficult and intricate duties attached to Field
Hospital and Rest Hospital work in war-time.
At the beginning there was the usual half-con-
temptuous chaff, and even sneers, at hospital
amateurs, as there had been at Volunteers and
Territorials, by those who believed that only the
long-term discipline of regular service could pro-
duce effective and skilful organization, units and
individuals. These people forgot, as they always
do, that amateur assistance is drawn from the most
intelligent and the best classes of the community,
with a sense of responsibility, and with voluntary
desire to accomplish a purpose behind ; which
makes up to a considerable degree for a lack
of those prodigiously valuable qualities of the
professional in the army and in hospital work.
There was criticism ; there was jealousy ; there was
even belief that the Voluntary Aid Detachments,
when they were formed, were only playing at
hospital work ; and when war broke out even
responsible people said that they would not be
8 INTRODUCTION
employed for nursing at all, or, if employed,
their hospitals would only be Convalescent Homes.
All that disappeared like mist before the sun.
Just as the great political parties in the State
composed their differences and compromised with
their prejudices in order to produce an active
national administration, so the British Red Cross
Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
amalgamated for war purposes, and the professional
hospital began to act in sympathy with and to
give encouragement to the V.A.D. hospital.
I can speak for what happened in Gravesend
where we have two V.A.D. Hospitals, where
representatives of the general hospital sit upon
the Executive of the V.A.D., and assist, advise
and co-operate in every possible way.
No better evidence of the capacity for initiative
and for improvised organization may be found than
in the work done by the Voluntary Aid Detach-
ments in Kent County, under the Presidency and
control of the Earl of Darnley. When he assumed
the responsibility the War Office were not
absolutely clear as to the extent to which the
Voluntary Aid Detachments could be entrusted
to do responsible hospital work, and the detach-
INTRODUCTION 9
ments themselves were only groups of partially-
trained amateurs in nursing and war-work, though
the commandants had shown skill and enthusiasm in
organizing and training their detachments. There
was even discouragement " from above " as to
making ready hospitals for receiving and caring
for patients. This did not deter the detachments
from making due preparation of hospitals in the
certain anticipation that the War Office would use
them at a very early date. Many detachments
believed that their skilled services would be
called upon very soon, when it was remembered
that the hospital organization of the army was only
devised for, at the most, 300,000 men. While
wiseacres deprecated the preparation of hospitals,
and while the Voluntary Aid Detachments were
advised in responsible quarters to abstain from
opening hospitals, yet in places like Gravesend,
common sense and ordinary prevision decided upon
a policy of making hospitals ready. This was done ;
and not a moment too soon, for, on October 13th,
a command came from headquarters to mobilize
all hospitals in Kent. But the Voluntary Aid
Detachments were not taken unawares and re-
sponded efficiently to the call. The account given
10 INTRODUCTION
in this book, admirably written, and arranged
interestingly, reads like a charming piece of fiction,
though it is but a tender tract of truth, full of
enthusiasm, vitality and graphic description. It
is no fancy picture, but represents British initiative
and improvisation, British energy and character
at its best. And as to the work done, the fact
that the War Office has, since October, continually
sent patients to the V.A.D. hospitals in Kent,
sometimes even crowding them, is good evidence
of their national usefulness and of good things
accomplished. Lord Darnley and his organization
may well plume themselves upon the commendation
given by such hospital experts as Colonel D'Arcy
Power, whose letter to Dr. Yolland on April 27th
(quoted in chapter vm) is a certificate of which the
Kent V.A.D.'s may well be proud. Sir Frederick
Eve, Advisory Surgeon to the War Office, has
also given his warm commendation; but the
warmest commendation comes from the patients
themselves, who have continually praised the skill
of the hospital staffs, and enjoyed comforts which
have been most generously supplied.
This book is no dry account of work done by a
gallant and efficient organization, it is almost a
INTRODUCTION 11
thrilling story of human effort, suddenly com-
mandeered to perform both military and civil
services ; an effort put forth with a capacity and
whole-heartedness which makes the nation and the
empire its debtor. I commend this book for its
own sake to the generosity of the public, and I
commend it for the cause to which the profits from
the publication will go.
GILBERT PARKER
CONTENTS
PAGE
Foreword ...... 15
CHAPTER I
How the Belgians Came to Kent . 17
CHAPTER II
A Glance Backward .... 23
CHAPTER III
Paying the Piper ..... 29
CHAPTER IV
The Call ...... 33
CHAPTER V
One of Many Vigils . . . .40
CHAPTER VI
Stories ....... 48
13
14 CONTENTS
CHAPTER VII
A Garden Hospital
PAGE
59
CHAPTER VIII
The Theatre .....
63
CHAPTER IX
66
CHAPTER X
Organisation .....
70
CHAPTER XI
Stores ....... 78
CHAPTER XII
Comparisons not Always Odious . . 82
APPENDIX
Work of the Detachments ... 91
Headquarters ...... 207
FOREWORD
To the County Director of the Kent Voluntary Aid
Detachments.
Sir,
I am commanded by the Army Council to
request that you will convey their cordial thanks
to the Voluntary Aid Detachments in your com-
mand, more especially to those of the Dover and
Folkestone Districts, for the able assistance
rendered to the Representative of the War Office
during the disembarkation and disposal of the sick
and wounded Belgian soldiers, arriving during the
period 12th to 16th October.
I am to state that the Council much appreciate
the assistance rendered by all concerned, which
materially expedited the handling of the large
numbers of sick and wounded to be disposed of,
and mitigated the discomforts which the Belgian
soldiers were bound to suffer under the conditions
then existing.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) B. B. Cubitt.
November, l'jlh.
The Rt. Honourable THE EARL OF DARNLEY
County Director, Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments.
KENT VOLUNTARY AID DETACHMENTS
HOW THE BELGIANS CAME TO KENT
" Three more here, please. Qu'est-ce que vous
desirez ? Avec votre ami ? Mais oui, certaine-
ment. Can we squeeze in another ? Carefully
now. . . . Par ici, m'sieur — South Hill Wood
Hospital ; come back here again.
" Cot case ? The Chief of Staff says Memorial
Hospital ? Bring the stretcher along to the
ambulance car, keep the blankets over his feet.
. . . Help them, you other bearers, will you ?
That's the idea. . . .
" Four more for the Masonic Hall ; keep friends
together as much as you can. Two here for the
Dewey Ward, Cottage Hospital, and two here for
St. Mary's "
Scene, Bromley South Station, midday on
Wednesday, October 14th, 1914 — at the end of
the up platform. Scores of motor-cars waiting
along the " goods " roadway ; a grey oppressive
b 17
18 HOW THE BELGIANS CAME TO KENT
sky overhead, but the rain holding off whilst
the first trainload of wounded and dishevelled
Belgian soldiers was being detrained with hasty
tenderness by members of the Men's Voluntary
Aid Detachment. The nurses of the Women's
Detachments had already refreshed the valiant
travellers with draughts of hot coffee and Bovril,
the ministrations and sympathy of these quick-
witted smiling angels upon earth being just what
the poor warriors needed so sorely. A memory
must have come to them then, fraught with bitter
pain.
All about us was a polyglot tongue : French,
Flemish — the English which we always conceive
to be the only language a foreigner can under-
stand. But, somehow, folk made their meanings
plain, the will to be of service was so irresistible.
Twelve hours earlier Bromley had been its half-
sleepy self, a typical country town, rather con-
scious of its dignity, always eminently respectable,
and consequently more than disturbed by those
persistent rumours of all that Germany was doing
to her very small neighbour. Ugly dreams, sleep-
banishing dreams, although, like all our country-
men and women, we wanted to think them dreams
— that, at the most, exaggeration was responsible
for the greater part of these tales of horror and
f rightfulness. Now, within the span of a night,
HOW THE BELGIANS CAME TO KENT 19
the whole town had been shocked into that action
which shows us at our best. No Hymns of Hate.
The Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments had been
steadily preparing for this hour. They had been
mobilised late on the night of Tuesday, Octo-
ber 13th, and had at first scarcely credited the
urgency of the summons. " A false alarm, just to
see if we can live up to all we have professed. Just
to keep us alert."
For years past the Detachments had been
making ready; the members of the British Red
Cross Society, St. John, and the Territorial Force,
all vying with each other, and generally being
smiled upon — tolerantly, by some people. These
detachments were formed to be the link betwixt the
Base Hospital and the Field for the Territorial
Force Association in case of invasion. ... Of
course, we may never be wanted, most of us
thought within our hearts, echoing the opinion
voiced by those outside the movement. Invasion
— isn't it almost inconceivable ? Still, we may as
well go on, in case impossibilities happen. Any-
way, we shall be ready if the call comes. At the
signal, we can fall in.
All throughout England many Red Cross workers
had acted in this fashion, gradually taking them-
selves more and more seriously, fortunately for the
country. Attending lectures, drills, camps — Red
20 HOW THE BELGIANS CAME TO KENT
Cross manuals in our pockets, marching about
country lanes with stretchers, sometimes carrying
lazy pseudo-patients. Perhaps a trifle hard on long-
suffering relations with our zealous bandage
practising ! Since the declaration of war on
August 4th, 1914, all of us more energetic than
ever, those who could having joined the Army —
not always the R.A.M.C. Others, not able to pass
the very rigorous tests imposed in the earlier days
of national recruiting, now serving to the best of
their ability. Getting ready, in case. The whole
history of our Voluntary Aid Detachments serves
to demonstrate once again that everything in this
life depends in the main upon intelligent anticipa-
tion.
On this mid-October grey day thousands of
trained men and women — trained to discipline,
to self-control, to knowledge (at least) of the
elements of hygiene and home nursing — were
" making good " all over England. In Kent,
which had been mobilised as a whole county,
nearly one hundred Detachments, each with its
commandant, medical officer, quartermaster (and
lady superintendent for the women), pharmacist
and other personnel of all ranks, about forty to
fifty, were active in a labour of love for which they
had taken pains to prepare. The scene at Bromley
South Station was being repeated at every con-
HOW THE BELGIANS CAME TO KENT 21
siderable railway centre throughout the country.
Within fourteen hours of the call, over two thou-
sand soldiers, Belgians and British, were com-
fortably in their beds, safe under English roofs,
being cared for in surroundings as pleasant and
fragrant as only the true English woman can
devise. Weary, heart-sick soldiers — many of them
so utterly exhausted as to be beyond caring what
happened to them, either for good or ill. Deep
slumber presently bringing merciful oblivion to
their unheard-of wrongs and anguish of mind.
Wonderful hospitals these of Kent — and merely
examples of what is being done by the Red
Cross everywhere. Yesterday they had been,
possibly, not too beautiful village halls, public
buildings, empty black-windowed houses, forlorn
in the centre of wintry gardens. Church rooms
and village clubs. To-day bright somehow sunlit
palaces, cheery all through, properly equipped —
looking as though they had been Nature's Rest
Houses all their days. About them moved blue-
garbed, white-aproned, sweet-faced women, quietly
doing the work appointed to them by the doctor
and trained nurses, the red-drill-clad commandant
overseeing all, directing here, helping there —
resourceful, able, never at a loss.
The whole atmosphere charged with healing and
love. . . . One might well say (as in The Way of
22 HOW THE BELGIANS CAME TO KENT
the Red Cross — the eloquent story of a great
movement told by E. C. Vivian and J. E. Hodder
Williams) that not even the Genie of Aladdin's
lamp could have brought about greater trans-
formation.
II
A GLANCE BACKWARD
The British Red Cross Society is successor to
Lord Wantage's " British National Society for
Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War," and the
" Central British Red Cross Council." These were
merged into one on July 17th, 1905, at Bucking-
ham Palace, at the instigation of his late majesty
King Edward VII, when the B.R.C.S. was founded
and placed under the Presidency of her most
gracious majesty Queen Alexandra. The Society
was granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation, by
Letters Patent, on September 3rd, 1908.
Lord Wantage's Society dated back to 1870,
the " Central British Red Cross Council " came
into existence in 1898. The earliest B.R.C.S.
voluntary aid detachments are dated April, 1910.
Of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem it is only
needful to state the fact that a " Hospice for the
Entertainment of Wayfarers and the Reception of
the Sick " was built at Ilcxton in Yorkshire in the
time of King Athelstan, and was still in being in
1099. The sponsor of the Order was John Elcemon,
a Greek Patriarch of great charity, of Amalfi,
23
24 A GLANCE BACKWARD
who founded a hospital at Jerusalem before the
Crusades. This " Place of Entertainment for the
Sick " had two thousand beds, and was founded
in 1050. It was possibly the first true hospital
ever known. The present St. John V.A.D.'s were
founded in 1910.
The Territorial Force Association had a few
detachments in Kent in 1914, these being practi-
cally drawn either from the ranks of the British
Red Cross Society or the St. John Association.
All these detachments, as will be readily
imagined, are much the same in their methods,
aim and organisation. The main differences are
practically those of uniforms and rank badges.
All stipulate that a member must obtain a First-
Aid Certificate from the ruling body of its Asso-
ciation ere being regarded as other than a pro-
bationer, and all examinations are held after study
from (virtually) the same book — Dr. James Cantlie's
universally known First Aid to the Injured. Mem-
bers of women's detachments are required to
qualify still further after a course of Dr. Cantlie's
" Home Nursing " lectures.
Those in control of the B.R.C.S. and St. John
detachments in Kent came into consultation,
immediately upon war being declared, with the
County Territorial Force Association at Maidstone,
in order to discover whether the detachments
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A GLANCE BACKWARD 25
could not be made even more useful on emergency.
The Admiralty and War Office had long since
agreed that all offers of voluntary assistance should
reach them only through these Societies. The
three administrative bodies in Kent, after a
meeting at Maidstone in the very early days of
August, 1914, decided to join forces for the term
of the war, and the Kent Voluntary Aid Detach-
ments, as we know them, were forthwith united
under a single control. A series of meetings followed,
culminating in an overflow assembly at Bromley
Common on August 12th, at St. Luke's Church,
under the presidency of Lady Northcote.
It seemed better that there should be one
County Director rather than two, and eventually
it was agreed that Dr. Cotton, Deputy Com-
missioner of the St. John Ambulance Brigade
and County Director of the Territorial Force
Association, should be nominated as the Kent
Voluntary Aid Detachments' County Director,
while Dr. Yolland, who had practically created
the B.R.C.S. in the No. 1 division of the county,
should be known as the Chief of Staff. The whole
of the detachments were to be mobilised, when the
signal should come, by the Territorial Force Asso-
ciation, under the presidency of the Marquis Camden.
Gifts and all manner of promises of support
began to pour in at headquarters when these were
26 A GLANCE BACKWARD
opened at No. 53 Bromley Common. It was
apparent that supreme efforts would be needed in
order to deal with the new and vigorous growth
of the Red Cross movement, and, in this connection,
not enough can be said or written in praise of the
organisation swiftly but surely built up under the
whole-hearted guidance of the Chief of Staff.
With his band of devoted workers he mapped
out a complete plan of campaign, every detail
being provided for and all contingencies fore-
seen. Dr. Cotton, who was most unfortunately
taken ill soon after the scheme was well under
way, still rendered much help by virtue of
his great experience and knowledge, when, had
he followed his physician's advice, he should
have been taking complete rest. As a result, to
the great regret of everyone, Dr. Cotton's health
broke down, and, towards the close of August, he
tendered his resignation, after having had the satis-
faction of seeing the Kent V.A.D.'s established as
a thoroughly sound business proposition.
At the suggestion of the Territorial Force Associa-
tion the Right Honourable the Earl of Darnley, him-
self far from being in robust health, came forward
patriotically to fill the gap. He took up the onerous
duties on September 3rd with enthusiasm, labour-
ing for the cause with tact and ability. Working
closely with Dr. Yolland, who visited Lord Darnley
A GLANCE BACKWARD 27
almost daily at Cobham, progress was continued
without a break — and, as there was no time to
register the eager-to-work new detachments, these
were, by a happy inspiration, allowed to carry on
as individual " contingents " to existing detach-
ments. Looking back, one can scarcely understand
how all the vast quantity of work was got through
in those days of the creation of the V.A.D. organi-
sation.
Lectures had to be arranged, both for First Aid
and Home Nursing. Medical officers all over the
country came forward self-sacrificingly to give
these, or take the consequent examinations. In
the meantime everybody drilled, and prepared,
and read-up, and practised.
The men's detachments, now drawn practically
from those either too old for military service or
already rejected (for some slight defect), found
themselves able and thankful to be of service in
the hour of need. New members filled the spaces
left by those of military age who had gone to the
Front. In this respect the St. John Association
lost heavily, the members showing themselves
most patriotic and determined, while the Red
Cross Society took upon itself to see that there
should be no consequent loss to the movement.
To each member of the women's detachments was
given a list of articles likely to be wanted should
28 A GLANCE BACKWARD
a hospital be opened in the district ; a most com-
prehensive list, drawn up by the hand of a genius.
Articles of the humblest description were canvassed
for by the ladies of Kent as well as those implying
a more serious obligation. It was part of the
scheme, and the finest part of it, that everybody
should be able to help, from the highest to the
lowest. Every promise received was registered,
then all were classified — the addresses of all friends
were territorially arranged so that the collection
could be made with ease and dispatch. ' Get
ready — get ready " was the constant command—
and soon there was a splendid array of promises
of beds, blankets, mattresses — kettles, saucepans —
every conceivable article that the hospitals were
likely to need. Suitable buildings throughout the
length and breadth of the county were urgently
sought for, and, when discovered, were inspected
and approved. Necessary structural alterations
had to be put in hand, adaptations and improve-
ments and extensions of existent village halls and
other buildings. Luckily there were a few weeks
available in which to perfect all plans, before the
coming of that ever-memorable day for Red Cross
folk of Kent— Tuesday, October 13th, 1914.
Ill
PAYING THE PIPER
It is neither our desire nor our intention to weary
our readers by placing before them statistics, but
it would be impossible to take a complete survey
of Kent's care for the wounded without making
some brief reference to the manner in which
arrangements were made and carried out for placing
the hospitals on a satisfactory financial basis.
When the Kent branches of the three Voluntary
Aid associations amalgamated for the period of
the war, it was generally recognised that the
conversion of public and other buildings into
temporary home hospitals and the cost of their
maintenance would entail an expenditure over
and above the sum realised from the daily allow-
ance made by the War Office. Since that decision
was arrived at, those who have visited any of the
hospitals have had ample demonstration of the
fact. One of the first things to be done, therefore,
was to devise some scheme for raising a fund
which could be used to supply such additional
29
30 PAYING THE PIPER
comforts and extra care as should be considered
necessary.
It was perfectly clear that, in view of the many
appeals which were being made throughout the
country, the fund would have to be provided
from purely local sources, and to that end an
influential committee, representative of every part
of Kent, was called into being under the gracious
presidency of the Marchioness Camden. This
Committee soon gave evidence that it was on
business bent, and a most propitious start was
made.
As we have before stated, a large and enthusi-
astic meeting was held in Bromley during the
second week in August, when the fund was
formally launched and an appeal made for £10,000.
Mr. J. W. Wheeler-Bennett started the campaign
with a handsome donation, and made a stirring
appeal to the people of Kent, pointing out that
the V.A.D. hospitals were legitimately entitled to
a share of their generosity and benevolence.
It was soon found the right note had been
sounded and that Kent was fully alive to its
responsibilities in this matter. Everyone seemed
so willing to give in money, service, or kind that
at one time it seemed that there would be over-
lapping and confusion. This, however, was happily
prevented by the circulation of an appeal from
PAYING THE PIPER 31
the Right Honourable the Lord Harris, Deputy-
Lord-Lieutenant of the County, asking that all
these most patriotic offers of financial and other
assistance should be made through the Kent
Voluntary Aid organisation, so that they could be
directed into those channels whence the greatest
good could be secured for the greatest number.
This appeal had the desired effect. Funds and
stores were collected, and arrangements were made
for the careful and systematic distribution of the
gifts received. The readiness with which people
gave showed that they were proud of their
county, of their England, standing at the greatest
crisis in all its splendid and romantic history.
They remembered that our gallant sons had gone
across the water not only to maintain the prestige
of the " Union Jack," but also to fight under a
banner on which are emblazoned in letters of gold
the words " International Righteousness, Freedom,
and Honour." Under these circumstances, the
least that they could do was to put forth strenuous
efforts for making adequate provision for the
reception and treatment of the sick and wounded.
It was not long before the Executive Committee
realised that the sum of £10,000 would be in-
adequate if the hospitals were to be maintained in
their state of high efficiency and if the patients
were to continue to receive those extra creature
32 PAYING THE PIPER
comforts which were the gifts of a generous public
When this sum had been collected, therefore, the
Executive Committee, with their customary pru-
dence and foresight, decided to make an appeal
for additional donations to the County Fund,
in which endeavour the Marquis Camden gave a
generous lead. The fund is being wisely adminis-
tered ; and those who can see their way to assist-
ing, can rest assured that the money available will
continue to be profitably expended.
Photo by Grout Engraving Co.
Dr. J. HORATIO YOLLAND
County Secretary, British Red Cross Society.
Chief of Staff, Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments.
IV
THE CALL
It is a matter for cheerful reflection that we are
necessary to the well-being and harmony of things,
if this conviction can be reconciled with the per-
suasion that the sort of work we turn out is com-
mensurate with a mighty need. Such reflections
can be legitimately indulged in by the members
of the Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments.
Let us remember that the success which is
attendant upon their work is not the result of a
few weeks' or months' activity. It is rather
attributable to the fact that for years past many
hundreds of women have been toiling unceasingly
and heroically in an endeavour to obtain that
degree of efficiency in nursing which should make
their services valuable in the hour of their country's
need.
Such women are the salt of the earth. If they
were to sit still and fold their hands the wheels
of the universe would seem to drag heavily.
When they were undergoing their course of
training there were many onlookers who regarded
c 33
34 THE CALL
it all as a huge joke and thought that they were
but spinning worthless cobwebs for the remorseless
housewife Oblivion to sweep away. But time
alone can show the value of work and whether it
has a worth beyond the occupation, stimulus, and
interest which it furnishes to the minds of the
workers.
People may make grand spasmodic sacrifices,
but to maintain constancy without flaw or damage
as the V.A.D. members did under the trial of
criticism and sometimes ridicule is the best proof
of fidelity. The dignity of their labours and the
conviction of utility, coupled with the sedative
and consoling reflection that at any rate they
would be prepared for any emergency that might
arise, enabled them to cling with unflinching
tenacity to the task which they had set them-
selves. Having put their hand to the plough they
would not turn back and indulge the world with
the scandal of a deserted cause. This constancy
and devotion to self-appointed duties compel
everyone to admit that these noble women are
unquestionably serving their generation to-day,
and England is reaping the reward of their exer-
tions.
When war was declared in August, 1914, and
everyone's thoughts naturally turned to the dread
possibility of long casualty lists being issued, it
THE CALL 35
was considered a very debatable point as to
whether the services of the Voluntary Aid Detach-
ments would be called upon to any great extent.
But everything was prepared in readiness. Two
months passed by, and then came the summons
which brought home to the people of Kent more
forcibly than anything before the fact that England
was at war.
It was the night of Tuesday, October 13th.
The day had been a particularly busy one at the
headquarters of the Kent organisation, and the
staff there were contemplating retirement to a
well-earned rest, when a little after ten o'clock
came the already well-known sound of the telephone
bell. Slowly word by word the following startling
telegram was transmitted from the General Post
Office, London, and copied down to ensure ac-
curacy : —
" Mobilise all your hospitals at once. Notify
names of places, stations, and number of beds
available at each to transport officers, Folke-
stone. Large number of wounded arrive to-
night. Authority Director-General, A.M.S.
" Colonel Wilson, S.M.O."
No longer could thoughts of sleep be enter-
tained. The call had come, and over one hundred
36 THE CALL
commandants had to be communicated with and
told to summon their detachments into activity at
once. How was it to be done ?
A list of those officers who had the telephone
installed at their houses, or who had arranged to
receive messages through neighbouring houses so
provided, were promptly dealt with. That night
was a busy one at the Bromley Exchange, and
great credit is due to the operator there for the
splendid assistance which he rendered.
In some cases friends were sent in motor-cars
to waken the people, and in this respect Mr. J. W.
Wheeler-Bennett rendered a signal service. One
of the first arrivals on the scene, he went off
cheerfully with a long list of people in his possession
to whom the order had to be made known. It is
curious to note that at one house this well-known
and highly esteemed magistrate was suspected of
being a burglar, and it was some time before the
occupants could be convinced of their mistake.
Where direct telephonic communication was
not available the police authorities were called
upon, and they, too, did their utmost to ensure
the safe and prompt transmission of the message.
The replies which were received gave evidence in
many cases of the lateness of the hour. Consider-
able surprise was also evinced, and some of the
conversation was of sufficient interest, not un-
THE CALL 37
tinged with a degree of humour, to make it worthy
of record here.
" Mobilise the Detachment ? Oh, yes, I will do
it the very first thing in the morning." — " But
you must do it now." — " What ! to-night ? " —
" Yes, without fail."
" I'll let the Commandant know early in the
morning." — " But you must notify her at once."
— " But this is the vicarage." — " Very well, sir,
then I know everything will be in order."
" Yes, but I shall want a written order." — " A
written order, when wounded may now be on their
way ? " — " Is that so ? Then we will proceed at
once."
" Do you really mean to-night ? " — " Yes." —
" All right ; you can rely on us."
" But everyone is in bed ! " — " Very well, go
round and pull them out."
" Oh ! I thought it would come in the middle
of the night. That's always the way. — But I'll be
out and about in a jiffy ! "
" What will the neighbours say ? But what-
ever they say, I will get the car out and have all
our folk up forthwith. Good-bye."
" Who is it wants me at this time of night ? " —
" Dr. Yolland." — " Yes, Doctor ? " — " Mobilise
38 THE CALL
your detachment and prepare your hospital." —
"Eh? What? Mobilise at once?"— "Yes, im-
mediately." — " Right you are, Doctor, I'll get
round to them." The wire was responsible for a
prolonged yawn being distinctly heard. This,
doubtlessly, was the preliminary step.
As we have already seen, everything had been
prepared in intelligent anticipation of mobilisation ;
but, with so urgent and far-reaching a call, it
seemed possible that, even with Kent's wellnigh
perfect organisation, some of the wounded men
might arrive before all the beds were ready.
Wonders were wrought, however, well within the
margin of the strictly limited notice given to the
detachments, which, under the Mobilisation Order,
comprised those of the British Red Cross Society, the
St. John Ambulance Association, and the Territorial
Force Association throughout the county.
Church halls, parish rooms, and other build-
ings, all somewhat desolate - looking on a mid-
October night, were one by one transformed
into cheery, warm, and extremely comfortable
wards. The rooms were brightened with flowers
and with the smiles and smart uniforms of the
ladies, who had, in company with scores of willing
workers, toiled unceasingly from the moment of
the summons.
J. W. WHEELER BENNETT, Esq., J.P.
Chairman, Finance Committee, Kent County War Fund.
THE CALL 39
Among those who most generously gave up
their homes, wholly or in part, for use as hospitals,
and who, in many instances, are also contributing
the whole or a large portion of the cost of main-
tenance, are Lady Hillingdon, Lady Sargant,
Mrs. Ashley Dodd, Mrs. Coombe Baker, Mrs. Vining,
Lord Darnley, Mr. T. C. Dewey, Sir Robert
Laidlaw, Dr. Ireland, Mr. Wythes, Sir Everard
Hambro, Mr. Bennett Goldney, m.p., Mr. H. M.
Rogers, Mr. A. H. Squire, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Gurney
Preston, Mr. George Marsham, and Major Powell-
Cotton.
In the result, long ere the hospital-trains
steamed into their respective stations, everything
was more than ready. Thus, one of the greatest
triumphs of voluntary civil organisation was
completed to the very last detail.
ONE OF MANY VIGILS
" Train being dispatched with about 150 wounded
men to-night — arrive before twelve. — Disembarka-
tion Officer, Dover."
It was at seven o'clock on Sunday, November
6th, 1914, that this telegram was received. Plenty
of time to arrange everything, for we had a
possible 200 beds in view. The telephone was kept
going for about an hour ; by then our friends had
promised us cars in plenty — our commandants
were giving the finishing touches to new wards or
completing the making up of further beds in wards
not too full. The stretcher-bearers were mustered
at the station by ten-thirty, fires were lit in the
waiting-rooms. It was an awkward station from
an ambulance man's point of view, steep flights of
stairs led from the platforms with sharp turns
right and left at the top of the flights into a glassed-
in corridor. Then another turn into the booking-
hall.
Many discussions went on as to the best way of
40
ONE OF MANY VIGILS 41
negotiating these obstacles to quick and safe
transport. The members of the men's detach-
ment opened and closed stretchers, opened them
again and, after the orthodox testing of each
opened stretcher, coaxed light-weight members
to become temporary patients. These, duly-
blanketed, were carried not over-solemnly up and
down the steps ; sometimes the patient was carried
head first, other times legs first — according to the
imaginary wounds.
Nurses arrived with more blankets, alighting
from cars in which were tea-urns, huge jugs of
coffee, bottles of Bovril. These were lifted in, and
further debate arose as to the best possible spot
for the creation of an impromptu canteen. The
ladies settled the matter by deciding to be on the
end of the up platform, near by the foot of those
still unlovely stairs. " The train must come in on
this platform and we shall be able to look after
every patient as he passes by." The station-
master said that the train might draw up on the
down platform. You never knew, and it was
Sunday night, and the down road was open. If
there were other hospital trains for London,
following ours, the up road would have to be clear.
" They'll have to be switched on to the down
line, and then switched back again when they're
past us," decided the Commandant — which the
42 ONE OF MANY VIGILS
station-master agreed was a reasonable plan. He
decided to enquire at the signal-box.
Twelve o'clock drew nigh ; then left us, still
patient. A thin rain, driven by easterly winds,
began to find out weak spots in the detachments.
A sharp stretcher-drill was given to the men by a
keen quartermaster : up and down the platform
— never mind the rain ! The ladies decided to
move the canteen a tiny bit nearer the platform
waiting-room, where a brisk fire burned in the
grate. The motor-car owners and chauffeurs
assembled in the booking-hall, stamping their feet
and rubbing their hands together. " Any news of
the train ? "
The station-master, returning from the signal-
box, answered with a shake of his head : " Nothing
yet, sir. I'm afraid it hasn't started."
" But it's nearly one o'clock ! "
" Great deal of dislocation at the Dover end,
sir. They're sure to wire."
Irrepressible member of the stretcher-bearers
sees his chance. " You don't wire dislocations,
station-master. You have to deal with the joint
first. Get it back through the capsule "
" Fall in, there ! " snapped the ubiquitous quarter-
master, suddenly lighting on these two. " Section-
leaders have their men on the platforms, for foot
drill. Fall in, sharp."
ONE OF MANY VIGILS 43
The rain passed away, the air grew appreciably
more chill. A luggage-train jolted along the down
road, banging and groaning. Laden with equip-
ment, khaki-coloured field guns — all manner of
unusual goods : " You're not supposed to see any
of these things," said the station-master. " They'll
go through all night, now they've started. A
regular procession of them." A dim notion of
England's stupendous need — her supreme adven-
ture, came to us.
" Last Sunday night I couldn't get to sleep for
the din," opined one of the bearers, taking
advantage of a brief " stand at ease — stand
easy."
" It was the Russians going through, I expect."
This from the Irrepressible.
" We shan't be able to use the down road now.
You gentlemen will have to be quick when the
train comes."
" When is it coming, Station-master ? "
" No news yet, sir."
Nearly two o'clock. Past two o'clock. Very
much " fatigue " parties required to make up the
fires. Porters busy in the porters' room, behind
closed doors. " And I don't blame them, either,"
decided the Irrepressible, annoyingly wide-awake.
" I never want any sleep ; but if I did "
" You could go to sleep unloading wounded
44 ONE OF MANY VIGILS
from hospital trains ? " asked the quartermaster
bitingly.
Half-past two. Some of the ladies more than
quiet in the waiting-room beside the again brisk
fire. Three o'clock. " Any news, Station-master ? '
" Just had a wire to say she's left Dover, sir."
Lightning calculations on the part of those
whose brains were yet active : ' That means
nearly five before she arrives."
" Left Dover at 2.49, sir, the wire says."
" It'll be five all the same," declared a pessimist
suddenly assertive.
" You're always on the cheerful side, you are.
I remember what you used to say about the Red
Cross. Broomstick Brigade, you called us. Jolly
glad to come in when we'd let you, though."
" I always said that, given certain eventualities,
the Red Cross was a splendid movement," com-
plained the pessimist, unmistakably hurt. ' Of
course, I didn't expect the Germans would fight
us, after all."
" When I remember the splendid spade-work
done by our Chief of Staff — done unselfishly, un-
sparingly, at all seasons for the last five years —
and when I remember how he has been supported
by the Red Cross women of Kent, who have made
themselves able to do the work they're doing so
splendidly. When I remember the gratitude of
notos by 1 1 . Palfi ey Han
Refreshment whilsl Detraining.
Loading the Cars.
ONE OF MANY VIGILS 45
the poor chaps we've already brought in, and how
they've been cared for and nursed and rewarded
in some little way for all that they've done for us,
and when I recollect that some people used to
laugh at our Chief — not openly, because they were
too polite — but laughing really, and regarding him
as a good fellow utterly mistaken — you know
what I mean "
The speaker checked himself. " I get carried
away when I get a view of what duffers some of
us were. How blind ! Never thought the Germans
would fight us after all, eh ? Wasn't it lucky one
of us could see ! Lucky one of us could have the
nerve to go on. Just think what Kent is already
doing, and imagine what Kent will do, now that
our organisation is perfected. A crusade, indeed !
I'm humbly grateful not to be too old to take part
in it. Do you fellows know that some of these
men here, these stretcher-bearers, have paid for
others to take their duty so as to be able to attend
drills and lectures ? In peace time, too ! Drawn
from all ranks ; they're postmen, gardeners,
clerks, employers, big City men. Some of them
come to drill in their motors, others with their
tools in a bag across their shoulders. Fall in !
They're all comrades at once. And the women !
God bless them — as the soldiers bless them, for all
their love, and tenderness, and patience, and cheer-
46 ONE OF MANY VIGILS
fulness. Merry hearts that go all the way. They
didn't ' fall in ' in their present order without
having trained, and studied, and kept at it for
years past. See them working in the hospitals,
see them down here losing their night's rest — but
going on duty to-morrow, despite all that. No
grumbling
The speaker seemed quite ashamed after this
outburst. But there was nothing to be ashamed
about. He had talked it " off his chest " — and
felt better. Everybody agreed with him — and he
had lightened the weary waiting. So we forgave
him magnanimously for being a — man of Kent !
Four o'clock. Four - thirty. The continuous
procession of heavy, mysterious luggage trains had
almost ceased to interest. It was certainly a very
long night. Some of us yawningly fancied we
could distinguish dawn in the eastern sky ; others
declared for a late moon. But all disputing ended
with the vision of the station-master signalling
from down the line with his red lamp. " She's
coming — she's round the bend. Hear the brakes ?
Hurry them up with the coffee ; tell the bearers
to stand by. She's in — jingo ! mustn't the poor
beggars feel absolutely worn out ! "
Then a strange scene for this country platform,
under the flickering, sighing gas lamps. A sad
scene, one to make angels weep . . . the sweet
ONE OF MANY VIGILS 47
veil of early morning obscured the very worst. . . .
But the pity of it ! . . . " Jealousy cruel as the
grave " — never truer words in the Book of Books.
The outcome of bitter jealousy in this piteous
procession of yet living testimonies to a ferocity
far worse than that of beasts of prey. These our
brothers — behold them, shamefully wounded, foully
injured, scarce covered in their rags and mire ; their
homes, so laboriously builded, now a mass of red
and smoking ruins ; their wives and little ones
It does not bear remembering, the ending of our
vigil ; one of many, which, strange enough at the
outset, are now part of the ordinary routine. It
only bears remembering how, under Providence,
we were able, in our clumsy fashion, to comfort
them a little, and be, for once, men and women
less utterly unworthy of having been made in His
likeness.
VI
STORIES
" You cannot understand the feeling one has
when the order comes for you to leave the trenches
to capture those of the enemy," said an iron-grey
Seaforth, discussing the eternal subject with the
Commandant of the cheerful little hospital in which
this quietly brave fellow had been a patient. He
was a Territorial, an old " London Scottish " who
had joined the 4th Seaforths immediately upon
the call. An " old bachelor " as he called himself ;
keen, well-educated, experienced — but in saying
he was thirty-nine one could not hurt his feelings.
Rather the contrary !
" To anyone of imagination it's rather awful,"
he went on. " I'm not a coward. At least, I have
never thought of myself that way until we had the
order. . . . You know then that it's Death who
may be whistling for you. You can't help fearing
that you're taking an odds on chance of being
smashed, of becoming unidentifiable, of being
flung into an anywhere grave. Nobody to know
any more about you, until Well, perhaps
never. Reported missing.
48
STORIES 49
" Somehow, you find you're out of the trenches,
plunging forward over scarred, horrible ground,
not the sweet earth you've known, but the land of
a nightmare. The air about you full of bleak
noises — that deafen, yet don't take away your
sense of hearing. Some of this infernal row is
coming from yourself: you're screaming yourself
hoarse and don't know it. You see your pals shot
down either side of you, bullets go singing by your
ears — the big guns roaring behind are as dangerous
as those of the other fellow's. Your own artillery
— we had thirty fifteen-inchers, so they said — is
shelling the enemy's trenches for you, as a pre-
liminary. They're timed to cease fire just as
you re timed to arrive. Some of our men were a
bit too previous.
" Few things go exactly right, you know," he
added. "Young Elliott. . . . Well, it had far
better have been me. He's an only son, public-
school boy ; fine chances before that lad. And
he wasn't spoilt, nor likely to be. Things threw
us together whilst wc were at the depot at
Bedford, and afterwards, too, — ' Somewhere in
France.' He had put in for a commission, but,
after we got to know each other You see, I'm
too old for rank. ... A lovable chap who could
act like that
" We were side by side at the beginning of that
D
50 STORIES
mad race ; then he drew ahead, younger legs and
a bigger courage. He was first man in the German
trenches at Neuve Chapelle. I like to talk about
that, although you've heard it often enough from
me. Then, one of our own shells came screeching.
" I got there, amid all the scrimmage and din.
Jumped down on top of a German who was stoop-
ing over something. He seemed to go out, like the
flame of a candle — blown out — puff ! I don't
recollect quite what happened, only that presently
we had cleared the trench. Three hundred in that
trench and only seventy-five were taken prisoners.
There was a kind of zigzag communication to the
next line of trenches ; our fellows — Fourth Army
Corps, you know — were being shot down fast as
they got to the opening. I saw one of ' Ours '
get through, at last ; then I got stuck in the
back — a flesh wound, but it stung ! Rotten luck !
The slush at the bottom of those trenches was
pretty bad. Thought I should choke in it. But,
even so, I wasn't afraid any more. Only angry,
sick with anger. When they brought me into the
hospital it was just the same.
" We were in the base hospital for one night.
Heavy fighting, heavier casualties. ' Get 'em across
to England fast as you can.' So we came to Dover
and waited long hours at the Disembarkation
Office — and I remembered that boy every minute.
STORIES 51
Could see him, you know, just as he jumped the
trench. . . . I've told you about that, haven't I ?
We hadn't a notion where we were going ; but,
soon as we detrained, there was young Elliott. . . .
Being carried by two of your bearers. It was good
to see him, although
' Someone helped me to him, and I caught hold
of him. Anyhow, — just to feel he was safe home.
. . . They let us go together in the same car, and we
came to you. We have been very happy here, and
you know we're grateful. But now I'm at the end of
my furlough and going back ; while young Elliott's
crippled and deformed for the rest of his days.
' It might have been much worse ? That's so.
What I mean is, that if it had been me it wouldn't
have mattered so much. He is a youngster,
whereas I've had something of a fling. . . . You'll
tell him I called ? That I'm jolly glad he has been
able to go for a drive ? To-morrow I'll be in
France again, but I'll write. You might say to him
that I'll write for certain sure. That I won't
forget. . . . He'll understand."
Another story comes from a Leinster. An un-
exploded bomb fell in the trench. It meant one
man's life, or many. So he disobeyed orders and
climbed out of the trench, with the bomb clutched
against his breast. It exploded as he was flinging
52 STORIES
it from him, both hands held above his head to
get better impetus. He has two fingers only on
his right hand now ; only the use of his thumb on
the left. " If I hadn't thought to hold it high I'd
be a dead man this day. So I would. And if 1
tould 'em it would lose me a good conduct stripe
for disobeying order-rs ! I'll have to learn to work
w T ith me feet — but I'll not be the first to do that.
There was Cassidy, the Arumless Wonder. I see
him play cards with his toes, the blessed creature,
and shuffle the pack like a Christian. And fire off
a pistol and all."
Another — from a Belgian soldat de Ligne.
Rheumatism — through standing in water-logged
trenches for nearly a week. He had been garfon
de cafe in the Boulevard D'Anspach at Brussels
before the war. A conscript who, after a week's
rough training, had fought like a veteran for the
honour of his outraged country. He had a little
house in the suburb of Uccle, near by the Hotel
Terminus. Had been swept across to England
from Antwerp in the great rush of mid-October,
1914, utterly unable to get news of his home and
family. One afternoon in November, whilst drag-
ging himself along the High Street under the gentle
escort of a Red Cross " orderly," our patient sud-
denly uttered a cry of joy, and, losing hold of his
T3
CD
fc.0
'5
o
c
CQ
2
STORIES 53
crutch- stick, fell forward into the arms of his wife
a refugee, brought by miraculous chance to a
Bromley home.
One more — from a Lincoln this time — told as
he was being motored across to the military hos-
pital, to be discharged to furlough. " Four of us
brothers there was, sir — two of us wounded like
me, and one killed in action. Not a bad record.
And my sister's husband — that's my brother-in-
law, you understand — he's going out this week.
There's good work out there, sir — something to be
done. And mighty good fellers doing their bit.
A fine life, if you look at it the right side up. I was
on the reserve, but, bless you, we didn't need no
second summons. Four of us, and one's killed.
Had his back to the wall in Saint Eloore, and fell
face forrard. Plenty of pluck in young 'Erb. I
left another great pal o' mine there, too — dead on
the field. Saunders was his name — a good 'un as
ever breathed. Funny thing, last Monday after-
noon, just about tea-time, somebody comes asking
for me at the door. I goes to meet him — and —
didn't I think it were a ghost ! There was old
Saunders, alive and well. You bet I wasn't half
glad. Bullet went clean through him and knocked
him flat. But hadn't done no harm. You take
my meaning ? Funny thing they should bring him
54 STORIES
to the little hospital other end of the town, wasn't
it ? He asked if there was any other Lincolns,
that's how he found me. He come from the military
hospital where we're going, only last Monday — to
what they calls convalesce. A small world,
ain't it ? "
This is not properly a story, but an account
given to one of our officers by a Canadian con-
cerning his part in the attack at Hill Sixty. It
seems that they were drilling, more or less peace-
fully, some way behind the fighting. '* Having
a stand-easy, sir, with a little refreshment — it
being long after tea-time. Suddenly we heard a
great shouting over and above the noise of the
guns, and, looking round, we saw the Frenchmen
running back to us from their trenches. Little
black and blue dots, growing into men, and more
men : shouting, crying, and calling out to us.
What's the matter, what has happened ? Some-
thing about their guns, that's what they're say-
ing. The sergeant called us up smartly. In a
minute or so he had his orders, too : we were to
join the rest and go forward. The French got into
order again ; their officers stopped the shouting
and sent them to the rear trenches. The Germans
had collared some guns ; had rushed them under
cover of gas-poison. We couldn't rightly make
STORIES 55
out whose guns they were, whether British, or
Belgian, or French. Anyway, they were gone
— and we had to go after them. . . . We made
the attack at about two o'clock in the morning,
the guns having been located at a farm close
to a little wood. Artillery, high explosive, pre-
pared the way, but there wasn't quite enough of
it — and the big guns were in strength. Four
battalions of Canadians — Queen's Own, Toronto —
and others ; but not many got back. It did seem
strange, that charge across the fields, dark and
cold, with a blowing rain ; all sorts of queer
frightening noises, too. The Germans soon spotted
us, but we were well spread out in skirmishing
order. We got through the entanglements pretty
well ; they hadn't had time to properly fix them.
Then a big blaze shot up, some sort of coloured fire
— to help them find us. I saw the farm against the
trees, saw our men running forward. We didn't
make too much fuss, just running clumsily along.
We had our packs, blankets, everything — you
couldn't get much of a move on. It seemed wonder-
ful I wasn't hit ; I remember thinking how very
wonderful it was. The bullets were singing all
over the field. . . . Presently a machine gun
rattled out — but our boys were through. Noise
enough then, regular pandemonium. Just as I
reached the wood — smash went my arm ! Like
56 STORIES
a dry stick breaking. . . . Dropped my rifle, and
down on my knees ! First I gave up — lost my
nerve. Thought I was dead. Laid in a ditch
by the side of the wood for a bit ; then tried to
crawl along. Had to get rid of my pack, and could
only use my left hand. The other felt numbed,
very queer — not exactly pain, or else pain too bad
to be felt. You understand that, sir ? And the
noise going on, groanings, and cries and whistling
reports. Lights flaring ; then wet darkness. I
crept along the ditch for about a mile. Full of
water and filth it was. I managed to find shelter
in a little outbuilding, and stayed there till
morning. Wondering about my wound — couldn't
tell whether it was really bad, or not. My wrist
and hand were all swelled like the dropsy. I
managed to get back into our lines, and heard
that our boys had spiked the guns as they couldn't
get them home. And the wood and the farm
were no man's land. Leastways, no living man
was there. . . . Scarcely a third of our fellows
left — but they had done their bit. The Germans
won't forget the Queen's Own, Toronto. . . .
I'm going along fine, thanks. Shattered wrist and
forearm ; it's all written on that little board top
of my bed. I'd like to have seen the end of the
fight. Bad luck, after being so close in at the
finish."
STORIES 57
Something about the gas fumes — from a 2nd
Seaforth : " I was in the rear trenches. Sniping
all day — some of those Germans can shoot ! Ye
can't put your cap on the end of your rifle and
hold it up, without they'll score a bull. Mac-
farlane was a King's man, though. He had shown
them some very pretty shooting that day from
the first trench. But Ave were tired, ye ken.
It was near ' relief,' and a steady wind blowing
from the south-east. Mac had taken a peep to
see whether we had long to wait. There's a fog
coming, he passes the word ; about the last he spoke.
There was something wrong, we soon knew — and
I made bold to climb up. There it was, green
thick smoke, rolling along low down over the
ground like a laddie bowls his hoop. About the
height of a man's breast, and clinging to the earth,
sinking into the trenches like water almost. I got
a whiff of it and fell back, my eyes streaming and
my throat all dry. It gets a grip of ye. The rear
trenches didn't feel the worst of it, and we were
able to do some fighting. They didn't have it all
their own way. Many of them died in our trenches,
thinking they would take them so easily. I got
a cut through the leg ; don't know how it was. It
looks ugly, but doesn't signify now any more than
at the time. The ambulance fetched me away,
but I didn't want to go, although I couldn't see.
58 STORIES
At the base they gave me sea-water to drink, and
made me sick. And saved my life. My lungs
feel it yet ; but if you could have seen the poor
fellows lying dead, as I did see them. They
do it this way, sir. The gas is in phials and
they put these phials along the top of the advanced
trench. When the word comes, they take out the
stoppers and make a dash for the trench behind
them. The gas rises up out the phials, and the
wind blows it. Turns your inside all to water and
froth ; kills all the grass and everything it touches.
Doctor here has given me some medicine that's
doing me good. But I had only a whiff, you must
understand. Macfarlane was the grand marksman ;
it's a pity and a shame he's gone in such a poor
fashion. He was with me all through the South
African Campaign, and always a bonny fighter,
to say the very least. A brave kindly man that
played fair all his life."
VII
A GARDEN HOSPITAL
Not very far from the coast of north-east Kent,
swept by its bracing air, yet sheltered by a ring of
great trees from the first chilliness of our English
winds, is that rest house for the sick which Kent
knows as the Garden Hospital. A field road
approaches it, but lamps are placed along the
curves of this pleasant way, which can be lit, or
extinguished, at will of the engineer in the power
house. After you leave the field road the " way "
winds under the belt of trees and brings you round
into one of the fairest gardens in all the Garden
County of England. In the early Spring, masses of
primroses and violets show through the decayed
fallen leaves of last Autumn, as you pass the tree
enclosure — the garden itself is a series of stretches of
velvet lawns banked by high beds of herbaceous
plants and shrubs, which already are more than
promising the wealth of Summer. Gay auriculas
mingle with the white and purple arabis bordering
the beds : near you is the rosery, the standards
and dwarfs pruned, but breaking through in a
manner which almost defies late frosts.
59
60 A GARDEN HOSPITAL
A long many-gabled typically English country-
house faces the garden. An oak-roofed hall leads
you by a gallery staircase to that part of the house
still occupied by the generous owners : to the left
of the spacious oak hall are the other halls, high-
roofed, — the two large enough to provide floor
space for forty beds. The owner is a big game
hunter, and these " museums " were filled with
the mighty framework of the great beasts he has
captured. Were filled — now all are removed, or
covered up — close-stored against the walls : neat
plain-framed iron bedsteads, furnished with whole-
some linen, and each covered with dainty bed-
spreads of pink and blue, line the halls. A few
huge palms throw across the passage ways of these
great halls their spreading umbrella leaves — the
roof is glassed in ; the place is beautifully warmed
with radiators, which can be regulated to a nicety. A
tiled floor, along which strips of matting are placed
in the bed aisles, makes for thorough cleanliness
combined with silence. Such are the Garden
Hospital wards ; removed from them yet easily
accessible, is a kitchen replete with every modern
contrivance and staffed by capable devoted women
who undertake willingly this part — perhaps the
most important part — of Kent's care for the
wounded. For this is one of the outstanding
features of its crusade, the commissariat department.
I 'hi >to by Stringer, I antei bui v.
Dr. CHARLES COTTON
Deputy Commissioner, Commanding No. VIII (South
Eastern) District, St. John Ambulance Brigade.
A GARDEN HOSPITAL 61
A liberal weekly menu is arranged, so that
variety may induce appetite. This rule applies all
over the county, and very instructive are the
housekeeping bills when they come before the
Committee — as they do once a month. As a whole,
the provisioning is most capably done — now and
again a quartermaster's personal leanings are
indicated. At least, so think the Committee !
At the Garden Hospital all is very methodical.
The staff are just as gently enthusiastic as when
they commenced work in October. Even in the
Autumn the garden was very pleasant between
showers — the paths being well made, hard, and
soon dry, while many of the trees are evergreen.
The dahlias were followed by border chrysanthe-
mums, then, in all the sheltered spots, pure
white Christmas roses opened their waxen petals.
In the conservatories " show ' ! chrysanthemums
lasted until the end of January : a few of these
were brought into the wards each morning and
removed at dusk. There is an " entertainment "
room, provided with a piano, all the newspapers,
the inevitable gramophone, and free tobacco and
writing materials.
The medical officer reports many wonderful
cures from the Garden Hospital, so that now it is
being used much more as a convalescent home —
that many may benefit rather than a few fortunate
62 A GARDEN HOSPITAL
ones, as were allocated there in the first rush. A
large annexe has been fitted up, near to these
literally scores of acres of land and gardens, and
cosy woods ; the staff has been increased, so that
the nurses and orderlies may occasionally have a
little " time off " for their own relaxation.
Apart from all their unostentatious kindness the
owners arrange much of the transport of wounded
for the district, marshalling a fleet of cars whenever
necessary. In this they are whole-heartedly
supported by their friends and neighbours. Every-
body in Kent is anxious to help, and more than
willing to help when asked — which is not always
the same thing !
It is not remarkable that few patients desire to
leave this hospital, even when entirely restored to
health and strength.
VIII
THE THEATRE
A few words here on a typical operating theatre.
Kent has supplied many of these, and all the
greater V.A.D. hospitals are thoroughly able to
carry a case right through to convalescence. Kent
has the best of trained advice — let that fact be
clearly and emphatically stated. Trained nurses,
either salaried or unsalaried, as their position and
they themselves demand ; and the best and most
modern surgeons that the country has produced.
These are at our disposal at all hours. One has
to state facts plainly, sometimes.
The theatre under review is truly but one of
many ; well equipped, beautifully hygienic, and
properly warmed. Conveniently adjoining the
ward — no long draughtv corridors to be traversed
whilst the patient is being brought in. Complete
X-ray apparatus, the latest in sterilisers, instru-
ments and methods of administering anaesthetics.
An overhead light by day, perfectly shaded light-
ing for night : everything orderly, systematic, and
63
64 THE THEATRE
as right as human tenderness and ingenuity can
devise.
Shrapnel and bullet extractions, trephining,
radical cures for hernia, resetting of fractures only
hastily attended to on the field, amputations when
necessary, are all performed without any hitch.
All dressings are aseptic in Kent hospitals, and
kept so — injections are made on the most recent
plan : the serum is received in small bottles with
a rubber elastic cap, which when pierced allows
the needle to draw up the fluid ; when the needle
is withdrawn the puncture automatically closes.
This is the Mulford syringe.
After the first month it was ordered that no
Belgian soldier should be sent to Folkestone for
return to service unless he had been twice in-
oculated against typhoid. In many hospitals this
was done by the medical officer of the detachment
with perfect success. The risk of tetanus also is
similarly guarded against — in fact our V.A.D.
hospitals are second to none in equipment or the
ability to deal with any contingency.
The following letter from Colonel D'Arcy Power
is a testimony valued highly by the detachments,
as, in the opinion of this well-known and eminent
surgeon, it seems we have succeeded in attaining
the point at which we have aimed — to have, at
least, deserved our success.
THE THEATRE 65
' 10a, Chandos Street,
"Cavendish Square, W.
" April 27th, 1915.
" Dear Dr. Yolland,
' I have, as you know, seen much of your
work in the Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments
round Bromley, and I have operated in your
improvised theatres. The work you have done
and are doing is excellent. The essentials of suc-
cess are with you ; cleanliness, a good water supply,
willing service on all hands, and a capable super-
vision by trained nurses. The operative results,
therefore, have been satisfactory, whilst the
general condition of patients with wounds has
been so good that they rapidly become con-
valescent. It is difficult to speak too highly of
the sacrifice of home and comfort which has been
made, not only uncomplainingly, but even with
enthusiasm, by those ladies who have placed their
houses unreservedly at the disposal of the patients
for months at a time.
" Yours ever,
" D'Arcy Power."
Sir Frederick Eve, Advisory Surgeon to the War
Office, has frequently inspected the Kent V.A.D.
hospitals, and has also expressed himself as
thoroughly well satisfied with them.
E
CHAPTER IX
A KITCHEN
We touched so lightly on the Commissariat
Department in a previous chapter that we feel
justified in devoting a page or so to this very
important feature of the work.
For this purpose we will take you on a flying
visit to one of the hospitals. Five o'clock in the
morning ! The distant horizon is just becoming
tinged with a brightness which indicates the ap-
proach of day, as we arrive at a large and con-
veniently situated building over which a flag
bearing the emblem of the Geneva Convention is
faintly seen.
Passing under the portico, the door is opened to
admit us into a spacious hall, a side-passage from
which brings us to that part of the building which
is customarily haunted by appetising odours.
The scene which strikes the eye on entering the
kitchen is one of neatness and precision, suggest-
ing that everything is comfortably to hand.
The nurses are just entering upon the prepara-
tion of breakfast for some fifty patients, and
66
An Operating Theatre.
Photo by < 'ooling, < )hislchurst.
'Those now in
Photo by fi
y on the Land ..."
inson, Rarnsgni
The Hospital Kitchen.
I Bcrkenl
A KITCHEN 67
their deftness of movement and generally brisk
appearance give no evidence of their eight hours'
vigil.
Here one is cutting up loaves of bread and
spreading the slices with rich-looking butter which
seems to tell of green fields gaily besprinkled with
clover heads. There crockery, shining in its spot-
lessness, is being arranged on numerous trays in
readiness to be circulated in the wards ; and rows
of teapots, milk- jugs, and sugar-basins are being
placed ready to contribute their contents for the
production of that time-honoured beverage which,
on account of its invigorating properties, is so
welcome in the early morning.
Some time having been pleasantly spent in
watching these operations, we now hear sounds
issuing from other parts of the hospital, which
show that the patients are stirring and preparing
to break their fast. This is the signal for numerous
eggs to be placed in a large pot of boiling water,
and for large pots of jam and marmalade to make
their appearance.
The minutes have passed quickly owing to the
interesting information which the nurses have im-
parted in reply to our many and varied enquiries.
Some shreds of the conversation are worthy of
repetition here.
Do the patients appreciate their meals ?
68 A KITCHEN
Oh, yes, they seem to thoroughly enjoy the food,
and they never make any complaints.
They certainly ought not. At what time do
they have dinner ?
One o'clock. But each man has either cocoa or
milk at half-past ten. Directly the breakfast
things are washed up and put away the day staff
come in and commence preparations for dinner.
What is the general menu for the midday meal ?
Those patients who are on ordinary diet have
meat, two vegetables, and as much pudding as
they desire.
What kind of puddings ?
Mostly plain ones made with plenty of eggs and
milk, and all the ingredients are of the very best
quality. You can quite understand that the
morning is fully occupied here in getting every-
thing ready — for there is also the special dietary
to be considered. Some of the patients have to be
very cautiously fed.
Is tea provided ?
Yes, at five o'clock. They have bread and butter,
with cake or jam, and sometimes both.
That is the last meal of the day ?
No. They have a light supper at half-past
seven. What do we give them ? Oh, various
things. Bread and cheese with cocoa, soup, or
fish-cakes.
A KITCHEN 69
We hurry away after being allowed to inspect
a nicely arranged and well-stocked larder. But
we carry with us very happy impressions of the
Commissariat Department of a V.A.D hospital.
From a dietary point of view at any rate these
men have an enviable time. Let us take just a
peep into the large ward before passing out. What
a happy family ! We leave them to their repast,
mentally congratulating the Commandant and her
Staff on the splendid management — and on the
fact that the expenditure here is kept within the
limits of the Government capitation grant of two
shillings per day.
CHAPTER X
ORGANISATION
The Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments have
been put to the test. They have justified the
high hopes always held of them by those who
have seen the labour of past years. They have
become very much more than their original
modest ambition, which was to be of use in
case of invasion. The Kent V.A.D. are, at the
moment of writing, practically a voluntary Royal
Army Medical Corps, fulfilling precisely the same
ends and purposes as that distinguished body.
These two are now almost one and indivisible ;
it is difficult to say where either begins or leaves
off. The R.A.M.C. is responsible for all removals ;
whilst, at the request of the Eastern Command,
the Kent V.A.D. remain under the Territorial
Force Association for administrative purposes,
under their County Director. The three great
Military Hospitals in Kent — the Royal Herbert
Hospital at Woolwich, Fort Pitt at Chatham, the
Military Hospital, Shorncliffe — are the three centres,
staffed and controlled by the R.A.M.C. To these
70
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ORGANISATION 71
the Kent V.A.D. Hospitals are attached in their
respective groupings, and to these three they pay
allegiance. Our hospitals have become auxiliaries
of these centres, taking overflow cases, or receiving
convoys direct as ordered. All maintenance claims
are rendered through the parent hospital, all
admissions are notified to it ; all British discharges
are made through it. The Belgian soldiers are dis-
charged either to Folkestone, for immediate service
abroad, or through the Legation in London if unfit
for service.
In the early days of mobilisation the Red Cross
hospitals, acting under instruction, sent away
many hundreds of convalescent Belgian soldiers to
homes all over Britain. The transport in this
matter was something to remember — by those who
had to carry it through. It seemed good to the
authorities that that part of the Belgian Army
which was temporarily hors de combat should be
distributed throughout the length and breadth of
the country. Collecting these strangers in a strange
land in small numbers from widely separated
hospitals in order to make them up into parties
worth sending to such homes as the Lady Forester
at Llandudno, the Soldiers' Home at Dunoon,
homes so far afield as Kenneth Mont, near Aber-
deen, and Shouldham Court at Yeovil, and a dozen
other places — was a task which one does not lightly
72 ORGANISATION
forget who had any part in it ! The trains to be
stopped at certain stations, the extra carriages to
be provided, the anxiety of keeping your party
intact all through the journey, with dozens of
interested but rather bothersome folk ever ready
to " stand treat " to the men the moment you
were looking the other way ! The transport across
London from South-Eastern termini to those of
the other great systems ; the feeding of the poor
fellows on sixteen-hour journeys. . . . These are
things to remember all your days, if you have
the duty of escorting and organising.
Discharges are now all British, and are made
through the portals of the three military hospitals,
emphasising the fact that the V.A.D. hospitals are
annexes, as already stated. They are under military
law, and conform to it willingly ; they are open to
surprise inspection by the military doctors ; they
cannot transfer a patient from any one hospital to
another without military permission. So closely
allied are the R.A.M.C. and the V.A.D. that
requests are now urgent for the latter to supply
the former with nurses, who, once they enter one
of the military hospitals, will cease to be voluntary
workers, and will receive their pay with the rest
of the military nurses.
What the V.A.D. have saved the country
cannot be properly estimated. Everything 1 is
ORGANISATION 73
voluntary. The War Office pays, on an average,
something under three shillings per capita per
night, for food allowance — that is the sole and only
charge on the National Exchequer.
That is practically " billeting " allowance ; and,
for the first four months, the grant was but
two shillings per man per night. This amount
includes everything : dressings, medical stores,
transport to and from the military base, the nurse,
the doctor, and the whole organisation. Of course
we have had our buildings rent free, rates and
taxes have been remitted, other splendid advan-
tages have been freely accorded by those able to
help.
The doctors give a great part of their valu-
able time willingly and gladly to the hospitals
to which they are attached ; ladies do orderly
work, any work, apart from their nursing, to help
along. Friends send in food and milk and a score
of things to assist the commissariat. Thus each
hospital manages to keep out of bankruptcy,
although, when we had the smaller grant, some of
our hospitals came perilously near to insolvency.
The Kent County War Fund put them on their
feet, and kept them there.
Each hospital knows what it can do, and each
quartermaster strives in friendly rivalry with her
neighbours in the county. When a hospital
74 ORGANISATION
planned to run forty beds finds itself averaging
about eighteen patients per day it is not easy to
keep within the limits. Heating, lighting and
general upkeep of the building is exactly the same
whether there are eighteen or forty patients. To
make the proposition a business one it is necessary
to keep our beds filled.
The larger allowance of three shillings meets
the case only if the beds are well occupied. Well
occupied they are, when our soldiers are being
cared for in them, and the Commandant's great
desire is to be kept busy ; a modest aspiration.
She likes to feel that she is doing her part. That
is her reward. That is the reward of all who are
honestly trying to be unselfish and rather better
folk than they were. There is no conceit about
this sentiment ; for often they who enjoy it are
almost unaware of the blessing which has come to
them.
It hurts a little, sometimes, that thoughtless
folk should say that our workers are well paid for
what they do. It is not true, and the fact must
be set down here plainly. From the Kent V.A.D.
County Director down to the Kent V.A.D. bearer
no one person other than a few of the trained nurses
receives pay for his or her service. The word
voluntary should be sufficient in itself.
A comprehensive plan has been adopted in Kent
ORGANISATION 75
in connection with Lord Robert Cecil's scheme for
tracing, or obtaining news of, the missing of all
ranks. A list is sent, periodically, to the Com-
mandant of each hospital containing full particu-
lars of the missing men. Any soldier of the same
regiment who happens to be in the hospital is
possibly able to supply information concerning the
soldier about whom enquiry is made — informa-
tion which, in many cases, has been of the utmost
importance to the anxious relatives. Reports are
made at once in such an event, and a visitor follows
up the matter by tactful and careful questioning.
These visitors have also the list for their district,
and are continually going round the hospitals
gleaning news which otherwise might never reach
those who are waiting here in suspense. Some-
times the news is good ; on other occasions dread
uncertainty is, at least, at an end. The visitor's
position is scarcely an enviable one, but the duty
is performed wisely and so kindly that the best
is made of a difficult task.
The Detachments owe a very great deal to
General Whitehead, Deputy Director Medical
Service, Eastern Command. He has helped the
V.A.D. in every possible way. His kindliness and
patience have made the road smooth. To him and
to Colonel Simpson at Woolwich, Colonel Haines
at Chatham, and Colonels Wilson and Noding at
76 ORGANISATION
Shorncliffe and their staff the Kent V.A.D. are
very deeply indebted. Much of the success of the
undertaking is attributable to the wise, healthy,
and ever-courteous treatment which the authorities
have accorded to Kent in her great enterprise of
tending the wounded and sick.
The central organisation of the British Red Cross
Society at 83 Pall Mall, S.W., has ever shown itself
ready to help and advise, upon application being
made to its officers, and sincere thanks are ex-
pressed to these gentlemen for their unfailing
courtesy. Each Red Cross detachment in Kent
was accorded £10, upon mobilisation, by the
central body, and most of the supplementary
contingents received £5.
Each St. John detachment was granted £5 by
their governing body.
These equipment grants were added to by the
Committee of the Kent County War Fund ; each
Red Cross contingent receiving £5, each St. John
detachment £5, and each Territorial Force detach-
ment £10.
Lt.-Col. Wood Martyn, the secretary of the latter
force, has shown the Kent V.A.D. the greatest
consideration from first to last. He has helped
the cause along in many ways, and has displayed
sympathy with its aims from the outset. His duties
have now devolved upon his successor, Colonel
'hoto b i i !
Lt.-Col. A. WOOD MAKTYN
Xth Service Battn. R. West Kent Regt.
ORGANISATION 77
Winch, who has already shown himself thoroughly
interested in the detachments.
It is with great satisfaction that we record the
service cheerfully rendered to the detachments by
the Boy Scouts all over the county.
It is right to say that the Kent detachments owe
their progressive success largely to the sympathetic
and very friendly treatment accorded them, and
their Executive, by all in this our effort on behalf
of " Christian Service and True Chivalry."
XI
STORES
The success of the Central War Fund for the hos-
pitals prompted the present plan on which Kent's
stores and supplies are also centralised. It will
be recollected that, at the beginning of the war,
each Commandant was furnished with a carefully
thought out list of articles likely to be wanted,
should a hospital have to be brought into being ;
and it will be readily understood that the canvass
of a neighbourhood frequently resulted in an
abundance of one set of articles, with the corre-
sponding shortage of another. Headquarters de-
cided to accept all promises, and collect accordingly
at the right moment — then to pool the super-
abundant articles at given centres. Each hospital
contributing to its central depot had the privilege
of applying to that depot for any other thing
which the particular hospital required.
These central depots were, in turn, attached to
the chief depot, and could apply there for all
articles not in stock. The chief depot had, and
has, especial means of procuring the wanted articles;
78
STORES 79
it is situated near headquarters, and it is only
necessary for us in Kent to ask in order to receive
almost anything we need. Such is the spirit which
animates our county.
In some parts of Kent a veritable epidemic of
blankets occurred ; in others the excess of gifts
was manifested by a delightful deluge of crockery
and cutlery. In yet another district came an
avalanche of medical stores ; a fourth centre was
overwhelmed with sheets and bedspreads. Each
Commandant took what she needed from her over-
plus, and forwarded the remainder to the centre,
with a request for those articles she lacked. The
chances were that these had already arrived from
another hospital ; if not, the request was passed
on to the chief depot, where a complete register
is compiled of all stores at all depots. If the
application could not be met at the chief depot,
those in charge knew precisely where to look for
help. The Kent County War Fund is always avail-
able, if other means cannot supply the desired
article forthwith.
As a general rule, it was found that the register
at the chief depot pointed the way. Blankets were
wanted at Cranbrook, which had too many sheets ?
Faversham had a stack of blankets, but few sheets
... a card from the chief depot adjusted the
matter, in the course of two posts.
80 STORES
The Stores Committee worked, and continues to
work, on sound business lines. Every centre takes
stock once a month and reports to the chief depot.
Literally thousands of articles have been re-
distributed in the manner shown, and every kind-
hearted and generous friend of the detachments
has the satisfaction of knowing that his or her
gift has not only been received, but has been, or
will be, used.
Nothing is wasted, so nothing is refused. All
find a place of service somewhere, and, as even
the best thing has the knack of wearing out, or
being broken, the demand for upkeep is constant.
Very acceptable presents have latterly come to
the depots. Several cases of new-laid eggs from
the Egg-collecting Committee in London : from
overseas, bags of flour, cases of sugar, hundreds
of tins of jam and treacle. Sides of frozen lamb ;
dozens of frozen rabbits — splendidly welcome
presents these, bringing joy to the breast of many
a kitchen matron, keen to keep her bills within
bounds. We are indeed grateful to the Australian
Government who, through Mr. Fowne, of the London
Chamber of Commerce, is sending these splendid
presents to the sick and wounded. They have
more than helped us along in Kent ; for each
gift has been sent so very modestly, and with such
heartening messages of sympathy and goodwill.
STORES 81
Here is a list of Kent's storehouses, with the
names of those who have administered them so
ably and unselfishly : Main depot, Bromley,
Mr. T. Pawley and Miss Pawley. Central depots :
Ashford, Miss Knock ; Canterbury, Mrs. Mason ;
Chatham and Strood, Dr. Skinner ; Chevening,
Miss Hall-Hall ; Chislehurst, Miss Paterson ; Cran-
brook, Mrs. Tomlin ; Dartford, Miss Dixon ; Deal
and Walmer, Miss C. Reid ; Faversham, Mrs.
Alexander ; Gravesend, Mrs. Bruce-Culver ; Maid-
stone, Miss Hills ; Margate, Mr. Leon Adutt ;
Sevenoaks, Mrs. Walter Hay ; Sheerness, Mr.
H. Rayner Catt ; Tonbridge, Miss Taylor ; Tun-
bridge Wells, Miss Violet Moore. These ladies and
gentlemen have had no easy task ; there are no
sinecures in the Kent V.A.D. — nor room for them.
All has to be kept going ; patients are passing in
and out the hospitals all the while. It is for them
that everyone labours ; that those who have served
may now find such rest and peace as we, in our
sincere endeavour, can provide.
XII
COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS
It is sometimes well to compare, in quite friendly
rivalry, your own methods with those of others
working for the same ends. By this means one
has the opportunity of learning, even more than of
teaching — which is the spirit which should animate
folk who want to be really of use in this world.
The management of our smaller voluntary hos-
pitals will be considered here in conjunction with
those of our larger Rest Houses. Owing to the
generosity of those who provide the former the
housekeeping of both costs much about the same
per man : in the ordinary course the larger hospital
has manifestly a big pull over the lesser.
But management can effect wonders, especially
if there be a little assistance from the owner and
friends of the small hospital. This has been always
unostentatiously forthcoming, and one of the fine
features of Kent's care for the wounded has been
the unceasing and self-denying kindness of those
who are not among the most blessed with this
82
COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS 83
world's goods. Few of us are able to offer a hos-
pital complete, but many have been ready to give
up part of the home, and have made the sacrifice
with quite surprisingly successful results.
A typical small hospital has been given us by
the surrender of the top floor of a square-built
house, where four straightforward rooms open on
to a decent landing : these rooms have been
emptied of superfluous furniture ; the floors have
been covered with plain linoleum ; three iron-
framed, spring-mattressed beds have been placed
in each ward — which just allows the regulation
900 cubic feet of air space to be enjoyed by each
patient. A double washstand, a table, three chairs,
a chest of drawers completes each ward. Upon
the landing is a table upon which the dressings,
etc., are kept under a cloth ; a second table forms
a serving-place and resting-place for the orderlies
when bringing the meals to the wards from the
kitchen below. There is a fair-sized garden for
fine weather, and a capital morning-room on the
lmlf-landing, just below the wards, for rainy days.
Only light cases are taken, so that the patients are
n< in II y well able to manage the few stairs from
the wards to the morning-room, and vice versa.
Twelve eases can be provided for — and, the house
being on high ground, the cures have been really
remarkable ; all the more so from the fact that,
84 COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS
in the earlier days, more serious cases had to be
entertained.
The housekeeping is very well arranged ; the
Quartermaster buys in reasonable quantities, and
does not order five tons of coal at the time when
the coal merchants are squeezing unfortunate
consumers rather more than usual ! Nor does she
go to the other extreme, and buy coals by
the hundredweight. There is an " in-between "
method upon which our little hospital works ; a
common-sense method. Fuel is dear ; therefore
they buy moderately, in the hope of a fall in price.
Also they state the position to the local trades-
folk, and find that one and all put them on most
favoured nations terms. Neighbours want to help ;
they do not need to be asked or given encourage-
ment. So much can be done with tact and a
sincere " thank you very much ' manner. The
hospital under notice has been generously endowed
by the owners, but it is the housekeeping with
which we are concerned. It is admirably done,
and is but an example of many others. The
patients are well-fed, well-nursed, cared for under-
standing^ without too much discipline, but just
enough.
There is always sufficient food for the morrow ;
a little over in case of emergency, but nothing that
can be wasted. They do not " run out " of any-
COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS 85
thing in this little hospital, yet never have large
stores, with the consequent temptation to be too
lavish.
It is something of an anxiety to run this hospital,
the cheerful Quartermaster admits. She has to
be always thinking about food. But she does so
" with a good grace."
The larger hospitals have their cares also, for
they must have always plenty of everything.
One hospital on the riverside has 100 beds, and
has averaged 60 patients per night since October,
1914. Something of romance about this place ;
a great deal of that sheer pluck which has always
a glamour for those of us who exercise imagination.
One needs to be imaginative to become truly
creative, and to be able to steadily pursue ideals.
Then, sometimes it happens that ideals are nearly
encompassed.
The vision we have, as we write, is of a great
grey building alongshore ; shabby before it was
new, an effort of olden happy days wasting ;
neglect and the accompaniments of neglect ap-
parent everywhere. That was the framework
upon which some devoted women brought their
splendid energies to bear.
It seemed a rather hopeless adventure. Our
plucky ones saw the possibilities, and set out to
interest friends and make them see possibilities.
86 COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS
Had estimates from decorators ; considered these
prudently, went carefully through figures and
measurements and suggestions and — got to work.
It's splendid of you all, said onlookers ; it's tip-
top practice — it's finishing your Red Cross educa-
tion. You'll be quite all right for field work when
you're wanted — after practice of this sort ! Scrub-
bing floors and cleaning down, are you ? Having
the windows mended, the place once more made
habitable, electric light installed, hot and cold
water put on ? . . . No doubt the military will be
glad to use the place for a headquarters ; for, of
course, you will not have any hospital duty there,
you know. You cannot expect it. . . . The mili-
tary hospitals are too fully prepared for all contin-
gencies
November 15th, 1914, proved that these amiable
optimists were prophesying vainly. The great
grey building had been only just transformed into
one of the finest " unofficial " hospitals in Kent
when the summons came. That day the whole
capacity of the hospital was taxed to help stem
the flood of wounded men returning to England.
Everything in the hospital had been systema-
tised. The wards had been allocated in blocks,
each block with its complete staff. On the huge
ground floor were the surgical wards ; on the first
and second floors were other surgical and the
COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS 87
medical wards. The housekeeping department
had been thought out by the kitchen matron to
the last detail. Hot soup was ready for the men
as fast as they were brought in — food was prepared
for those who needed it, according to the diet
deemed necessary by the medical officer. Order-
lies were soon bathing the men ; other orderlies
were sorting out the discarded rags of clothes,
keeping the best of these and labelling them for
the sanitary authorities, who collected the parcels,
for disinfecting, almost as quickly as they were
made up. Not too nice a job this ; the unfor-
tunate soldiers had come straight from the
trenches, bringing with them parasites who were
both numerous and very tenacious of life. It is
not a pleasant thing to remember ; but it happens
each time a convoy of wounded is brought in, and
the destruction of these vile pests is a part of the
organisation which has to be perfect.
After bathing, and purifying as far as was
possible — for some of the cases were very serious
— the men were put to bed, their wounds dressed
more thoroughly. Sleep was the great restorer
to the bulk of these poor travellers, and morning
saw a great change for the better in most of
them. But the whole staff of the hospital had
worked right through the night; making up the
War Office returns in the bureau, preparing the
88 COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS
breakfasts, ticketing each man's personal belong-
ings and bestowing them safely — underclothes had
been washed, boots had been cleaned and put in
lockers with such part of the accoutrements as could
be wisely retained. The medicines were prepared
by qualified dispensers, whose services remain at
command at all hours : extractions of bullets and
shrapnel in the very bad cases had been performed
within the four walls of the hospital. The
theatre is fully equipped — for when friends saw
that all this was not the dream of a few en-
thusiasts, but positively and actually a hospital
able to treat wounded men to the expressed satis-
faction of the military authorities, more money
and help came along. Nothing succeeds like suc-
cess — an old proverb exemplified once again.
The installation of this hospital was effected
without any charge on the Funds, thanks to an
infinity of intelligent devising and improvising
certainly not surpassed by any other national
effort. The running of the hospital cost the country
2s. per day per man for the first few months ; then
application had to be made for the larger grant of
3s. in order that nothing might be wanting. Sixty
soldiers have been each day lovingly cared for and
healed — for love heals perhaps more quickly than
medicine. Nearly four hundred patients have
passed through this great V.A.D. hospital in
COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS 89
the six months which have elapsed since it was
opened.
Another hospital, this time by the sea, is situated
beautifully for our purpose. Here we have all
the same elements for success in tending and
healing the wounded. A well-arranged house on
three floors, with a fine entrance hall, is planned
out methodically into wards for officers, rank and
file — medical and surgical, as the case may be. A
splendid operating theatre is fitted with every
appliance for the ultimate ease of suffering
humanity : the best of medical care and skilled
nursing is always ready ; plenty of windows,
bringing air and sunlight and hope into tortured
breasts, plenty of the best food, and plenty of
kind bright faces and clever hands to comfort sad
hearts and soothe away pain. The kitchens of
both these hospitals are superb. No great hotel
has better outfit or management. All is scrupu-
lously clean ; the shelves and dressers are opu-
lently provided with the impedimenta of cooking.
Larders full. Steam heating throughout the
building : hot and cold water at all hours, baths
on each floor, a cheering all-day view of the
Thames, or the Channel with occasional peeps
of " somewhere " in France. A stirring breeze
when casements are wide, but a friendly, healthy
breeze, for all that. " Night air is NOT poisonous "
90 COMPARISONS NOT ALWAYS ODIOUS
— one of the mottoes on the walls of the wards.
A very hard-working staff at both these hospitals.
The Commandant at one of them commences her
long day's duty by cleaning out her own small
office, believing in the principle of never asking
anyone to do that which you won't do yourself.
And the same "fine rapture" pervades the whole
company, and is ever sustained at high- water mark.
Close upon 10,000 patients have been now
admitted to Kent's Voluntary Hospitals, and the
care of the wounded has been ever the first thought ;
all have sought to keep that idea steadily in view ;
have tried to make it All and Everything that
Matters. Sometimes one has to pull oneself up ;
selfish thoughts try to push out of the way the
Right Thought :
We are trying to help our country and those who
have fought for it and us.
T3
ho
C
'2
>
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
TERRITORIAL FORGE
ASSOCIATION
KENT VOLUNTARY AID DETACHMENTS
County Director :
The Right Honourable The Earl of Darn ley,
Cobham Hall, Cobham, Kent.
Chief of Staff :
Dr. J. Horatio Yolland,
53, Bromley Common.
Assistant County Directors :
Division 1. Dr. Sterry, Riverhead, Sevenoaks.
Dr. Allan, " Aldborough," Chislehurst.
2. Dr. G. A. Skinner, 42, North Street,
Strood.
„ 3. Surg. -Colonel T. Joyce, Shepherd's
House, Cranbrook.
Dr. Travers, Maidstone.
Dr. Watson, Tunbridge Wells.
,, 4. Dr. Prideaux Selby, Tcynham, Sitting-
bourne.
„ 5. Captain Gibbs, Keppel, The Croft, Hast-
ings.
93
94 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Division 6. Dr. Dodd, Manor Road, Folkestone.
,, 7. Surgeon-General F. H. Benson, Greton
House, Walmer.
(Rest of District).
Dr. Frank Brightman,
Aspley House, Broadstairs (Thanet).
Private Secretary to Chief of Staff :
G. Stanley Pond,
"Derwent," Crown Lane, Bromley.
Transport Officer :
Paul Creswick,
The Haven, Scott's Avenue,
Shortlands.
County Architect and Surveyor :
Granville Streatfield, Westerham.
County Secretary :
W. R. Bruce-Culver, Hope House,
Gravesend.
Divisional Secretaries :
Alfred Pope, 77, Crown Lane, Bromley.
Mrs. Bruce-Culver, Hope House, Gravesend.
Walter Neve, Castle House, Sissinghurst, Cran-
brook.
Dr. J. P. Henderson, The Hollies, Green Street,
near Sittingbourne.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 95
Honorary Commandants :
Kent 18. Dr. Crawford.
Kent 22. Miss Sandford.
Kent 28. Lady Rothermere.
Kent 29. David T. Milne.
Kent 29. W. E. Enderby.
Kent 33. H. G. Hoskier.
Kent 50. G. Stanley Pond.
Kent 52. Alfred Pope.
Kent 54. P. H. Ashton.
Kent 56. Hon. Mrs. Nicholson.
Kent 76. de Barri Crawshay.
Kent 78. R. H. Yolland.
Kent 96. Mrs. Josephine Fisher.
Kent 116. F. J. Pile.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
(Odd numbers are the men's, the even represent the
women's detachments)
Kent 1, Dover. The detachment has seventeen
members serving with the R.A.M.C. The other
members have not yet had many opportunities 'of
rendering assistance, but are standing ready for
any emergency.
Commandant- — G. Plater.
Quartermaster — S. Tupper.
Pharmacist — G. Foster.
Members. — D. Bean ; S. Blackman ; W. Blackman ; E. P.
Boddy ; C. Buzan ; A. Claw ; J. Colthup ; J. Cullen
L. Dadds ; E. Dawkins ; E. Fagg ; J. Foord ; Frank Fox
Fredk. Fox ; G. Fox ; P. Goodiff ; G. Gore ; I. Harman ; L
Hobday ; F. Holmes ; F. Hopkins ; C. Humphrey ; C. Johnson
W. King ; W. A. Knott ; G. Marsh ; J. Marsh ; W. Mayne
H. Mills ; P. Nibblett ; A. Nye ; A. Pearson ; C. Petts
I. Petts ; J. Petts ; E. Phillpots ; H. Pluck ; A. Potter
F. Seath; B. Solly; H. Spain; E. Stokes; T. Walton
I. Wilkinson ; P. Wright ; P. Young ; S. Young.
Kent 2, Ramsgate, was formed from the Rams-
gate Nursing Division of the St. John Ambulance
Brigade and registered in 1910, being the first
women's detachment in the county.
On the outbreak of war an appeal for funds was
9 b
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 97
circulated, and preparations made for opening a
hospital.
Early in October, 1914, the Wounded Allies
Relief Committee arranged for the reception of
wounded Belgians, and took over the " Royal
Sailors' Rest," which had been placed at the dis-
posal of the Government by the British and Foreign
Sailors' Society to be used as a hospital with
accommodation for seventy-two beds. The
hospital was quickly prepared, the greater part of
the extra equipment being lent or given by the
townspeople.
On October 10th the first Belgian wounded to
arrive in England were received, followed by men
from the Expeditionary Force.
324 patients have passed through the wards.
The Hon. Surgeons — Dr. R. J. Archibald, Dr.
Grace H. Giffen-Dundas, Dr. E. Fisk, Dr. G. E.
Halstead, Dr. R. G. Hicks, Dr. T. G. Styan — have
willingly given their services.
Commandant — Mrs. A. Grummant.
Medical Officer — Dr. A. L. Johnston.
Ladij Superintendent — Miss E. M. Smith.
Quartermaster — Mrs. F. W. Hinds.
Memhrrs. — Margery Aycrst ; Ada Mary Ayrcs ; Minnie Bartlett ;
Elnith Bovan ; Bothia Blower ; Mary Boyland ; Emily
Burley ; Emma E. Caswell ; Mary F. Chapman ; Mary E.
Church-Braaier ; Winifred G. Church- 1 > i-:is ier ; Margaret
Culver; Bessie Deveson ; Elizabeth Divall ; Mary Ann
Dunbar ; Alison Mary Eastgato ; Sophia Foster; Nellie
; Annie Marker ; Frances M. Ilogwood ; Edith
98 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Maria Hollingworth ; Edith E. J. Hulgrave ; Ellen Kate
Ingram ; Mary Helena Jarman ; Florence Jeffery ; Gertrude
Leigh-Lye ; Fanny Jane Long ; Ada Harriet Martins ;
Lottie Wootten Maseall ; Gertrude McMillan ; Ada Maria
Medland ; Delcie Peall ; Ethel Priestley ; Nellie Philpott ;
Editha K. Potts ; Christina Mary Romboy ; Nellie Rose ;
Emily Matilda Rowe ; Margaret Sale ; Cares Sharpe ; Jane
Studham ; Mima Charlotte Sutton ; Clara Vickers ; Rachel
Weigall ; Ethel L. Whittingham ; Mary E. Williams ;
Kathleen S. Wolfe ; Violet Isobel Wotton.
Kent 3, Sittingbourne, was formed in 1908
from the local St. John Ambulance Brigade.
Since the arrival of wounded soldiers the men of
the detachment have been engaged first at Trinity
Hall Hospital, Sittingbourne, acting as sentries,
orderlies, and transport bearers, and afterwards at
the new hospital at " Glovers," where they have
carried on excellent work at all hours of the day
and night.
Of the original members sixteen have enlisted,
their places being taken by certificated men.
Commandant and Medical Officer — Dr. W. H. S. Noble.
Quartermaster — L. R. Dence.
Kent 4, Willesboro', has worked hard for
years past, and is standing ready to act when
called upon.
Commandant — Mrs. Potts.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Vallins.
Members. — Lily Banks ; Winifred Brett ; Alice Cotterell ;
Charlotte Crust ; Susan Fermor ; Elizabeth Flint ; Mary
Greenstreet ; Jane Hall ; Emma Hamblin ; Matilda
Samson.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 99
Kent 5, Westgate-on-Sea, was mobilised on
October 14th, 1914, the members of the detach-
ment being resident in the Isle of Thanet. The
men have since that date been engaged in transport,
orderly, and nursing duties at Westgate, and have
collected large quantities of hospital equipment
and sent many of their number to join the
R.A.M.C.
The detachment owns a motor ambulance,
fitted up and driven by the members.
Commandant and Medical Officer —
Dr. A. F. Street.
Quartermaster — Sergt.-Major Cornelious.
Members.— W. Bickerton ; J. E. Brett ; G. S. Britton ; H.
Button ; W. Cox ; C. H. Dixon ; J. Docking ; P. Dyke ;
C. Enderby ; G. Enderby ; W. Enderby ; H. Faver ;
S. Faver ; J. E. Fright ; J. A. Gammon ; S. W. Gammon ;
T. Gransbury ; A. T. Jarvis ; D. Kinmont ; J. Kinmont ;
W. G. Knight ; J. Millard ; J. H. Pointer ; T. W. Randall ;
H. Stewart ; E. Thurley ; A. J. Venis ; I. Venis ; A. Q.
Verlander.
Kent 6, Seal, was raised in 1909 by the Honble.
Violet Mills.
After war was declared a hospital was equipped
at The Wildernesse garage, lent by Lord Hillingdon,
with accommodation lor twenty-lour patients in
two wards, and a fully equipped operating theatre,
with X-ray apparatus. A converted motor
ambulance carries lour stretchers. The greater
100 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
part of the hospital equipment has been provided
by the Dowager Lady Hillingdon, the rest by
friends in the neighbourhood.
There are also nine beds in a supplementary
ward at The Wildernesse.
Commandant — John Poland, F.R.C.S.
Medical Officer— R. T. Dick, M.D.
Lady Superintendent — Sister M. Howes.
Quartermaster — Miss Olive L. Blackall.
Members. — Rose Ansell ; Anne Burroughes ; Pamela Bur-
roughes ; Winifred Davys ; Jane Dennis ; Verena Hay ;
Dorothy Higgs ; Susan Hill ; Lucy Home ; Doris Matthews ;
Violet Mills ; Dolly Monckton ; Bertha Moss ; Lois Nor-
burn ; Millicent Paris ; Clara Pratt ; Annie Roberts ; Alice
Smithers ; Renny Taylour ; William Toogood ; Elizabeth
West ; Emily West.
Trained Nurses. — Sisters Bridges and Phipps.
Kent 6 (attached), Kemsing. St. Edith's Hall
in the village of Kemsing has been in use as a
hospital since mobilisation. Those interested in
Red Cross work in the neighbourhood have gener-
ously supplied gifts both in money and kind.
The members of the detachment are working
under the direction of two trained nurses.
Commandant — Miss Wilkinson.
Medical Officer — Dr. Carnarvon Brown.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Wilkinson.
Quartermaster — Miss Waring.
Members. — Eleanor Covell ; Alice Dibblin ; Mary Fife ; G.
Nancy Godwin ; Winifred M. Goldsworthy ; Maud Hodges ;
Nellie M. Hooker ; Dorothy Riches.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 101
Kent 7, Faversham and Doddington. The
members of this detachment have been doing
useful work at the Faversham V.A.D. Hospital,
acting as orderlies and sentries and undertaking
the transport.
The Commandant has also the duty of Divisional
Secretary.
Commandant — Dr. J. P. Henderson.
Medical Officer — Dr. Harper.
Quartermaster — Mr. Potts.
Kent 8, Folkestone, was started in 1910, but,
owing to this detachment not being at full strength
at the outbreak of the war, the members joined
Kent 30, Sandgate, and have been working con-
tinuously at the Bevan Home, performing excellent
service at all hours.
Commandant — Miss Sophia M. Hope.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Easter Phillips.
Members. — Florence Carr ; Ann T. Clark ; Lily Edward3 ;
Gladys Joffery ; Irene Jeffery ; De Lasaux ; Margaret War-
burton.
Kent 9, Folkestone. On October 13th, 1914,
the War Office asked the detachment to assist in
unloading the wounded at Folkestone Pier, the
ambulance men also going in charge of trains to
many parts of the country.
The men rendered great assistance to the
102 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
wounded Belgian refugees landed from the
" Amiral Ganteaume," and assisted in removing
them to the hospitals.
The detachment has continually assisted the
R.A.M.C. in conveying the wounded from Shorn-
cliffe Station to all hospitals in the district, also
assisting at the Manor House Hospital.
Commandant- — F. A. Adams.
Medical Officer — Dr. C. Wood.
Quartermaster — J. G. Strood.
Members. — J. S. Allen ; H. T. Baker ; H. Biggs ; W. Burden ;
G. Burtonshaw ; H. Coppens ; W. B. Couchman ; G. Ellin ;
B. Epps ; H. J. Epps ; H. Evans ; A. Gardiner ; A. Gregg ;
T. W. Hobbs ; O. J. Horton ; C. Huntley ; W. Huntley ; V.
Jensen ; J. Kimber ; E. G. Kinnett ; E. N. Marsh ; S.
Marsh ; H. S. Maxted ; J. McQuire ; E. Menpes ; F. B.
Overton ; A. J. Page ; C. Peters ; C. Port ; G. Port ;
J. Port ; J. Puchinger ; J. W. Rumsey ; R. Sargeant ;
J. Sharman ; E. J. Smith ; H. E. Smith ; V. Thompson ;
W. Thompson ; F. Towse ; R. W. Whyborn ; C. Yeates.
Kent 10, Cranbrook, was organised in 1910
by Lady Gathorne-Hardy, the detachment being
placed under Mrs. C. Duncan Murton, who was the
first lady Commandant appointed in the county.
On the outbreak of war the Vestry Hall was offered
by the Cranbrook Parish Council and fitted up as
a hospital, where demonstrations in hospital work
and routine were given by trained nurses. On
' October 17th, 1914, the first wounded (Belgian
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 103
soldiers) were installed. A few days after a
further convoy was received, and the Drill Hall,
lent by the Territorial Force Association, was at
once put into commission. Contributions have
been generously forthcoming. The Cranbrook
troop of Boy Scouts have rendered great assist-
ance.
Surgeon-Colonel T. Joyce, of Cranbrook, is
Joint County Director for No. 3 Division of Kent,
and to his tireless ability this division owes much
of its success.
Commandant — Mrs. Duncan Murton.
Medical Officer — Dr. Arthur Shaw.
Lady Superintendent — Sister D. Pollex- Adams.
Quartermaster — Miss Tye.
Members. — Evelyn Bengough ; Gwenda Bengcmgh ; Ethel
Boileau ; C. A. Bourne ; Nancy Bourne ; Mabel Bradbury
Edith Daynes ; Phyllis Flicker ; Ruth Naomi Fulbrook
Elsie Goldsmith ; Jessie Grover ; Annie Horn ; A. W
Hudson ; Vera Kinnear ; Bertha Moore ; Helen Mordaunt
Mildred Mordaunt ; Alice L. Piper ; Clarico Rumney
Rosina J. Russell ; Lucy I. Seaford ; Ellen Spratt ; Amelia
K. R. Stickells ; May Taylor; Charlotto Tye; Esther
"Wiekham ; Katharine E. Woodin.
Kent 11, Asiiford, has been working admirably
in connection with Kent 48 in opening and running
the Ashford Hospitals. Although hard at work
all day to gain their livelihood, the members
104 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
have carried on the night orderly duties at the
hospitals.
Commandant — Rev. F. T. Gregg.
Medical Officer — Dr. C. M. Vernon.
Quartermaster — E. E. Wood.
Pharmacist — F. W. Stedman.
Members. — A. Argrave ; H. Arthur ; G. E. Back ; R. H.
Baldock ; A. D. D. Banks ; R. Barman ; A. Barnes ; A.
Butcher ; A. J. Butcher ; F. Butcher ; A. J. Capeling ;
G. Capeling ; W. J. Capeling ; C. Castle ; L. Castle ; M.
Darton ; P. E. Dines ; F. Ditton ; W. Freed ; W. Fullager ;
W. W. Fuller ; E. Gamble ; V. J. Gilbert ; A. J. Gower ; G. W.
Green ; R. Hall ; J. Hanson ; F. W. Harris ; W. C. Harris ; C.
Hart ; T. Herd ; A. A. Hills ; S. Hopper ; R. Hyland ;
W. Jackson ; W. Knott ; T. Lancefield ; E. Luckhurst ;
H. D. Marshall ; A. Martin ; F. A. Millen ; C. Nicholls ;
C. H. W. Norman ; H. Oliver ; S. Oliver ; P. Orpin ; A. W.
Paine ; H. Paine ; W. T. Paine ; A. Potter ; A. Priddle ;
W. Reeves ; E. E. Ridley ; W. Scott ; H. Sidney ; J.
Silverwood ; B. Smith ; H. C. Stent ; A. Tanton ; C. E.
Tomlin ; G. T. Trowell ; J. West ; W. G. Wheeler ; A. A.
Wood ; F. J. Wood ; E. J. Woolley ; H. Woolley ; E. E.
Young.
Kent 12, Maidstone, was raised by Mrs. Wood
Martyn and registered in 1910. By arrangement
with the Committee of the West Kent General
Hospital a short course in the wards of this hospital
has been a part of the annual training of the
members.
The detachment was mobilised on October 14th,
1914, and the Howard de Walden Institute with
accommodation for thirty beds was completely
prepared to receive patients in less than two hours.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 105
The support received has been of great value,
contributions having been most generously forth-
coming. Four trained nurses have given their
services without any remuneration. The Com-
mandant is Joint Assistant County Director for
the 3rd Division of the county, and undertakes the
distribution of the wounded when station convoys
arrive.
Commandant and Medical Officer — Dr. F. T. Travers.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Burfield.
Quartermaster — Miss Mercer.
Members. — Ruth E. Bensted ; Florence Betts ; Gladys Boor-
man ; Dorothy Cadman ; Hilda Cadman ; Joan Campbell-
Bannerman ; Gladys Clifford ; Dorothy Comwallis ; Louie
M. Cowley ; Lady Nina Hughes D'Aeth ; Sylph Davey ;
Ella Foord ; Kathleen Hills ; Nora Hoar ; K. May Hughes ;
Margaret Ley ; Magdalen Littlewood ; Winifred Mercer ;
Grace Nickalls ; Maud Nickalls ; Mary Scott ; Peggy Scott ;
Flora Walter ; Dorothy Whitehead ; Katherine Wintour ;
Agnes Warner.
Kent 13, Cranbrook, has charge of the trans-
port for this section of the county and is doing
useful practical work. The Ashford section has
helped with orderly duty in conjunction with
Kent 11.
Commandant — Captain Torkington.
Medical O/liccr — Db. C. Brett.
Quartermaster — W. Lewis.
Pliarmaeisl — A. Hudson.
Section Leaders. — E. Fever ; H. Parker.
Members.— F. Beokin ; F. Burchott ; E. Burnham ; G. Coleman ;
F. Craddock; W. Craddock; A. Darton ; D. Fox; i- .
106 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Fryer ; G. Fuggle ; H. S. Gaudy ; E. Gibson ; F. Goldsmith ;
G. Goodman ; E. Greenstreet ; G. Henneker ; E. Hewison ;
R. Home ; G. Jenner ; W. S. Jordan; E. W. King; A.
Marshall; H. Muchell ; S. Nash; W. N. Neve ; E. Penfold ;
H. A. Rosson ; E. Rumens ; J. Sharp ; F. E. Stanley ; R.
Swinard; E. R. Tasman ; W. H. Trimlett; A. Tye ; J.
Waters ; F. Worsley.
Members who have enlisted. — H. Alexander ; H. Baker ; S.
Beeken ; G. Gasden ; T. Luck ; G. Palmer ; C. Parks ;
F. Philpott ; R. Sanders.
Kent 13 {attached), Tonbeidge Town " Bearers
Squad," was registered as a men's detachment in
the autumn of 1914. The men have since that
time been engaged in transport and orderly duties
at the Tonbridge V.A.D. Hospital. Local medical
men have freely given their services in the training
of the members.
Commandant — Cecil Crofts.
Medical Officer — Dr. J. Manning Watts.
Quartermaster — Mr. B. Gabriel.
Members. — A. W. Ablethorpe ; F. H. Abley ; E. Bishop ; H.
Burson ; W. A. Carling ; A. W. Coburn ; A. E. Cornell ;
J. S. Cottle; C. H. Crofts; W. J. Duval; R. East; G.
Faircloth ; A. E. Featherstone ; T. Fulcher ; A. Gutsell ;
P. Hamblin ; C. Harvey ; L. Hazell ; C. Homer ;
J. E. Langdon-Davies ; J. Long ; T. C. Love ; W.
Mackay ; F. Mockford ; E. Morley ; W. Neal ; W. G. Neve ;
F. Packman ; C. H. Page ; J. Payne ; R. H. Pottinger ;
B. W. Reecks ; A. Ross ; F. Small ; J. Spillett ; E. A.
Stevens ; W. K. Storr ; T. Treen ; B. E. Tye ; A. S. Wag-
horn ; T. W. Young.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 107
Kent 14, Maidstone, was enrolled in 1910.
Soon after the outbreak of war Hayle Place,
lent by Lord Romney, with accommodation for
seventy patients, was fully equipped.
On October 14th, 1914, fifty-three wounded
Belgians arrived ; and, in all, 400 patients, of
whom 100 were Belgians, have been treated.
The expenses of the hospital are certified by a
Finance Committee with Mr. George Marsham as
chairman. The hospital is most fortunate in having
many willing workers outside the detachment.
Mr. J. Pickard has organised a band of men who
act as transport bearers and orderlies, and Mr.
Bernard Haynes has charge of the arduous work
of arranging transport. Dr. Jones helps the
Medical Officer and the Rev. E. Hardcastle is
Chaplain. Mrs. Lilley is in charge of the kitchen ;
Mrs. Falwasser and Mrs. Whitton are the sisters in
charge of the wards.
Commandant — Mrs. Wilson-Smith.
Medical Officer — Dr. Ground.
Lady Superintendent — Miss A. Saunders.
Quartermaster — Miss K. Weeks.
Members. — Mabel Balston ; Margaret Bridge ; Aline Cholmeley ;
Mabel Comwallis ; Yvonno Comwallis ; Maud Harrison ;
Phyllis Hartridge ; Minnie Killick ; Cecily Kennard ;
Henrietta Keays- Young ; Julia Keays-Young; Jessie
Marsham ; Constance Marsham ; Mollie Marsham ; Amy
Pop-; Annie Itoberts; Mary E. Rcatchlons ; Mary Reatch-
lons ; /<.(■ Roe; Eleanor Ruck; Honble. Ruth Scarlett;
Laum de Visme Thomas ; Ella do Visme Thomas ; Dorothy
108 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Thomas ; Edith Tronsdell ; Evelyn Tronsdell ; Louisa Warde ;
Dorothy Warde ; Gladys Warde ; Laura Wigan ; Harriet
Wigan ; Grace Young.
Kent 15, Bromley. This detachment was
formed as a St. John Ambulance Company prior
to the organisation of the county V.A.D., and trans-
ferred to the county organisation on its inception.
On the declaration of war thirty of its members
joined the regular forces. Railway employees of
the detachment have been debarred from active
participation by reason of diminished staff, the
balance of the detachment, Chislehurst in par-
ticular, is serving with V.A.D. Hospitals.
Commandant — T. Healey.
Quartermaster — W. E. Clifford.
No. 1. — St. Luke's Section. — Joined H.M. Forces. — G. T.
Attle ; G. Barnett ; H. Billinge ; J. Bloomfield ; H. B.
Burden ; S. Bush ; A. C. Brouard ; W. Collins ; C. E .
Farrow ; F. Field ; W. J. Field ; W. S. Graty ; J. W. Hubbard ;
H. W. Johnson ; C. F. Mumford ; A. P. Padgham ; H. J.
Yeates, and Sergt. Field.
Employed locally. — T. H. Barnard ; J. Field ; M. Horlock ;
W. Stevens.
No. 2. — Central Halt, Section. — Joined H.M. Forces. — A.
Brown ; H. D. Burden ; A. E. Burford ; S. Craker ; E.
Hawkins ; W. N. Hobday ; T. Stone ; C. Waters.
Employed locally. — E. G. Follett ; H. S. Harden ; C. Hobbs ;
J. Huckle ; J. E. Napier ; R. J. Orgies ; S. Pinneger.
No. 3. — Chislehurst Section. — Joined H.M. Forces. — F.
Rouse ; B. Streatfield.
Employed locally. — W. Aley ; T. Barber (Jr.); T. Barber;
W. Beckington ; A. Bone ; F. Dixon ; W. Fellis ; H. Head ;
H. Humphrey ; H. Lawrence ; H. Pinyon ; M. Taylor ;
H. White ; T. White ; C. Wood.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 109
No. 4. — Orpington Section. — Joined H.M. Forces. — S. W.
Conway ; A. Geary ; E. J. Patterson ; A. Skinner.
Employed locally. — W. Bridgeman ; T. W. Burgess ; R. Gainsford ;
B. Goodyer ; E. Jennings ; W. Lane ; W. Newman ; J.
Samson ; H. Tomlinson ; W. Wood.
Kent 16, Gravesend, was first organised in
1910, and owed its existence to the energy of Mrs.
Bruce- Culver, its first Quartermaster. The present
Medical Officer was first Commandant, and his
lectures have been of great benefit in the training
of the members.
Kent 16 in conjunction with Kent 92 have
prepared and are now working at three hospitals : —
(1) Parish Room, All Hallows ; lent by Rev.
R. Hammond, where over seventy cases have been
treated. Sister-in-charge, Miss M. Grenfell-Hill,
lv*Xi.C«
(2) Meadow Room, Cobham, accommodation
for nineteen cases ; lent by the Misses Stevens,
and prepared by them and a number of ladies
from the neighbourhood. About eighty patients
have already been admitted. Sister-in-charge,
Miss Ethel Swinton (sister of the well-known
"Eye-Witness").
(3) The Yacht Club, Gravesend, under Kent
92.
The Hospitals at All Hallows and Gravesend are
financially controlled by an Executive Committee,
of which Colonel Sir Gilbert Parker is Chairman.
110 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Lord Darnley presides over the Cobham Hospital
Committee.
Commandant — Miss Agnes O. Caswell.
Medical Officer — Dr. C. Dismorr.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Isabella Rosher.
Quartermaster — Miss E. Tans ley.
Members. — Maud Armstrong ; Florence August ; Mary Bath-
urst ; Margaret Beer ; Emily Blake ; Hattie Claret ;
Cicely Clark ; Hilda Crook ; Marjorie Davey ; Christine
Donaldson ; Beatrice Dyble ; Elsie Gates ; Frances Green ;
Grace Harris ; Audrey Hayes ; Evaline Hooper-Smith ;
Hilda Huggins ; Grace Jones ; Amy King ; Maud King ;
Marjorie Lund ; Ada Marsh ; Mildred Newcombe ; Catherine
Posgate ; Dorothy Poynter ; Kate Reeves ; Florence Rowe ;
Edith Sackett ; Ellen Scratton ; Hilda Shaw ; Lucy Shaw ;
Bessie Shields ; Winnie Shields ; Gertrude Shuttlewood ;
Helen Shuttlewood ; Alice Smith ; Olive Tanner ; Dorothy
Thompson ; Maud Thompson ; Sophie Thompson ; Janet
Waldegrave ; Winifred Winnett ; Gladys Wood ; Grace
Wood.
Kent 17, Walmer. Surgeon-General F. H.
Benson was asked by Lady George Hamilton in
1911 to raise a men's detachment in conjunc-
tion with Kent 22, and lectures were given by him.
On General Benson being appointed Assistant
County Director, Dr. Mason, Medical Officer for
Kent 22, assisted him to form a detachment.
In 1913 the command was taken over by Dr.
H. Llarrison, who had already given valuable
assistance. On the outbreak of war Dr. Harrison
was compelled to take on other work and had to
resign, although he kindly continued as Medical
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 111
Officer. The present Commandant then took
charge of the detachment, which is fully pre-
pared for any work which may be assigned to it.
Commandant — Chas. R. Taylor.
Medical Officer — Dr. H. Harrison.
Quartermaster — T. Baxter.
Members. — J. H. Atkins ; A. R. Betts ; C. S. Bignold ; J. J.
Bingham ; B. Bradshaw ; C. Capp ; F. Denham ; W. G.
Dunn ; C. Fieldsend ; A. French ; A. Graves ; W. Honey ;
E. Hunt ; E. C. Lewis ; J. G. Newing ; W. Norris ; L. Petts ;
P. J. Rayworth ; H. M. Roinney ; T. Sneller ; R. Style ; B.
Thomas; J. Waller; G. Wellard ; L. V. West; H. T.
Williams ; W. Williams.
Kent 17 (attached), Tenterden, owed its in-
ception to the splendid efforts of Mr. H. Ker, who
was Assistant County Director, 5th Division, Kent,
until taking up a commission in the regular army.
The detachment has supplied night orderlies,
regularly since mobilisation, to the Tenterden and
Rolvenden Hospitals. Five stretchers have been
presented to the detachment.
Commandant — L. II. Browning.
(Quartermaster — J. Backshall.
Members. — C. A. Adams ; E. Ballard ; A. Barrington ; A.
Bennett ; F. Bennett ; A. Bourne'; H. Bourne ; C. Brown ;
F. Burden; \V. Cliff; C. Corke ; G. Curtois; W. Dapson ;
G. Edmonds; B. Geake; A. Hilder; A. Holmes; F. Hold-
stock; C. Jarvis; L. Maynard; H. MoCarter; — McLeod;
S. .J. Sharpe ;W. Sharpe ; X. Tickner ; — Tickner ; A. Wallis ;
G. \\ .n. rman ; M. \\ Jut- ; S. N. Willson.
Kent 17 (attached), Stone, lias undertaken, with
every success, the ambulance and all similar work
112 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
in connection with the big military hospital at
Ingress Abbey.
Commandant — E. D. Carrick.
Medical Officer — Dr. Stanley.
Pharmacist — E. J. Cox.
Quartermaster — F. T. Eberhardt.
Section Leaders. — G. Barnes ; H. Bartrum ; W. Germaney ;
H. Williams.
Members. — F. Acland ; J. G. Adams ; F. Austin ; H. C. Barnes ;
B. T. Beaumont ; D. Boorman ; C. W. Bullock ; D. Busby ;
C. Coker ; S. Coker ; J. Colven ; H. A. Coulter ; A. Eber-
hardt ; W. Eberhardt ; R. Entwistle ; J. French ; R.
Gray ; A. Green ; R. Hayes ; E. Haywood ; A. Hodges ;
R. James ; J. Jennison ; A. E. Kent ; H. Lane ; W. Line-
ham ; G. Livingstone ; F. Masters ; F. Montgomery ; F.
Munn ; A. Nettlingham ; J. Pink ; A. Reid ; P. Sanders ;
A. Saunders ; J. Shoard ; G. Smith ; W. Sparrow ; B.
Steadman ; S. Vickery ; W. Watson ; J. Webster.
Kent 17 (attached), Bexley, owes its genesis
to the initiative of a committee presided over by
Sir Guildford Molesworth, the details being worked
out by Mr. G. P. Baker and Mr. J. Cutcliffe,
assisted by Dr. T. Hinds. Enrolment took place
on September 7th, 1914, and a course of lectures
was given by Dr. Hinds and practices held with
most satisfactory results. The detachment was
mobilised on October 14th, and thanks to the
generosity of the inhabitants of Bexley the men
have been assisted in the purchase of uniforms.
The Bexley Brewery Co. have kindly lent one of
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 113
their vans, which has been fitted up as an ambu-
lance wagon, while ground for practice has been
generously placed at the detachment's disposal by
Mr. Ford and Mrs. Burridge. Useful work is being
carried on regularly.
Commandant — Col. Radford.
Medical Officer — Dr. T. W. Hinds.
Quartermaster — Mr. A. Covill.
Pharmacist — Mr. Leadbetter.
Class Secretary — Mr. Christopherson.
Section Leaders. — W. J. Evans ; F. Hurdle ; W. Porter ;
C. Vessey.
Members. — G. P. Baker ; T. N. Cannon ; N. Christopherson ;
W. Chuter ; E. Crick ; J. Cutcliffe ; H. Edwards ; C. Garrett ;
E. G. Harvey ; J. F. Harvey ; N. Hudson ; A. W. James ;
J. W. Judd ; G. T. Lawrence ; S. Leadbetter ; A. Lincoln ;
C. W. Mann ; R. Marshall ; T. E. Parker ; J. Pitt ; J. Reid ;
J. Rendell ; E. H. Russell ; H. Slade ; H. Smith ; H. J.
Standley ; W. J. Taylor ; H. A. Turner ; F. Wheeler.
Kent 17 (attached), Hawkhurst. The members
have done thoroughly useful work as night order-
lies at the Lillesden Hospital and have assisted
at all times in the transport of wounded to and
from the station and Central Military Hospital.
Commandant — A. C. Moore.
Medical Officer — Dr. Robert Edwards.
Quartermaster — Sydney Newman.
Members. — J. T. E. Davis ; C. Giles ; E. Hardcastle ; A.
Harrison ; V. Hutchinson ; H. Hydor ; P. Jonner ; G.
Martin ; J. Mennie ; F. Reed ; J. Suter ; G. Sivyer ; W.
Sivyer ; W. Wilmot.
H
114 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 18, Pembury, formed in 1910 under
Dr. Aldous, has worked continuously to make
itself efficient, and in 1914 the Guardians of the
Tonbridge Union allowed the members to nurse in
their infirmary.
On October 14th, 1914, the order to mobilise
was received, and in a very short time, thanks to
the excellent arrangements made beforehand by
the Quartermaster, the village Hall at Paddock
Wood was converted into a hospital ready to
receive twenty patients. After two months it was
found necessary to transfer the hospital to the
Church Institute, Pembury, lent by the Committee.
Most generous gifts have been received, and car
owners have willingly lent their motors for transport.
Fifty patients have been successfully treated,
and no effort has been spared on the part of the
Medical Officers, Drs. Storr, Simpson, Bradford,
Mills, and Seely. The former Commandant was
Dr. Crawford, who was Joint County Director for
No. 3 Division, and had charge of the distribution
of wounded when convoys arrived for the Tun-
bridge Wells group of hospitals. He accepted a
commission in His Majesty's Forces in April, 1915.
Commandant — Mrs. Douglas Watson.
Hon. Commandant — Dr. Crawford.
Medical Officer — Dr. W. T. Storr.
Lady Superintendents— Miss Robb.
Quartermaster — Miss Haines.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 115
Members. — Dorothy Andrews ; Phyllis Baker ; Sylvia Baker ;
Joan Cartwright ; Phillis Crawford ; Janet Goffe ; Amy
Herepath ; Fanny Kempster ; Marion Lambert ; Gemma
Lees ; Annie Luck ; Kittie Luck ; Dora Molesworth ;
Margery Mewburn ; Olive Mewburn ; Joyce Mewburn ;
Marie Philpott ; Anna Perkin ; Dorothy Perkin ; Esther
Perryman ; Ellen Pattison ; Mary Podmore ; Alice Simpson
Kate Simpson ; Ethel Simpson ; Selina Storr ; Amy Storr
May Storr ; Freda Storr ; Ada Terry ; Edith Hay Watson
Sibyl Watson ; Brenda Watson ; Edith Wimshurst ; Edythe
Whelan ; Florence Young.
Kent 18 (attached), East Malling. Soon after
the outbreak of war Mr. C. Baxendale offered to
convert a wing of his residence, Clare House,
into a hospital. Some alterations were made and
a small but serviceable hospital, with two wards
for seventeen men, was created. The equipment
was lent by residents, and the linen and other
necessaries by the Red Cross Society. Mr. Baxen-
dale assumed responsibility for the finance, but
invited the residents to assist, which suggestion
was liberally responded to. The ladies of East
Malling having previously organised a V.A. detach-
ment, an efficient staff was ready for the opening
of the hospital. The wards have been kept fairly
full since the first convoy was received.
Commandant — Sir W. D. Wilson.
Medical Officer — Dr. Parr Dudley.
(Quartermaster — Lady Deane Wilson.
Members. — Lucy Ambler ; Gertrude Biggs ; Florence Edith Bird ;
Lily Blunden ; Florence Blunden ; Elizabeth Blunden; Ada
Buckland; Ethel Buckland ; Phyllis Buckland ; Owens Bus-
116 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
bridge ; Mavis Busbridge ; Kate Lily Colegate ; Molly Dever-
Bon ; Charlotte Downs ; Ethel May Elphic ; Bessie Godden ;
Fanny Holder ; Florence Holder ; Phoebe Huggett ; Lydia
Jenner ; Elizabeth Parr-Dudley ; Agnes Peppercorn ; Florence
Peppercorn ; Hilda Silverston ; Isabel Smyth ; Henrietta
Maria White ; Doris Wilson.
Kent 19, Boughton, was formed in 1913.
Since the outbreak of war seventeen members
have enlisted. The detachment is well prepared to
undertake any duties assigned to it.
Commandant and Medical Officer — Dr. H. Wonnacott.
Quartermaster — C. W. Smith.
Members. — A. I. W. Bones ; J. W. Bones ; W. P. Branchett ;
L. H. Chambers ; M. E. Eades ; S. R. Fox ; J. Hayward ;
R. J. Hopkins ; F. S. Horn ; H. Iddenten ; W. F. Miles ;
R. H. Owen ; G. Packman ; R. Rooke ; H. Rooke ; W. A.
Smith ; A. W. Spicer : A. E. Tong ; E. V. Turner ; W. A.
Turner ; E. C. Wills ; A. Wood.
Kent 20, Tenterden, was started at Tenterden
by Mrs. Peel at the request of Lady Cranbrook
in 1911. The members of the detachment, at
first under Dr. Skinner as Commandant, have
been continuously preparing themselves for any
emergency. When mobilised in October, 1914, the
detachment sent reliefs to a local hospital until
November, when a Red Cross Hospital was opened
with sixteen beds. This was furnished to a great
extent by the local residents, who were also most
generous in sending contributions.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 117
On November 30th, 1914, the first party of
Belgian soldiers, fifteen in number, arrived.
Commandant — Miss Cicely Peel.
Medical Officer — Dr. Dring.
Quartermaster — Miss V. Milne.
Members. — Dorothy Baker ; Bertha Body ; Gertrude Browning ;
Alice Collins ; Marjorie Johnson ; Gladys Johnstone ; Ada
Latter ; Kate Love ; Evelyn Mace ; Dora Peel ; Esther Peel
Edith Pinyon ; Kathleen Pritchard ; Blanche Pritchard
Helen Pritchard ; Esther Pritchard ; Edith Skelding
Christina Ticehurst ; Kate Winser.
Kent 20 (attached), Charing. This hospital
was opened on October 14th, at the Parish Hall,
lent by the Charing Parish Council. Local resi-
dents contributed liberally in money and equip-
ment. The detachment had previously prepared
themselves for the duties of a hospital by classes
and practices, and are doing important work most
capably.
Commandant and Medical Officer —
Dr. Littledale.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Florence Rotherham.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Littledale.
Members. — Ethel Ashwell ; Hilda Beard ; E. Mildred Fothering-
hara ; Dorothy Hard wick ; Evelyn Hard wick ; Hilda
Hardwick ; Ethel Hickman ; Louise Hickman ; Fanny
1 1 y land ; Letitia Jonnings ; M. Langford ; H. E. Littledale ;
Violet Littledale; Marjorie Machin ; Daisy Mummery;
Katharine Norwood; Alice Norwood; Louie Reeves; Ethel
Ross-Barkor; Katharine Sayer ; EelenStarey; MaryStarey;
Agatha Sulston ; Edith Swan ; Margarot Swan ; Mary Swan
Molly White.
118 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 21, Westerham, was formed in 1913, the
initial effort being due to Miss Watney.
The detachment was mobilised in October, 1914,
about twenty men being available. These acted
as orderlies for the Dunsdale Hospital until
Christmas, when an arrangement was made with
a field ambulance, stationed in the locality,
whereby this body took over the duties temporarily.
Kent 21 has, since April, 1915, resumed this im-
portant work.
Commandant — G. N. Watney.
Medical Officer — J. R. Russell.
Quartermaster — Rev. C. A. Stubbs.
Members. — F. N. Ashby ; S. A. Bridgland ; B. Brown ; D.
Brown ; C. Chapman ; W. N. Darkin ; E. J. Drapper ;
C. R. Evans ; A. Friend ; A. Galloway ; J. Gardner ;
A. Gingell ; J. Greenlees ; T. Greenlees ; J. Haslett ; P.
Ingram ; E. Jenner ; E. Longley ; P. May ; F. H. Nellen ;
H. D. Pennicard ; F. Shorter ; J. Steven ; W. G. Sweatman.
Kent 22, Deal, was formed in 1912, with Dr.
A. Mason, Miss Sandford, and Mrs. Wheeler as
officers. Work went steadily on with lectures,
drill, field work, etc. In 1913 Lady Sargant
became Commandant, Dr. Mason remaining as
Medical Officer ; Mrs. Wheeler resigned, Miss
D. M. Lapage replacing her. Lady Sargant was
unable to continue the duties and became Hon.
Commandant, Miss Sandford taking up her work,
Miss E. M. Higginson becoming Lady Superin-
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 119
tendent. The detachment gained much practical
experience at the camps at Heme and Rolvenden.
Lectures were given by doctors of Deal, notably
by Dr. Mason, Dr. Ward, Fleet-Surgeon R. Hill and
Dr. White, and each member in turn received a
fortnight's hospital training at the Victoria Hos-
pital. During the war two members at a time
have been working at the Royal Marine In-
firmary.
On the outbreak of war St. Anselm's, Walmer,
a former residence of Mr. Justice and Lady Sargant,
was fitted up as a hospital, the people of Deal and
Walmer contributing generously. On Kent 142
being formed Miss Lapage transferred to that
detachment, Miss C. M. Reid replacing her.
Lady George Hamilton allowed Deal Castle to
be used as a store and gave much assistance.
On October 14th, 1914, mobilisation took
place and Belgian wounded were quickly installed.
Two hundred and fifty patients in all have kept
the beds fully occupied.
Owing to domestic trouble Miss Sandford was
compelled to resign, and Lady Sargant returned
to her former post. Miss Higginson went to work
with the French Red Cross and Mrs. Lloyd, Lady
Superintendent of Kent 142, acted during her
absence.
Kitchen arrangements are admirably carried out
120 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
by Miss Bowman, and the residents of St. Mar-
garet's have been most generous.
Commandant — Lady Sargant.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Higginson.
Medical Officer — Dr. Mason.
Quartermaster — Miss C. M. Reid.
Members. — Iola Baynes ; Eileen Boothby ; Alice Bowman ;
Sylvia Bushe ; Doreen Cavanagh ; Eleanor Cottew ; Emme-
line Darwall ; Mabel Denne ; Holly Fisher ; Evelyn Gard-
ner ; Audrey Jackson ; Phyllis Jackson ; Sydney Jackson ;
Olive Lapage ; Winifred Lapage ; Eleanor Macrae ; Dorothy
Matthews ; Ada McCann ; Hilda Mills ; Adela Monins ;
Dorothy Morse ; Marjory Morse ; Phyllis Ryder Richardson ;
Enid Schon ; Ursula Schon ; Rosamund Smythe ; Enid
Thomas ; Dora Thomson ; Elsie Thomson.
Kent 22 (attached), Margate. Full details of
this detachment's work are given under Kent 152.
Medical Officer — Dr. Thomson.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Anne Chapman.
Quartermaster — Miss Ethel James.
Kent 22 (attached), Bircrtngton, had no
detachment at the outbreak of war, but when
Dr. Garfield Williams inspected Thanet he realised
the possibilities of this bracing town. He enlisted
the services of the principal officials, including
doctors, Commandant and trained nurses, and
accepted the use of a Red Cross office lent by Mr.
and Mrs. Harvey.
Certificated candidates came forward and at-
tended lectures, had practical experience at the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 121
hospitals, and by October a detachment of thirty-
eight members was ready. Mrs. Willett lent a store
in the village for equipment, and at Quex Park
two large motors were fitted with ambulance
bodies (these have been since used for the whole
of Thanet).
On mobilisation Mansford House, a Unitarian
convalescent home (kindly lent to the detachment)
was quickly prepared and Belgian wounded were
installed.
St. Mary's Home also took in a number and
worked under the detachment for a month, until
Quex Park, the home of Major and Mrs. Powell -
Cotton, which had been lent temporarily to the
Westgate detachment, was free.
Under Mrs. Holmes as Matron at Quex Park,
and Miss Worthington at Mansford House, the
staff has worked steadfastly and well.
Commandant — Mrs. H. B. Powell-Cotton.
Medical Officer — Dr. Worthington.
Lady Superintendents —
Miss Worthington and Mrs. Holmes.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Harold Cobb.
Members. — Dorothy Elspeth de Vosta Andraade ; Mary Black-
hurst ; Clara Lasey Buss ; Marjorie Tylden Buss ; Alice
Cobb ; Edith Mary Cossey ; Janet Dallin ; Minnie Dawes ;
Maud Elinor Harris ; Mary Holmes ; Alice Keeley ; Florence
Perfect; Emily Reeves; Phyllis Roberts; Elsie Alice
Smith ; Hilda Stone ; Lucy Stone ; Mildred Swinford ;
Dora Evelyn Watson ; Fanny Maud Watson ; Charlotte
Wilhelmina Worthington ; Elizabeth Mary Wortliington.
122 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 23, Sheerness-on-Sea, at first consti-
tuted part of Kent 41, but in 1913 was formed as
a separate detachment for Sheerness. The mem-
bers have taken part in several field days, and the
drills have been well attended. There being no
hospital in the town the men have no regular
duties, but deal with all cases of emergency. A
depot for the receipt of garments has been opened.
The Commandant, Mr. F. H. Watson, is on active
service.
Acting Commandant and Medical Officer.
Dr. L. A. Winter.
Quartermaster — Mr. H. Rayner Catt.
Members.— T. G. Allen ; F. W. Bickel ; O. V. Boakes ; R. V.
Borner ; C. E. Bowden ; W. A. Broad ; E. J. Castle ; R.
Carvalho ; A. J. Davis ; F. Day ; W. J. Freeman ; A. G.
French ; S. A. Hadlow ; W. H. Kingdon ; G. W. Lochhead ;
W. H. Maples ; E. A. Monday ; A. Nightingale ; J. L.
Nethercoat ; G. W. Pack ; E. E. Pankhurst ; E. G. Pear-
son ; G. J. Peed ; W. H. B. Quick ; E. J. Ratcliff ; A. O.
Reece ; G. J. Rogers ; J. Rogers ; C. F. Saddleton ; F. G.
Saunders ; W. Saunders ; C. A. Snelling ; W. A. Southgate ;
E. J. Stride; D. Stride; H. L. Sutton; G. Swift; G.
Thomas ; W. Thomas ; C. F. Woodcock.
Kent 24, Folkestone, was formed in 1910, and
has charge of the Manor House Hospital at Folke-
stone, one of the largest of Kent's voluntary
hospitals, and has been doing splendid work from
the outset of hostilities.
Commandant — Honourable Florence Daly.
Members. — Dorothy Beaney ; Jennie Boyd ; Kate Brenchley r ;
Katharine Chevalier ; Lena Curzon-Smith ; Mabel Eastes';
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 123
Emma Eiffe ; Amelia Fantham ; Mary Fitzgerald ; Minnie
Fowler ; Louisa Hibbard ; Florence Hill ; M. M. Lucaa ;
Florence Millgate ; Adelaide Moore ; Ada Orton ; Florence
Palmer ; Lilian Penn ; Edith Pilcher ; Kathleen Reid ; May-
Rowlands ; Lucy Shillingford ; Alice Stocker ; Florence
Strood ; Maud Wood.
Kent 25, Tunbridge Wells, was formed at
the outbreak of war from the division of the St.
John Ambulance Brigade. A men's first aid class
was organised, and 120 men attended, of whom
thirty-six ultimately joined the brigade.
A liberal response was made by the public to
an appeal for funds to provide uniforms, and the
men are now equipped in khaki.
Three new stretchers have also been presented.
The Quartermaster and ten men are on active
service. The transport for Tunbridge Wells and
Tonbridge group of the Chatham section of Kent
is conducted by Mr. W. L. Bradley of Tonbridge,
with the assistance of the Commandant and Mr.
Cecil Crofts, the distribution of the patients being
conducted by Dr. Watson.
Commandant and Medical Officer — Dr. Dyer.
Quartermaster — Lie it. E. R. Hickmott.
Members. — H. Albrow ; W. Avard ; C. Barefield ; H. Bone ;
L. Claydon ; T. Coombes ; W. E. Cunningham ; S. W.
Dawes; W. Dibby; — Faircloth; S. Faithfull ; H. G. Foote;
J. W. Goodwin ; A. T. Goodyear ; A. E. Hallett ; P. Ham-
mond ; S. \V. lliirmrr; \V. J. F. Harmer ; J. Hayes; J.
Huywiird ; T. Haywiird; \Y. B. llemsley; R. Hewlett;
C. Hicks ; A. Hobbs ; H. Honess ; A. Jury ; J. Kempster ;
124 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
T. C. Knight ; T. Lester ; A. W. Luxton ; F. W. Mason ;
S. H. Muffett ; W. F. Mufiett ; J. Neeve ; P. Noakes ; O.
Norman ; G. Nuth ; J. C. Nuth ; G. Peskett ; C. Reader ;
H. Saxby ; L. Scott ; G. Spurrell ; W. Stanford ; G.
Stevens ; H. A. Stonham ; T. Showier ; W. Vaughan ;
A. C. Watts; H. G. Whitby; H. White; H. M. Wise;
H. Woodcock ; C. Young.
Kent 26, Folkestone, was brought into being
in 1911, and the members have met continuously
for lectures and practices.
At mobilisation the members were called to the
Imperial Hotel, Hythe, which had been comman-
deered for the reception of a large number of
wounded Belgian soldiers. The hotel was cleared
three days later, and since October 21st Kent 26,
with Kent 24, have together been working at the
Manor House. This hospital has one hundred
beds. It is situated on the Leas, overlooking
the sea.
Gifts of all kinds have been received from very
many kind donors.
The two detachments have also had charge of a
small dressing station in one of the " soldiers'
clubs " at Shorncliffe camp, and a member attends
daily to dress injuries amongst the soldiers.
Commandant — Mrs. Moule.
Medical Officer — Dr. Gore.
Quartermaster — Miss L. Fitzgerald.
Members. — Mary Ambler ; Florence Andries ; Madeleine Andries ;
Marthe Andries ; Josephine Baker ; Mrs. Carpenter ;
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 125
Kathleen Comes ; Dorothy D'Armes ; May Davis ; Elsie
Deck ; May Francis ; Mary Golden ; Jenny Hills ; Elsie
Hopper ; Annette Irving ; Hilda Jervis ; Sybil Lawson ;
Elizabeth McCliment ; Edith Mempes ; Kathleen Moule ;
Eliza Poston ; Winifred Shillingf ord ; Olive Shipp ; Barbara
Simms ; Emily West ; Grace Wood.
Kent 28, Rolvenden, was organised in 1911.
Regular drills and lectures were held, and the
British Red Cross Camp for Kent for 1914 was
held at Rolvenden on a site lent by Mr. F. Coombe
Baker. Two hundred and thirty members were
present from all parts ; the camp was of especial
help, as it was struck only ten days before war
broke out.
The detachment is drawn principally from the
village of Rolvenden, and, when mobilised, proved
fully equal to the emergency ; the hospital, which
was a bare parish room, being in a very short time
a charming little ward ready to receive twenty
patients.
Commandant — Mrs. Coombe Baker.
Medical Officer — Dr. P. C. Colls.
Lady Superintendent — Miss K. Bishop.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Smith-Marriott.
Assist. Quart ermarter— Miss Ethel Parker.
Members. — Mary Barker ; Rhoda Becken ; Sarah Brown ;
Emily Burdon ; Jennie Burden ; Hetty Burden ; Edith
Button ; A. Cook ; Dorothy Guest ; Graco Herring ; Mary
Hinds ; Annio Mann ; Pattio Piper ; Fanny Poile ; Olive
Southon ; Cissy Swaffer ; Kate Swinyard ; May Terry ;
Kathorino Tweodie; Laura Twoedio ; May Weston; Harriet
Wood ; Carrie Woodwards.
126 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Night Orderlies. — G. Ballam ; J. Becken ; A. Blackman ; A.
Bourne ; C. Brown ; R. Burden ; B. Burden ; F. Burden ;
G. Carpenter ; A. Cook ; A. Fright ; F. Geerings ; F. Judge ;
E. Killick; L. Maynard ; J. Parker; F. Russell; W. Sharp;
C. Smith ; H. Swaffer.
Kent 29, Margate. At the outbreak of war a
meeting was called to form a V.A.D. men's detach-
ment. Some eighty men (since increased) gave in
their names as voluntary helpers. Classes were
formed, with Dr. B. Richards as lecturer, stretcher
drill exercises being also carried out under Captain
Turner.
Detachments 29 and 31 were thus created from
these volunteers. The Margate Ambulance Corps
joined the detachments and placed all their appli-
ances at the disposal of the Commandants. Since
mobilisation — on October 13th, 1914 — both detach-
ments have assisted at the transport of six hundred
wounded soldiers. The members have also carried
out very arduous duties as orderlies.
Several friends have given stretchers and carry-
ing-sheets ; motor-cars and ambulances have been
generously placed at the disposal of the transport
officer.
The two detachments jointly undertake all the
work carried out.
The transport arrangements are in the hands of
Hon. Commandant D. T. Milne (assisted by W. E.
Enderby, until the latter was accepted for work
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 127
in France). A large amount of preliminary organi-
sation fell to the lot of Mr. Milne ; Assistant-
Quartermaster Mr. G. A. Watson has undertaken
all secretarial duties of both detachments since
mobilisation.
Commandant — B. J. Garraway.
Medical Officer — Dr. R. Thomson.
Quartermaster — W. Mills.
Section Leaders. — W. J. Hecker and W. J. Munns.
Members. — E. Amos ; J. R. Amos ; A. W. Barry ; A. D. Bottles ;
P. M. Brophy ; S. H. Brown ; O. J. Baldwin ; F. C. Cobb ;
T. Coleman ; A. W. Elkin ; E. J. Furborough ; G. A. Foster ;
F. S. Gahan ; F. T. Gahan ; A. F. Hewer ; E. E. Levitt ;
W. H. Linnell ; B. Lowery ; G. J. Mahoney ; J. Matthews ;
L. G. Matthews ; H. V. Mitchell ; J. Peachey ; E. Rich-
mond ; R. H. Roberts ; A. J. Swain ; J. W. Sadd ; J. G.
Sayer ; F. J. Sayer ; H. D. Tappenden ; J. T. Tatham ;
J. C. Tayler ; H. M. Wainman ; H. Walker-Smith ; G. L.
Watson ; T. G. Webb.
Kent 30, Sandgate, has charge, with other
detachments, of the Bevan Home, Sandgate,
Kent's largest voluntary hospital. The home is
very pleasantly situated near the sea, and has,
with its annexe Devonshire House, 250 beds,
twenty - five of which arc reserved for officers.
The hospital was opened on October 8th, 1914,
and has received to date 1995 patients, 340 of
whom have been Belgians. The members have
shown what voluntary effort can achieve when
the workers have plenty of energy and adapta-
128 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
bility and have their hearts in what they are doing.
The detachment came into being in 1910.
Commandant — Sister Millie Mumford.
Medical Officer— Du. J. E. Calverley.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Mayne.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Chambers.
(See list of members under Kent 36.)
Kent 31, Margate (see Kent 29).
Commandant — J. W. Walton.
Medical Officer— Dr. Graham Stewart.
Quartermaster — C. Enderby.
Pharmacist— W. H. Monk.
Section Leaders. — G. Enderby and F. Shaw.
Members.— R. B. Amos ; R. J. Amos ; E. Ashby ; F. G. Brig-
hurst ; A. C. Bryant ; C. C. Burt ; P. J. Calcutt ; A. L. G.
Campbell; F. W. Coleman; J. Combley ; W. Combley ;
H. H. Davis; E. M. Dungey; J. Forbes; C. W. G. Griffin;
T. Geary ; H. E. Hester ; E. J. Hobbs ; C. W. Hobbs ;
E. W. Horn ; C. E. Jarman ; J. Jury ; W. G. Kemp ; S. H.
Lamport ; A. E. Lovely ; J. A. Markey ; P. McCardle ;
J. Olliver; W. Ovens; H. G. Philps ; R. C. Price; J.
Rattray ; R. Roscoe ; G. J. Shelley ; F. Stanley ; H.
Tannenbaum ; R. W. Terrell ; J. M. Tillett.
Kent 32, Cheriton, was started in Cheriton
five years ago.
At the outbreak of war, with the permission of
the local authorities, the detachment got ready to
open the Girls' School, Cheriton, as a hospital, but
it was found that schools could not be used. The
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 129
members therefore undertook to work at the
Bevan Hospital, Sandgate, keeping their organi-
sation intact, in case of emergency ; and the
mobilisation grant of £10 from the B.R.C.S. was
handed over to that hospital.
Commandant — Mrs. Nepean.
Medical Officer — Dr. Pridmore.
Quartermaster — Miss Marie Jacques.
Members. — Lucy Bewsher ; Violet Bloomfield ; Marguerite
Bourne ; Marianne Burnett ; — Butcher ; Louise Childs
Florence Coleman ; Lily Coveney ; Emma Jane Dennis
Agnes Green ; Isabella Hill ; Lily Jacobs ; Esther Miller
Jessie Miller ; Althea Money ; Marjorie Money ; May
Nicolas ; Flora Pook ; Doris Milligan ; Jean Venner ; Lily
Venner ; Dorothy Willis ; Mabel Wilson.
Kent 33, Bromley, commenced work, at the
declaration of war, under Quartermaster W. E.
Clifford (of Kent 15). Dr. A. C. Haslam, the
medical officer, gave a series of brilliant lectures
on first aid, and as a result fifty-six members have
been successful at subsequent examinations. On
August 24th, 1914, the present Commandant was
appointed, with Mr. Thomas Gayford as Quarter-
master. The detachment was established on a
sound basis, and the equipment and uniform fund
started with ;i concert most kindly arranged by
Mr. Priter. Other friends have generously assisted,
and the detachment is now equipped with stretchers,
water-bottles, haversacks, etc. Forty-five men are
i
130 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
uniformed. A rearrangement of the staff, conse-
quent upon the Quartermaster's regretted enforced
absence from Bromley, brought about the well-
deserved promotion of Mr. Head. The order
to mobilise found the detachment ready, and at
midday on October 14th, 1914, the first convoy
of wounded men was very successfully detrained
at Bromley South Station. Work has been con-
tinuous since then, many ambulance trains having
been unloaded at all hours. The detachment
has had the distinction of having transferred
nearly one-third of the sick and wounded re-
ceived in Kent. Other duties have been carried
out successfully, the most important being orderly
work at the many hospitals. Beyond this, the
members are perfecting themselves with nursing
classes, drills and field schemes. Best thanks are
due to Mr. Bert Harris, and to Mr. Jury, of the
Pictorial Enterprises, Ltd., for entertainments
given on behalf of the funds ; also to the trustees
of St. Luke's Institute, the Trustees of the
Wesley an Church Hall, and many other friends.
Gratitude to Miss Irene Wheeler Bennett is here
expressed for her help with roller bandaging ; to
Miss Winifred Mather for transport assistance ; to
Dr. Haslam and Dr. Craster ; to Messrs. Pierson
and Parke ; to Mr. C. W. Berry ; to Major and
Mrs. Wilson of Eltham Court for loan of Wolseley
Ambulance Car, and to the many other kind friends
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 131
who]have been so very willing to help the detach-
ment. Mr. H. D. Reynolds was secretary until
joining ±he colours in May, 1915.
Commandant — Paul Creswick.
Honorary Commandant — H. G. Hoskier.
Medical Officer — Dr. A. C. Haslam.
Quartermaster — F. E. Head.
Pharmacist — H. D. Kelf.
Transport Control (Hon. Commandant Kent 54) —
P. H. ASHTON.
Section Leaders. — H. Gayford ; M. Gray ; L. Harvey-Lowe ;
I. Humphrey ; T. H. Jayes ; G. H. Last ; S. G. Nash ;
A. W. Stalain ; F. H. Sheriff.
Members. — E. R. Andrews ; A. Attwood ; H. A. Balding ;
S. Belsey ; F. Buckman ; R. Catterson ; N. Clark ; A. F.
Collins ; S. H. Collins ; J. H. Covil ; P. S. Cox ; R. Craker ;
R. Davey ; W. Davis ; G. Day ; A. Dickson ; T. T. Eardley ;
W. Eglington ; G. J. H. Forbes ; W. Fox ; F. Gardiner ;
T. Gayford; H. Godfrey; H. H. Greenhill ; W. E. Gregory;
R. Guthrio ; R. C. Guthrie; E. Gurney - Smith ; J. H.
Gurney-Smith ; W. H. Haigh ; A. Hains ; A. Harman ;
E. Harman ; L. Harman ; R. Hellyer ; F. Herbert ; A.
Hickmott ; L. H. Hillman ; F. E. Humble ; C. H. Jenner ;
II. Langrish; E. J. Lovell ; J. E. Masters; A. C. Miles;
S. J . M Lies ; G. A. Morris ; G. H. Morris ; S. T. D. Mortimer ;
X. Newcombe ; N. F. Patten; A. H. Pockett; L. C. Priest;
H. A. Randall; \\ . E. Randall; E. P. Ripley; H. D. Rey-
nolds: T. II. Saunders; A. P. Sharland ; J. C. Shepherd ;
F. Simmons; D. Strike; F. White; \Y. Willson.
/, crwUe. II. Avery; W. S. Bibby; G. Brown; W. Carpenter;
D.Cook; B.Cook; B.W.Cook; F. Craker; F.Hartridge;
— Hiokman; A.. J. Bowe ; -Kemp; — Kibble; E. W. Lash ;
(,. E. Lear; R. Longthorne; P. Mitchell; !•'. \V. Now;
W. 1 ierson; I*. J. Poindestre; R. W. Poindestre; — Saunders;
132 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
F. C. Smith ; H. D. Smith ; F. Stiff ; — Theobald ; F. H.
Thorburn; F. G. Wilkins; E. A. Woodhall.
Deputy Transport Control. — R. Gilliard.
Instructor. — S. G. Nash.
Secretary. — F. H. Sheriff.
Note. — Very many of the above have temporarily
joined His Majesty's forces.
Kent 34, Folkestone, was formed in 1911,
and was maintained by weekly drills, instruction,
and summer camps.
Owing to the unavoidable resignation of the
Commandant, Mrs. Thornton Gilbert, the detach-
ment was unable to organise a hospital, but joined
Kent 30, Sandgate, and assisted in equipping the
Bevan Home. By the efforts of the members
money and equipment was collected.
When the detachment was mobilised on October
16th eighteen qualified members were working at
the Bevan Home, together with a number of
recruits, as probationers and ward maids. The
work at the hospital has been continuous ever
since mobilisation, and the majority of the mem-
bers are now fully certificated.
Commandant and Quartermaster — Miss M. Peden.
Lady Superintendent — Miss L. Auty.
(List of Members given under Kent 36, Hythe.)
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 133
Kent 35, Canterbury, conducts all transport,
supplies orderlies and male nurses for the Canter-
bury group of hospitals.
Commandant and Medical Officer — Dr. Ferguson.
Quartermaster — F. Holgate-Smith.
Pharmacist — G. I. Hobbis.
Members. — W. Abrams ; G. P. Argrave ; W. G. Barter ; C. M.
Bennett ; D. Breeze ; C. J. Brodie ; R. B. Brown ; J. C.
Charrison ; W. G. C. Cheeseman ; E. Clark ; J. B. Daniel ;
E. V. Dawe ; C. C. Elam ; J. Ellis ; G. Goldfinch ; P. L.
Hall ; S. Harding ; J. I. Hargreaves ; A. M. Hayward ;
C. Howes ; J. E. Jarvis ; L. Kemp ; W. A. King ; R. S. O.
Lee ; F. G. Link ; H. F. W. Lyons ; F. J. Mann ; H. W.
McConnell ; W. F. R. Mist ; A. Pearce ; E. Pepper ; R. P.
Pettyfer ; L. C. H. Sills ; E. C. Tomalin ; S. W. Vincett ;
F. J. Wells ; A. A. Wicks ; H. E. Wicks ; P. W. A. Wilson ;
F. Wood ; J. H. Worsfold.
Kent 36, Hythe, was organised in 1910 by
Mrs. Congreve. In 1911 Mrs. Congreve, having
left Hythe, the present Commandant took charge.
At the outbreak of war all preparations were made
to open a hospital, but at the request of Miss
Mumi'ord, the Commandant of Kent 30, Sandgate,
the detachment was ordered to take up duty at
the Bevan Hospital, Sandgate, and the equipment
and funds were handed over to that hospital.
Between sixty and seventy people from Hythe
work at the hospital during the twenty-
134 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
four hours, besides some gentlemen*' who act as
orderlies.
Commandant — Miss Cicely Dale.
Medical Officers —
Drs. A. R. Davis, C. Hackney, s H/Scoones.
Lady Superintendents —
Mrs. Stewart-Harris and Sister E. Barter.
Quartermasters — Mrs. Hildyard, Miss Nicholettes.
Members. — Audrey Adam ; Edith Adam ; Julia Ager ; Margaret
Andrews ; Dorothy Ashworth ; Marjorie Ashworth ; Mary
Avill ; Margaret Barclay ; Beatrice Barlow ; Ethel Barlow ;
Rosabelle Brandreth ; May Buttanshaw ; Jennie Carter ;
Edna Chadwick ; Vera Chapman ; Amy Crane ; Muriel
Crane ; Kathleen Cutts ; Irene Dale ; Muriel Denniston ;
Brenda Dowler ; Florence Drake ; Ethel Eastes ; Teresa
Floyd ; Mabel Gill ; Ethel Gill-Ballard ; Lilian Hackney ;
Muriel Hall ; Edith Hildyard ; Violet Honeywood ; Sarah
House ; Alice Lee ; Edith Lewis ; Carlota Mackeson ;
Elspeth Moubray; Mildred Murray-Rogers ; Gertrude
Noos ; Mary Roach ; Dorothea Ruggles-Brise ; Sybil
Schreiber ; Ethel Scoones ; Gwenmore Shelford ; Irene
Shelley ; Kate Stainer ; Mary Stewart-Harris ; Evelyn
Thompson ; Marion Timmins ; Madeline Titley ; Mary
Wilks.
Kent 37, Gravesend and Northfleet. The
present Commandant was authorised in the early
days of the war to raise a men's detachment and
within twenty-four hours forty-eight men were on
parade and given their first drill. Lectures were
given by the medical officer. The detachment was
very soon efficient, and with the opening of the
Yacht Club Hospital night guard was undertaken
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 135
and has been carried on continuously. Wounded
have been transported into all the hospitals in the
district, the Commandant having been put in
charge of the transport for the Gravesend district,
under the district transport officer, Mrs. E. Bruce-
Culver. In addition assistance has been given in
other districts. A four-stretcher motor ambulance
has been acquired. Many of the members have
joined the R.A.M.C.
Commandant — Mr. H. L. Tatham.
Medical Officer — Dr. R. H. Drennan.
Quartermaster — Mr. W. Webster.
Section Leaders. — L. Martin ; H. J. Mayo ; J. Payne ; B. J.
Warner.
Members. — *D. G. Aitken ; E. Ball ; F. J. Bennett ; A. J.
Black ; J. W. Boucher ; W. Brigham ; G. Brooker ; T. G.
Burberry ; H. T. Butler ; H. J. Chamberlain ; *G. Chatfield ;
H. Cottam ; B. Edmeades ; *C. H. Elvin ; H. Fairy ; W. G.
Forder ; W. Haines ; *J. A. Heath ; A. Hook ; W. J.
Howell ; T. Hughes ; C. Hurst ; S. Johnson ; H. Judson ;
H. V. Kitchen ; A. J. Lewis ; *A. Mills ; George Meakin ;
J. Parker ; W. Parsons ; F. Parsons ; E. Payne ; *F. A.
Pittock ; C. J. Prisley ; *F. A. B. Robinson ; A. Roots ;
*S. Russell ; O. Russell ; W. D. Sones ; *H. M. Thomas ;
M. Troubridge ; *H. K. Tutton ; W.A.Webb; *T. Wins-
ton; M. M. Whiting; *H. Winnett ; W. Wright ; *S. Young.
* Members marked thus have enlisted in His Majesty's Forces.
Kent 88, Westerham, was registered in 1911,
pi;. were regularly held, and the detachment
was inspected annually by a medical ollicer from
the War Offic . Miss Warde was the original
136 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Commandant, but after her marriage the present
Commandant was appointed.
On mobilisation a large empty house, "Dunsdale,"
the property of the family of the late Mr. Norman
Watney, was converted into a hospital with fifty
beds, and on October 14th everything was ready
for the forty-eight Belgian patients who arrived.
A motor ambulance, provided by Mr. J. Laird
Busk, has been most useful in bringing the more
serious cases. The National Service Committee of
Westerham has been most generous in giving stores
and equipment. Many volunteers have assisted
with motors for transport.
Commandant — Miss Watney.
Medical Officer — Dr. J. R. Russell.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Marian Perry.
Quartermaster — Miss L. M. Bartlett.
Members. — Annie Baker ; Marjorie Beresford ; Isabel Cotton ;
Mabel Ford ; Zaidee Holland ; Kate Hooker ; Edith Hughes ;
Annie Lewis ; Mabel Maude ; Sylvia Maude ; Mabel
McLean ; Edith Pywell ; Edith Rason ; Elizabeth Rem-
nant ; Dorothy Robinson ; Margaret Robinson ; Sarah
Robinson ; Sylvia Robinson ; Annie Salmon ; Sylvia
Streatfeild ; Catherine Vincent ; Blanche Warde ; Evelyn
Warded; Ethel Watney ; Frances White ; Mary Wilkins.
Kent 39, Beckenham, has been providing
orderlies and transport bearers at the Beckenham
hospitals, and doing much useful work. Motor-
cars have been very generously placed at Becken-
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 137
ham's disposal, and an ambulance wagon has been
purchased with local subscriptions.
Commandant — G. G. Fiddes.
Medical Officer — Dr. Giddings.
Quartermaster — George Baxter.
Section Leaders.— G. A. Piper ; F. W. Price ; E. W. Sears.
Members. — J. E. Adnams ; H. J. Allingham ; J. Allingham ;
A. M. Allison; E. Arnold; J. Bennett; W. S. Bolas ;
J. Britt ; J. Brown ; W. Burton ; J. J. Claydon ; H. T.
Collis; W. H. Dennis; L. B. Finch; H. Friend; E. G.
Gilmore ; H. Grenyer ; L. Hammacott ; T. Harris ; W.
Hatch ; W. R. Hawkins ; A. Ireland ; O. M. Kent ; G.
Knight; P. Knight; E. E. Laws; R. C. Lee; A. Malt-
house ; A. J. Malthouse ; W. E. Malthouse ; A. Mould ;
T. H. Oram ; F. J. Petri ; W. Russell ; A . J. Scutcher ;
H. W. Strike ; F. Thornton ; S. Thornton ; H. A. Tilbrook ;
W. Treagus ; E. Venables ; J. Welch ; H. Wordsley ;
T. Young.
Kent 41, Beckenham, is a new detachment
preparing itself for special work. Ten members
belong to the medical profession.
Commandant — Dr. Stilwell.
Medical Officer — Dr. Randell.
Pharmacist — Dr. Curtis.
Quartermaster — Dr. Trapnell.
Members.— D. K. Allen ; H. Austin ; /. Baker ; H. G. Bates ;
Dr. J. li. Bennett; Dr. H. B. Bolus; E. Collins ; Dr. A.
Colyer ; J. \V. Cox ; L. Crosdale ; H. Darby ; R. Davey ;
L. Deckers; A. G. Evans; H. E. Gotellier ; A. S. Gotts ;
\V. Gregory; F. A. Harrison; \V. J. Hatch; A. Hawkes,
L.D.s. ; C. Haywood; G. ll<r/.f eld ; Dr. J. E. Hewlett;
M. Houghton; C. H. Hunt; H. B. Jonos ; N. Kent; S.
Kingston; J>r. A. N. Leathern; G. Leo; C. Lidgey; F.
138 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Lintot ; J. H. Lowcock ; S. L. Martin ; F. Milligan ; S.
Moor ; D. Nottle ; A. E. Nunn, m.p.s. ; D. J. Penn ; J. H.
Redding ; S. B. Stenning ; S. Stebbing ; — Stoyle ; F. O.
Tindley; Dr. F. Todd; W. B. Trafford ; A. Wallace;
H. Warcup ; C. T. Watts ; E. Wedekind ; L. Whelpton ;
A. H. Wood.
Kent 42, Gravesend, was the latest effort of
the Gravesend detachments ; they had already
established two hospitals, one at All Hallows, the
other at the Yacht Club.
On October 15th, these being filled with Belgian
wounded, the long-disused Rosherville Hotel was
taken as a hospital and quickly filled up. Each of
the many rooms was allocated to a voluntary
worker, who was responsible for its furnishing,
and the hospital was completed without any call
being made upon any funds, local or county.
Since the opening of the hospital there has been a
steady flow of patients through the wards.
Under the skilled hands of the consulting
surgeon many surgical cases have been success-
fully dealt with in the small but perfectly appointed
operating theatre. A motor ambulance has been
added to the equipment. The nursing staff has
become most efficient. The Commandant has
charge of the transport work for the three big
centres of Gravesend, Chatham and Faversham ;
the distribution of wounded being undertaken by
Doctor Skinner for the first two groups, and Dr.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 139
Prideaux Selby for Faversham. Mr. W. R. Bruce-
Culver is the County Secretary for Kent.
Commandant — Edith Bruce-Culver.
Superintendent — Elizabeth Margaret Waterman.
Quartermaster — Irene Bingham Gadd.
Medical Officers — Drs. Charles Outred,
Charles Firth, Hubert Sells.
Chaplain — Rev. Samuel Poole, m.a.
Dentist — William Edmonds, l.d.s. eng.
Quartermaster (attached) — William Edward Clifford.
Secretary — Winifred Drayson.
President of Ladies' Association —
Helexa Westhorp.
Members. — Fanny Alcock ; Jessie Ashdown ; Rosalinde Baker ;
Nellie Beadle ; Dorothy Bailey ; Ellen Bentley ; Dorothea
Blake ; May Bond ; Ethel Brailsford ; Louisa Brinkman ;
Carrie Burleigh ; Caroline Carter ; Doris Cox ; Elsie Douglas ;
Sophie Dowker ; Margery Drayson ; Annie Elliot ; Hilda
Gadd ; Louisa Gibson ; Winifred Gould ; Edith Grandfield ;
Amy Green ; Mary Halford ; Ada Hills ; Marjorie Hopkins ;
Kathleen Horrigan ; Jessie Jones ; Fanny King ; Kato
Legge ; Madeline Legge ; Marion Lelean ; Alice Lott ;
Mary Mainwaring ; Kathleen Martin ; Eileen Mason ;
Florence Mason ; Kathleen Mason ; Mary Measures ; Monica
Mor/is ; Amy Mortlock ; Freda Nettleingham ; Olivo Orpin ;
Mary Pack ; Lucy Penrose ; Edith Porter ; May Price ;
Ethel Robinson ; Ruth Scriven ; Enid Sells ; Muriel Shuto ;
Kathleen Simmonds ; Mabel Solly ; Emily Stones ; Ellen
Stringer; A. Timson ; Annie Utting ; EffieUttinp; ; Florence
Walker; Edith Ward ; Dorothy Waring ; Emily Wellard ;
Evelyn Wheeler; Gertrude Whiting ; Francis Wicks ; May
Wicks; Mabel Williams; Ethel Winder; Susan Winder;
Mercy Wise; Dorothy Withers; Ivy Wn
Superintend? nt of Laundry. — Fanny Could.
Cook < v ndeni, — Grace Berry.
Steward. — Ethel Franci
Orderly Officer. — Doris Rowlstone.
140 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 43, Folkestone, was organised at the
commencement of the war as the " Civic Guard,"
instruction in infantry and stretcher drill being
given. In September the Guard became a men's
voluntary aid detachment.
A course of lectures on first aid was given by
Dr. Searle and practices were carried out.
The detachment was mobilised on October 14th,
and in conjunction with the fire brigade (of which
the Commandant is chief officer) has assisted the
R.A.M.C. with the transport of wounded soldiers
at Folkestone from hospital ships to all hospitals,
V.A.D., civil, and military. In this connection
Captain Brandreth Gibbs, Assistant County Direc-
tor for No. 5 Division, has rendered great assistance.
Commandant — Mr. H. O. Jones.
Medical Officer — Dr. P. G. Searle.
Quartermaster — Mr. W. C. Marsh.
Members.— F. E. G. Bailey ; W. B. Banks ; J. E. Black ; J.
Boorman ; A. Buttress ; A. J. Camburn ; R. Chambers
S. Chittenden ; W. W. Cladingbowl ; J. A. Clark ; H. V
Croucher ; J. F. Cunningham ; G. F. Davies ; J. H. Fox
W. J. Hall ; C. Hart ; E. J. A. Hart ; W. Hilder ; A. V
Hoad ; A. Howlett ; C. O. Humphrey ; H. F. Jackson
P. Laws ; L. W. May ; W. H. May ; A. L. McLaren ; J
Newble ; L. E. Owen ; R. W. Parfit ; L. Payne ; J. T
Poole ; A. E. Powell ; W. E. Saunders ; C. Simpson
E. H. Smith; J. Spencer; S. Stonham ; F. E. Tiddy
S. Tunbridge ; J. W. Walton ; F. Ward ; L. WeUs ; P. J.
Whitehead ; A. J. Whiting ; A. Woods ; F. Worsley.
Kent 44, Tonbridge, was organised in 1911.
On the declaration of war, emergency classes were
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 141
held, and working parties were formed, a room at
the Castle being lent by the Urban Council as a
depot. A finance committee, with Mrs. Cazalet,
Mrs. Goldsmid and Miss R. Turnbull as officers,
collected between £700 and £800 for hospital
work.
On October 15th the detachment was mobilised
and Quarry Hill House, lent by Mr. J. F. W.
Deacon, j.p., was ready for occupation by the
evening, and the first party of forty-seven wounded
Belgians was quickly installed the same night.
An operating theatre was fitted up by voluntary
contributions. The X-ray apparatus of the Ton-
bridge Cottage Hospital has been placed at the
disposal of the detachment.
The honorary medical staff consists of the whole
of the Tonbridge medical practitioners. The Red
Cross office, under the superintendence of Mrs.
Newton and Mrs. Furley, has been opened in the
High Street for the reception of gifts for the
hospital.
Commandant — Miss J. R. Taylor.
Medical Officer — Dr. Isaac Newton.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Topiiam.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Jukes.
Assist. Quartermaster — Miss (J. Pilditch.
Eon. Dentist— Mr. H.W. Th .
Members. — Daisy Beeching ; Hilda Beeeliinp ; Nellie Bceching;
Marjory I '.jl-im >!< I ; Mary Blaokden ; Eirene Bullen ; Flora
Campbell; Grace Clou l'U ; .Margaret Clough; Violet Collins ;
142 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kate Dain ; Mary Dain ; Blanche Evans ; Evelyn Gaimes ;
Lilla Germain ; Alicia Grice ; Mary Harmer ; Isabella
Henderson ; Margaret Henson ; May Hicks ; Agnes Howes ;
Cecilia Jaquet ; Edith Johnson ; Sybil Johnson ; Annie
Jukes ; Sarah Kirby ; Annie Kitchin ; Fadys Le Fleming ;
Margaret Lloyd ; Hilda McGeagh ; Ethel McNeil ; Bertha
Milner ; Jeannie Murray ; Kathleen Newton ; Mary Palin ;
Florence Peake ; Mary Pennell ; Constance Quin ; Minnie
Shaul ; Daisy Slight ; May Thyne ; Edith Topham ; Evelyn
Turnbull ; Ruth Turnbull ; Grace Venning ; Daisy Walton ;
Ivy Walton; Lilian White.
Kent 45, Chatham, is a newly formed men's
detachment of 48 members.
Commandant — Capt. C. D. Levy.
Medical Officer — Dr. G. Skinner.
Quartermaster — C. Link. Secretary — A. Williams.
Kent 45 (attached), Gillingham. The members
of the Fire Brigade have been keenly interested
and successful in ambulance work for many years.
Chief Officer Plewis holds the medal of the "Life
Saving Society of France," and acts as Secretary
to this new and alert detachment.
Commandant — George Peddle.
Medical Officer — Dr. E. C. Warren.
Quartermaster — Ernest C. Read.
Pharmacist — George William Kenney.
Section Leaders. — E. Annett ; E. P. Bines ; G. H. Hillisley ;
W. J. Young. Secretary. — W. Plewis.
Kent 46, Elham, was first initiated by Miss
Hordern, meetings for instruction and practice
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 143
being held. On the departure of Miss Hordern
from Elham in the spring of 1914 the present
Commandant took charge.
The detachment was mobilised on October 16th
and received instructions to prepare a hospital at
the Parish Room, offered rent free by the vicar, and
at the adjoining house, with a total accommodation
for fourteen patients. The furniture and beds
were lent by the inhabitants of Elham, and friends
at Barham contributed to the equipment, the
Elham organisation for the relief of the wounded
also supplying a large part. The vicar was respon-
sible for the firing and lighting of the Parish Room.
Invaluable help was given by the members of the
Elham Men's Fellowship.
On October 26th the first party of twelve
wounded Belgians arrived from the trenches.
Commandant — Miss Mabel S. Harris.
Medical Officer — Dr. Henderson.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Dennis.
Quartermaster — Miss Mercer.
Members. — Ruth Biron ; Emily Chandler ; Dorothy File ;
Elsie Gansby ; Elizabeth Gatehouse; Dorothy Gellatly j
Frances Hubble ; Louisa Jones ; Effie Meakin ; Monica
Mercer; Evelyn Moore Lane; Tina Palmer; Cicely Shep-
pard ; Susan Whitnull ; Georgette Williams.
Kent 17, Beceenham. Formed by Major
Bennett in February, 1915, to work in connection
144 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
with the Women's Detachment, No. 132, at
Brooklyn Hospital, Sydenham.
Commandant — Major Bennett, v.d.
Medical Officer — Dr. James Gilchrist.
Quartermaster — J. H. Hayes.
Pharmacist — A. B. Makepeace.
Members.— I. T. Baguley ; S. Baxter; F. Baxter; J. W.
Bennett ; W. M. Boag ; A. Brown ; C. T. Dalton ; F. C.
Deane; C. Edmonds; E. Garratt; A. Harwood; H. Hayes;
H. D. Jameson ; H. Jordan ; F. C. Kessell ; J. Parker ;
C. Short ; G. Small ; C. Tilliam ; J. Tilliam ; L. Webster.
Kent 48, Ashford. On the outbreak of war a
local Committee was called together to prepare for
emergencies and to collect funds (£320 was eventu-
ally received). The detachment started surgical
working parties, and prepared as a hospital the
Congregational schoolroom (lent by Rev. G. H.
Russell and his deacons) with accommodation for
forty beds. The small ward in this building was
opened on October 14th for sick Territorials, and
on October 22nd the first party of Belgians
arrived ; since then three more convoys of Bel-
gians have passed through the wards.
The work of the hospital has been chiefly amongst
the local troops, for whom no other hospital is
available. Over three hundred patients in all have
been treated. There are seventy members, includ-
ing three trained nurses.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 145
Mr. Fitz Hugh has charge of the important
transport work for the Ashford group of hospitals,
and sincere thanks are expressed to him for much
self-denying labour ; also to Mr. Gregg, of Kent 11,
who has acted as honorary steward ; and the
members of Kent 11 and 13 for help with night
orderly work. Also to Miss Pledge, of " Con-
tingent " K 48, for much- valued help.
Commandant — Mrs. I. M. Buckland.
Medical Officer — Dr. Colvtlle.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Coke.
Quartermaster — Miss Knock.
Assist. Quartermaster — Miss Thorpe.
Members. — Madge Adams ; Margaret Avery ; Dora Bailey ;
Kathleen Bailey ; Vera Baker ; Violet Barker ; Naomi
Bates ; Dorothy Bennett ; Olivia Broadbank ; Annie
Burrows ; Violet Catchpole ; Augusta Chantler ; Christina
Chapman ; Ethel Chapman ; Violet Checksfield ; Frances
Mary Clapson ; Hilda Cooper ; Gladys Cox ; Ada Crux ;
Nance Daniel ; Nellie Davis ; Marie Do Luze ; Carey Down ;
Irene Down ; Katherino Down ; Victoria Down ; Frances
Edwards-Ker (Trained Nurse) ; Constance Elliot ; Julia
Fenn ; Madeline Halloran ; Bridget Jemmett ; Mary
J i tinings ; Elsie Kingsford ; Evelyn Kingsf ord ; Hilda
Kingsnorth ; Katherine Leigh Pemberton ; May Loigh
Pemberton ; Mary Lewis ; Ethel Luckhurst ; Dorothy
Mallion ; Jessie Morton ; Norah Morton ; Dorothy Neal ;
Marjorio Oakley; Margaret Oliver; May Pickering; Ellin
Pullen ; Lily Quested ; Elizabeth Quick ; Laura Shingleton ;
Raohe] Shorter; Kate Skelton (Trained Nurse); —
Standen ; Kate Tapley ; Edith Wellard.
K
146 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Recruits. — Dorothy Beaney ; Katharine Beck ; Dorothy Butler ;
Gertrude May Caffeyn ; Kathleen Margaret Creery ; Nellie
Godden ; — Norie ; Edith Porter ; Ida Scott ; Mildred
Scott ; Alberta Treadwell ; Elizabeth Laura Treadwell ;
Ethel Waters ; Madge Wickham ; Bertha Williams ; Irene
Wind ; Muriel Gertrude Winthrop.
Kent 50, Bromley Common, Keston and
Hayes, was started in 1912.
In the previous year Lady Lubbock arranged
classes in Red Cross work at her house, and it was
at these classes that the older members qualified.
At the outbreak of war the detachment worked
for a time at the Bromley Cottage Hospital.
Mobilisation took place on October 13th, 1914,
and most of the beds were occupied by Belgian
soldiers on the following day.
There are three hospitals under the care of this
detachment :
1. Bloomfield Road, Bromley Common, kindly
lent by the trustees of the Primitive Methodist
Schools, with twenty-five beds.
2. "The Rookery," Bromley Common, where
Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Norman are kindly lending
three large rooms with eighteen beds.
3. " Lodore," Mason's Hill, where Mr. and Mrs.
Hennah take in seven patients, free of all expense.
The detachment has received much willing help
and many useful gifts, including a number of
valuable instruments for surgical work.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 147
Thanks to the further generosity of Mr. A. C.
Norman a new large hospital with an operating
theatre and fifty beds has been opened at
" Oakley " in place of the present main building.
There is at this hospital an installation for hot-
air treatment for joint diseases ; also a complete
equipment for electrical massage.
The honorary consulting surgeons are Frank
Kidd, Esq., f.r.c.s., Richard Warren, Esq., f.r.c.s.,
Lewis Smith, Esq., m.d., and Dr. Daley, anaes-
thetist, the surgeons and physicians respectively
of the London Hospital.
The kitchen arrangements are directed by
Mrs. Harris, head cook, Mrs. Craster and Miss
Cooling. Very valuable assistance with the
accounts has been rendered by Mr. Gilliard.
Two hundred and forty patients have passed
through the hospitals.
Commandant — Miss Madge Boosey.
Medical Officer — Dr. Chaster.
Lady Superintendent — Miss A. Sandle.
Quartermaster — Miss M. Clowes.
Assist. Quartermaster — Miss R. Lubbock.
Members. — Cortrudo Allen; May Anderson; Gertrude Atkin-
son ; Enid Boosey ; Sarah Clifford ; Kate Cooling ; Mary
( raster; Marian Dann ; Cicely Dodgson ; Laura Fox;
Rosa Garrard; l\;it. (hirrard; Catherine Harris; Louisa
Haw kings ; Nellie Hoathcote ; Amy Hutchinson; Edith
Lawrence; Hilda Lubbook ; Dorothy Lubbock; Mildred
Lubbock; Madeline Lenox Conyngham; Edith Memess ;
148 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Hilda Murphy ; Mary Norman ; Virginia Norman ; Doris
Potter ; Beryl Ritter ; Gertrude Sandle ; Elizabeth Slessor ;
Sarah Smith ; Barbara Stiles ; Elsie Trevor ; Mary Tucker ;
Irene Wheeler-Bennett ; Grace Wood ; Leiia Wright.
Kent 52, Bromley. The members of this
detachment — the earliest formed in Bromley —
have been actively engaged since 1910, and upon
the outbreak of war in August, 1914, well-thought-
out preparations were made by the Commandant
for equipping a hospital.
When, therefore, the dual order to mobilise and
prepare a hospital was received, the Masonic Hall,
previously promised by the Directors, became the
centre of the detachment's activities.
Within half an hour about two dozen members
paraded, some of whom were dispatched to collect
equipment which various friends had promised,
and for this purpose Mr. George Pyrke of High
Street, Bromley, kindly lent a motor-van.
By 2 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14th, the
members were to be seen scrubbing the floors and
putting up the beds. Before 12 noon twenty-seven
beds were ready, and three hours later these were
occupied by wounded Belgian soldiers.
Thus the hall, which would otherwise have been
the scene of an important Masonic gathering^that
evening, was transformed into a hospital, showing
the sad and cruel results of modern warfare.
Steps were taken for equipping two extra
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 149
wards ; storerooms, an operating theatre, have been
arranged, and the accommodation is now complete
for forty-seven patients. In addition to the main
hospital several important annexes have been
available through the generosity of neighbouring
residents, as follows :
Mr. T. C. Dewey, in addition to entirely pro-
viding in the Cottage Hospital the ward which
bears his name, has arranged the pavilion in his
garden as two splendid wards, capable of taking
twelve patients. Miss Davies and Miss Larkin
are in charge.
Mr. A. H. K. Squire gave up the greater part
of his residence, " Whitegarth," for the recep-
tion of fourteen patients, and Mrs. Squire, with the
assistance of other ladies, generously provided
for the wounded under care at this hospital.
Mr. Coles Child gave up part of Bromley
Palace, his residence, and Mrs. Coles Child and
her daughters undertook the nursing of eight
patients during the rush in the earlier days.
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Rogers have entirely pro-
vided twelve beds at their house, " Langley
Wood," and have been most kind and successful
in their elf oils.
Mr. and Mrs. P. Boyd have also unselfishly
given up a pari of their house at 21 Holwood
Road and have continuously cared for twelve
patients.
150 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Keif have kindly supplied
four beds at No. 88 Hayes Road.
The detachment is greatly indebted to the Lady
Superintendent, Miss Ada Boss, for the valuable
services which she has freely and unsparingly given
at all times of the day and night ; also to Mrs.
Whittle and her band of workers for self-denying
duty in the kitchens. Best thanks are expressed
to Mr. Temple West and to Mrs. Peill for much
kindly consideration of the patients' needs.
Commandant — Miss Ethel A. Coad.
Medical Officer — Dr. R. Montgomery.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Ada Boss.
Quartermaster — Mrs. J. H. Yolland.
Members. — Margaret Anderson ; Norah Atkinson ; Marjory
Best ; Dorothy Bradshaw ; Joan Cardwell ; Zoe Carey ;
Doris Carr ; Audrey Coles Child ; Florence Covell ; Edith
Darby ; Irene Doxford ; Helen Durbridge ; Kathleen Ellis ;
Marjory Ellis ; Gwendolen Evans ; Evelyn Fischer ; Lily
Gunton ; Lucy Hall ; Minnie Hawkings ; Nellie Heaysman ;
Helen Hemus ; Lucy Jenyns ; Louisa Larkins ; Mary
Lewis ; Florence Milloy ; Norah Myers ; Agatha Nicholson ;
Margaret Nicholson ; Ethel Payne ; Emily Peill ; Elsie
Pope ; Dora Prechtel ; Winifred Quelch ; Louise Rayden ;
Hilda Rogers ; Irene Rogers ; Louise Rossell ; Stella
Sanderson ; Eleanor Satherthwaite ; Bessie Silver ; Doris
Slipper ; Kathleen Thompson ; Dorothy Tilling ; Annie
Walters ; Edith Walthew ; Grace Weller ; Amy Whittle ;
Gertrude Whittle ; Hilda Wilkins ; Roma Wood.
Elstree Hospital, Bromley, is worked in connec-
tion with Kent 52.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 151
After " Whitegarth " was given up, Mr. Medcalf
generously offered " Elstree," a beautifully situated
house near by. Here a first-class hospital, com-
plete in every detail, has been formed. There are
twenty-three beds and a fully-equipped operating
theatre.
The hospital is managed by a committee :
Messrs. C. Shaw Lovell, Chairman ; E. W. Tilling ;
W. Howard Wood ; T. Durbridge, Junr. ; A. H. K.
Squire ; W. Sommerville ; Egerton C. Lovell ;
Ernest Durbridge, Treasurer ; Bertram Hellyer,
Secretary.
The staff consists of Colonel D'Arcy Power,
Honorary Consulting Surgeon ; Dr. Alfred E.
Price, Honorary Medical Officer ; Miss Holmes,
the sister in charge ; Miss Sparkes, the night
nurse ; assisted by Mrs. Ernest Durbridge, Mrs.
Bertram Hellyer, Mrs. Egerton Lovell, Mrs. Edward
Medcalf, Mrs. Sommerville, Mrs. Squire, Mrs.
Tilling, and Mrs. Howard Wood, forming the
Ladies' Committee ; also Miss Dorothy Bartrum,
Miss Eleanor Bruce, Mrs. George Codd, Miss Mar-
guerite Cuneo, Miss Florence Durbridge, Mrs.
Hubert Faber, Mrs. Vernon Lovell, Mrs. Ernest
Potter, Miss Isabel Potter, Miss Marian Tatham,
and Mrs. Thorpe.
Kent 54, Bromley, came into being j u March,
1912, and ;il once frequent meetings were started
152 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
for instruction in Red Cross work, many members
being able to gain practical experience in nursing
in the wards of the Marylebone Infirmary and the
Bromley Cottage Hospital. Field days were held,
and the camps at Heme and Rolvenden were well
attended.
On October 14th, at 2 a.m., a message was re-
ceived to prepare accommodation for wounded,
and St. Mary's Church Hall, kindly lent by Rev.
W. Gowans and his Church Hall Committee, was
quickly prepared as a V.A.D. hospital.
Alderman G. Weeks installed a bath, and geysers
were lent by the S. Suburban Gas Co. Vans, kindly
lent by Messrs. Soans and Son and Humerston and
Co., collected equipment promised by friends, and
by 12 noon the wards were cleaned, furnished, and
were ready to receive the first convoy of wounded.
In two days the number of patients had risen to
sixty-five.
Apart from the care and skill bestowed on the
patients by the late Medical Officer, Dr. Cyril Uott
(who has now taken up Army medical duties), the
sisters and members, the food is all cooked by
voluntary members on the premises.
An excellent operating theatre has been installed,
owing to the generosity of friends, with an opera-
ting table and high-pressure steriliser.
A long verandah has been given and erected,
and motor owners have freely given the use of
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 153
their cars. They have also conveyed the patients
to London for the special treatment kindly
accorded by Dr. Gustave Hamel.
In the earlier stages of the war Mrs. Loly most
generously furnished Quernmore School Infirmary
as an extra hospital, and still holds the same fully
prepared in case of future emergencies. It is only
just to record that much valuable assistance has
been given to this detachment by Colonel Lewin.
Commandant — Mrs. Lewin.
Medical Officers — Dr. A. C. Haslam,
Dr. Herbert Ilott, Dr. Henshaw.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Noakes.
Quartermaster — Miss D. Tweedy.
Members. — Dorothy Addiscott ; Ella Addiscott ; Winifred
Addiscott ; Annie Airey ; Alice Alston ; Enid Atkinson ;
Gladys Bourner ; Rene Bourner ; Ruth Buck ; May
Grant Burls ; Harriet M. Carlyon ; Nellie Cave ; Zoe
Cave ; Estelle Clarke ; Ella Cossins ; Ethel Cowen ; Ger-
trude Dale ; Millie Darby ; Henrietta Denney ; Mary
Draper ; Adeline Edwards ; Dorothy Elliott ; Ethel Ell-
man ; E. A. Findlay ; Elise Flint ; Marjorie Forman ;
Dorothy France ; Joyce Gayford ; Violet Gibbs ; Christiania
Greenhill ; G. M. L. Griffith ; Joan Hay ; Dorothy Hen-
wood ; Ethel Henwood ; Marjorie Henwood ; Edith Holtom ;
Dorothea Lewin ; Mary March ; Kate Marlow ; Vera Mead ;
Grace Moger ; Maude Moore ; Hilda Munday ; Emily
Parr ; Eva Poachey ; Mabel Peachey ; Helen Porteous ;
Norah Ransom; Violet Richardson; Ruth Richardson;
Mabel Ridley; Maud Sharp; Mary Sketcldey ; Kathloen
Btahlsohinidt ; Marjorie Stokes; Ivy Sutton; Edith
Trimmer; Gertrude Vascy ; Marjorio Woyman ; Nellio
Wilson.
Kent 54 (attached), Siiortlands. The Parish
154 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Room, Shortlands, was opened on October 22nd,
1914, as a hospital. The staff is drawn from ladies
of the neighbourhood who had previously passed
their examinations, and is under the charge of
Nurse Hooper. Local ladies worked hard to pre-
pare the hospital, and the residents have freely
sent gifts both in money and kind.
Commandant and Medical Officer —
Dr. Hawke.
Lady Superintendent — Miss F. Bonner.
Quartermasters —
Mrs. Hawke and Mrs. Stahlschmidt.
Members. — Mabel Cohen ; Madge Eglington ; Lavinia Evelyn-
Jones ; Iris Gill ; Margaret Grantham ; Mary Harley-
Thomas ; Evelyn Hewetson ; Mabel Klaber ; Eileen
Lanham ; Kathleen Lloyd ; Susan Mackie ; Constance
Payne ; Edith Scobell ; Annie Stubbs ; Evelyn Taylor ;
Florence Temple ; Lilian Walker.
Kent 56, Sevenoaks, was first formed by the
Honourable Victoria Sackville West. Early in
1913 the detachment had outgrown its capacity
and was divided, Kent 76 then being formed
under Mrs. Hilder.
Later in the same year Miss Sackville West
resigned and the present Commandant took charge.
In August, 1914, the detachment increased its
activities, and on October 14th mobilisation orders
were received. St. John's Sunday School room was
quickly prepared as a hospital, and the first convoy
of Belgian wounded was installed.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 155
The hospital has room for fifty cases, and an
operating theatre has been fitted up.
Many valuable gifts have been received from
Lady Sackville, Mr. Robert Mond, and many
others.
Commandant — Miss Aurea Lambarde.
Medical Officer — Dr. Sterry.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse Dunn.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Smithers.
Members. — Elinor Baddeley ; Queenie Battiscombe ; Ruby
Battiscombe ; Violet Battiscombe ; Agnes Beake ; Mary
Boyd ; Marjorie Campbell ; Lisa Carnell ; Marjorie Craw-
ford ; Gulielma Deane ; Fanny Dodd ; Elfrida Dunkerley ;
Jessie Ellman ; Beatrice Evans ; Evelyn Fawcett ; Em-
meline Gibson ; Adeline Harmer ; Mabel Kraftmeier ;
Helen Laurie ; Emily Loveland ; Marjorie Pittar ; Olive
Rubens ; Lilian Sills ; Margaret Sills ; Mollie Smithers ;
Constance Stamp ; Lilian Swanzy ; Delia Tiemey ; Ethel
Whebby ; Joyce Wright.
Kent 58, Chevening, was formed four years
ago. The hospital was opened on October 14th,
when thirty Belgians were admitted. There were
then two buildings in use, Chipstead Mission Hall
and Chipstead Place, lent by Mr. Duvecn for
three months. Resides men from overseas, local
troops have been admit ted.
Generous gifts have been received, support
coming even from Australia and America. The
regular staff has been greatly increased. Much
valuable assistance has been received from am-
bulance men. As Chipstead Place is now closed
156 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
there is only one ward of thirty-two beds, but a
kind anonymous friend of the hospital is having
an annexe built to the Mission Hall which will
greatly augment the accommodation.
Commandant — Miss Beryl Hall-Hall.
Vice-Commandant — Ethel Voelcker.
Medical Officer — Dr. J. F. Alexander.
Assistant Medical Officer — Dr. Macartney.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse Bevan.
Quartermaster — A. Shilbeck.
Assistant Quartermaster — Cara Hall-Hall.
Sisters — Beavan, M. Da vies, Stevens.
Nurses and Nursing Orderlies. — Elizabeth Ansell ; B. Auckorn ;
Norah Arnott ; Sarah Breething ; Elizabeth Booker ; Mary
Burfoot ; Florence Campell ; Annie Clarke ; Alice Conell ;
Florence Carter ; E. Dark ; Florence Drake ; Phyllis
Detelebach ; Ethel Gold ; Isabella Gold ; Ethel Glazier ;
Annie Hamlin ; Claretta King ; Muriel King ; Faith
Laurence ; Phyllis Meyerstein ; Enid Mort ; Dorothy
Punter ; Helen Riall ; Nellie Smith ; Winifred Smythe ;
Toy Snartt ; Beatrice Turnell ; Cicely Wreford ; Frances
Wreford ; Kathleen Wreford ; Diana Wreford ; Gertrude
White.
Kitchen Staff. Bashford ; A. Cole ; Mildred Costen ; — Dark
Helen Dumere ; Joan Dumere ; — Flint ; De C. Godfrey
— Hubble ; Joan Hounsome ; Emily Jackson ; — Jobson
Norah King ; Jane Lewis ; Margaret Mort ; D. Peters
— Pinher ; Elizabeth Polhill-Drabble ; — Rocheling ,
— Rogers ; Dorothy Rayner ; Alice Scott ; Caroline
Stocking ; — Smith ; — Waller ; J. Waller.
Assistant Night Nurses. Bichley and — Carrie-Smith.
Permanent Orderly. — J. Robson.
R.A.M.O. Orderlies. Farrell ; — Shard ; — Savage.
Scouts from Dunton Green and Brasted.
Kent 60, Chislehurst. In May, 1912, a
meeting was called by Dr. Allan, to consider the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 157
advisability of forming a voluntary aid detachment
in the neighbourhood, and Kent 60 was the out-
come, with Miss Alston as Commandant. Miss
Alston resigned in the following September, and
the present Commandant took charge.
In the Yolland shield competition of 1913 the
detachment gained over 90 per cent marks, and was
awarded a prize stretcher ; while during the 1914
camp the composite detachment, of which Kent 60
formed a part, won the silver challenge bowl.
Throughout August and September, 1914, the
detachment worked hard to prepare the necessary
equipment for a hospital, and members were able
to gain some practical experience at the local civil
hospital.
Orders to mobilise were received at midnight
on October 13th, and Christ Church Hall with
twenty-five beds was ready for occupation by
6 a.m. the next day. The first convoy of thirty-
three Belgians was received at 9 a.m., the slighter
cases being sent to " Coed Bel," where Miss Fox
kindly lent the sanatorium with eight beds.
Mrs. Gibson acted as trained nurse by day and
Miss Gibson by night. After two days instructions
were received to prepare for more patients, and
Abbey Lodge was equipped as a hospital ; the
second convoy of thirty Belgians arriving on
October 17th.
The initial difficulties of preparing this hospital
158 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
were great, as the house had been long empty, but
it is specially adapted for its present use as it is
built on institutional lines.
Dr. Brennan performed much excellent work at
the outset of affairs.
The services of Sister Treasure and Nurse North
have been much appreciated.
Christ Church Hospital was moved to " Brook-
lyn," lent by Mr. Acton Garle, during the winter.
The late Mr. William Willett was instrumental
in obtaining the use of Abbey Lodge for a year
rent free from Mr. Erskine of Ryde. The Rev.
G. H. Pole gave his Parish Room at great incon-
venience, and Mr. George Croll has been most
generous and has taken unfailing interest in the
hospital, while Mr. Straus has kindly helped with
the accounts. The residents of Chislehurst have
helped considerably with contributions. Two
hundred and forty-nine patients have been cared
for in the hospitals.
Commandant — Miss Beatrix Batten.
Medical Officer — Dr. Allan.
Deputy Medical Officer — Dr. Laws on.
Quartermaster — Miss L. Pole.
Members. — Theodora Adamson ; Winifred Alston ; Dorothy
Batten ; Margaret Cadell ; Evaline Clark ; Elsie Doran ;
Elizabeth Fanner ; Ellen Dorothy Forest ; Doris Greeff ;
Grace Greengrass ; Janet Joyce ; Lilian Knight ; Lucy A.
Maccall ; Annie O'Brien ; Honor O'Brien ; Luisa Page ;
Marjorie Pattisson ; Gladys Pole ; Hilda Pole ; Muriel Pole ;
Ellen Pott ; Elaine Powell ; Kathleen Powell ; May Rena
Wilson.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 159
Supernumeraries. — Dagmar Bennett ; Eileen Bennett ; Mrs.
Good ; Suzanne Good ; Dora Howard ; Edith Margetson ;
Agnes Mc Farlane ; Edith Murton ; Agnes Paterson ;
Dorothy Payne ; Marian de Quincey ; Doris Search ;
Dorothy Warrington ; Norah Webb ; Jessie Whyte ; Mar-
jorie Whyte.
Kent 62, Sidcup, was started in 1912 on the
initiative of Dr. George Davis.
On the declaration of war the officers of the
Congregational Church, Sidcup, freely offered
their lecture hall and school premises to be arranged
as a hospital to contain thirty-four beds in three
wards. The whole of the furniture was lent
locally, and a generous gift of equipment was
received from the Working Guild of the Congrega-
tional Church. Six trained nurses have given
their services voluntarily.
A fourth ward has now been added, by the kind-
ness of the W T esleyan Church in lending their
school premises, to hold sixteen beds, bringing the
total up to fifty.
Dr. Davis having gone to the front, the present
Medical OHicer has been appointed.
Commandant — Mrs. Reed.
Medical Officer— Du. T. D. Miller.
Lady Superintendent— Miss Finch.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Dawbarn.
Members. — Gladys Anderson; Violet Anderson; Annie Atkin-
son ; Alexandra Balls ; Ada Beale ; Elorenco Bcale ; Lizzio
160 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Braund ; Rose Callender ; Edith Chiltern ; Minnie Close ;
Marion Cross ; George Dalton ; Rosa Dalton ; Edith David-
son ; Eleanor Davis ; Amys Easten ; Leila Eley ; Evelyn
Elliott ; Florence Farnneld ; Marjory Fletcher ; Isabel
Foster ; Theresa Foster ; Jessie Harries ; Audrey Hewitt ;
Mary Horten ; Maud Jenkins ; Emily Membrey ; Amy
Millard ; Mary Palmer ; Florence Parsons ; Dulcie Rack-
ham ; Joyce Rayment ; Madge Ross ; Mildred Rowbotham ;
Carrie Snelling ; Dorothy Stevenson ; Amy Townend ;
Mary Wells ; Elsie Wilkinson ; Winifred Wilkinson ;
GwenthlHan Williams ; Agnes Woodcock ; Elsie Young.
Kent 64, Westgate, was formed in 1912.
Mobilised on October 14th, 1914, fifty-two Belgian
soldiers were received in the early morning of the
following day at Quex Park, Birchington, the
private residence of Major and Mrs. Powell-
Cotton.
On November 4th the detachment moved to
" High Beach," Westgate, taking with them the
wounded then under treatment. This house, then
standing empty, was lent by the trustees of the
late Mrs. du Pre Thornton as a temporary hospital,
with accommodation for forty-seven patients.
The whole of the equipment was provided by the
people of the neighbourhood.
A local fund subscribed in the neighbourhood
was placed at the disposal of the detachment with
a representative Committee to control it.
On January 5th the Medical Officer, Dr. Ruther -
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 161
ford, joined the R.A.M.C., and the present Medical
Officer was appointed.
Commandant — Mrs. Staveley.
Medical Officer — Dr. Heaton.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Kennedy.
Quartermaster — Miss Cowl-Payne.
Members.— Fanny Burchell ; Agnes Cazalet ; Constance Cowl-
Payne ; Ethel Cross ; Vyvyan Davies ; Ada Grant ; Dorothy
Hubbard ; Florence Ingram ; Hilda Ingram ; Mary Isted ;
Ada Kennedy ; Muriel Klaber ; Eveline Knowles ; Mary
Muncey ; Aline North ; Ella Rogers ; May Rogers ; Ada
Rowe ; Ethel Stringer ; Ethel Sugden ; Bessie Teetgen ;
Agnes Towers ; Ethel Wright.
Kent 66, Chislehurst. In July, 1913, the
Chislehurst detachment had become so large that
it was thought desirable that two detachments
should be made, and No. 66 was then formed.
Much work had been done in obtaining promises
of the loan of houses and equipment, and the lists
were fortunately so complete that on mobilisation
everything was ready. Late on October 13th the
detachment was called up ; Holbrook House was
taken over, scrubbed and fitted up complete as a
hospital with thirty-five beds by 5 a.m. At 9 a.m.
thirty-five Belgians were received. On October 16th
orders were given to prepare another hospital, and
Hornbrook House was equipped with accommoda-
tion for fifty patients, mid by the 26th the two
hospitals contained ninety-three patients. Since
then the hospitals have undergone many improve-
162 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
ments, thanks to a host of friends, including the
fitting up of a splendid modern operating theatre
with a large steriliser.
Friends have freely offered their motors for
transport from the station to the hospital. A
constant flow of wounded and sick, including men
from the Expeditionary Force, has passed through
the wards. The Medical Officer has charge jointly
with Dr. Sterry of the No. 1 Division of Kent, and
much is due to his energy and ability.
Commandant — Mrs. Allan.
Medical Officer — Dr. Allan.
Lady Superintendent — Miss E. Hunter.
Quartermaster— Miss M. Villiers.
Members. — Gladys Allen ; Lorna Battiscombe ; Margaret
Battiscombe ; Elsie Bosworth ; Sylvia Bosworth ; Nurse
Bush ; Elsie Christopher ; Annie Clarke ; Louisa Dennis ;
Kate Dixon ; Maude Dixon ; Mabel Dixon ; Jane Eade ;
Nurse Foster ; Emily Garrett ; Gwen George ; Mary Groom-
bridge ; Aleen Heber-Percy ; Janet James ; Viscountess
Edith Kerckhove ; Edith Kerckhove ; Rosita Kerckhove ;
Iris King ; Vera King ; Nurse Meech ; Margaret Mens ;
Louisa Mudd ; Elsie Nash ; Isabel Nevill ; Dorothy
Nicolls ; Florence Nightingale ; Helen Oldendorff ; Agnes
Ousley ; Grace Pierce ; Margaret Pinyon ; Mary Pudsey
Bridget Robinson ; Jessie Sicklemore ; Lucia Slade
Winifred Thompson ; Sophie Tiarks ; Florence Turner
Bessie Turner ; Evelyn Tylor ; Mary Watson ; Winifred
Whitehead.
Bath Orderly. — Louis Bayman.
Kent 68, Sittingbourne, was formed in 1911
by Colonel Honeyball in conjunction with a com-
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 163
mittee, of which the Earl of Westmorland was
president. On mobilisation the detachment opened
the Red Cross hospital in a house lent by Mr. G. H.
Dean of Sittingbourne, and has done excellent
work since.
Commandant — Mrs. Honeyball.
Medical Officers —
Drs. Burford Taylor, C. Ind, G. Taunton.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Seal.
Quartermaster — Miss Ost.
Members. — Bertha Andrews ; Maud Baker ; Maud Beriff ; Rose
Boucher ; Annie Boulding ; Constance Bullen ; Edith Chesson ;
Dorothy Chrisfield ; Victoria Christmas ; Maud Clinch ;
Winifred Creagh ; Mary Cremer ; Lily Curry ; Lilian
Doubleday ; Lily Fry ; Bertha Gardiner ; Dorothy Gardner ;
Kate Gates ; Maud Giles ; Frances Goodhew ; Maud
Goodhew ; Gladys Grant ; Nora Green ; Dorothy Gunnell ;
Jane Holdstock ; Alice Leigh-Pemberton ; Carrie Luck-
hurst ; Laura Meers ; Mary Millen ; Bertha Nicholls ;
Ellen Ost ; Ellen Palmer ; Florence Palmer ; Ethel Pliil-
potts ; Ellen Reeves ; Hilda Reynolds ; Esther Ricconimi ;
Charlotte Robinson ; Agnes Roper ; Dorothy Scoones ;
Julia Scoones ; Edith Stanley ; Olivet Stanton ; Netty
Stuart ; Mary Tagert ; Henrietta Tarrant ; Josephine
Tarrant ; Vera Tarrant ; Mary Taunton ; Edith Waddeys ;
Agnes Watts.
Kent 70, Canterbury, was started in 1912 by
Miss M. C. Waterfield, through the St. John
Ambulance Association. In May, 1914-, the
detachment became so large that it was divided,
Miss Wemyss being made Commandant of the
second half, known as Kent loo V.A.D.
164 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
From the beginning of August, 1914, members
worked in the Kent and Canterbury Hospital,
both in the wards and in the operating theatre.
The two detachments, on the outbreak of war,
started to prepare a hospital. St. Augustine's
College was lent them, and a Red Cross committee
was formed to supply funds. On August 11th
patients from the local troops were received, but
at the commencement of term the College had to
be vacated.
Fortunately the detachments were lent two
houses, Dane John House by the executors of
Miss Wight wick and "Abbotts Barton" by Mr.
Bennett Goldney, M.P. for Canterbury. Kent 70
took charge of the first, and Kent 100 took over
"Abbotts Barton."
Mobilised on September 19th, the two hospitals
were quickly got ready, and patients from the
Front were admitted.
Dane John House, in addition to receiving
wounded from the Front, has acted as a receiving
hospital for the 1st and 3rd West Lancashire Field
Ambulance.
Four hundred and forty-eight patients have
passed through the two hospitals.
Many kind presents and loans for the equipment
and upkeep of the two hospitals have been received.
The first sister-in-charge, Miss Williams, went
through the South African War and was afterwards
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 165
at Woolwich. She was appointed to the Hospital
Ship " St. Patrick " in April, 1915.
Commandant — Miss M. C. Waterfield.
Medical Officer — Dr. E. D. Whitehead Reid.
Lady Superintendent — Miss G. Dodgson.
Quartermaster — Miss A. A. Russell.
Members. — Caroline Helena Allardyce ; Dorothy Helen Bellars ;
Florence Bignell ; Margaret Blundell ; Dorothy Louisa Joan
Bremner ; Florence Carter ; Maud Cattell ; Maude Cle-
ments ; Ethel Kate Cook ; Hilda Court ; Florence Davies ;
Kate Denne ; Mabel Denne ; Bertha Elliott ; Cristina
Goulden ; Elizabeth Gunn ; Dorothy Honeyball ; Dorothy
Ann Hunt ; Winifred Hunt ; Alice Fredrica Kennedy
Frances Stephanie Kennett ; Dorothy Ivy Kimpton
Amy Leathers ; Eliza Marshall ; Alice Maud Mason
Gertrude Maxted ; Margaret Maxted ; Leslie Mitchell
Edith Nash ; Phyllis Nelson ; Beatrice Muriel Norton
Dora Pettit ; Stella Pettit ; Mabel Pittock ; Annie Reay
Cecil Russell ; Joan Russell ; Mabel Slater ; Edith Spicer
Louisa Spinner ; Hyacinth Staple ; G. Sutton ; Bertha
Terry ; Elena de Vial ; Noel Westbury ; Helen Mary
Williams ; Stella Marion Wills.
Kent 72, Sittingbourne, was started in 1912,
and the members earnestly prepared themselves
Tor future emergencies.
At the outbreak of war subscriptions were col-
lected, and Trinity Hall, Sittingbourne, was
kindly offered by the Rev. C. Eyre Kidson. The
detachment was mobilised on October 14th, 1914,
and quickly prepared the hall as a hospital.
Loans and gifts of equipment in abundance were
offered.
166 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
One hundred and eighty patients have been
treated in the hospital. The Medical Officer is
Assistant County Director for No. 4 Division of
Kent, and has charge also of the distribution of
patients when convoys arrive at Sittingbourne
Station.
Commandant — Mrs. Prideaux Selby.
Medical Officer — Dr. Prideaux Selby.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Henderson.
Quartermaster — Miss H. Webster.
Members. — Jessie Apperley ; Beatrice Ayres ; Annie Barling ;
Frances Bowles ; Maud Brightman ; Edith Colt-Williams ;
Maud Colthup ; Ada Dalton ; Flora Dean ; Maud Dixon ;
Elsie Entiknap ; Barbara Filmer ; Edith Filmer ; Winifred
Gascoyne ; Annie George ; Amy Gibbings ; Rosa Goodwin ;
Ellen Hales ; Madge Hallett ; Clara Harvey ; Fanny
Houghton ; Hilda Jarvis ; Lucy Jarvis ; Isabel Jones ;
Beatrice Julian ; Winifred Lefevre ; Elsie Mackenzie ; Jean
Menter ; Lily Nix ; Millie de Pass ; Norah Pillow ; Winifred
Piper ; Anna Potts ; Mary Prentis ; Alice Purton ; Gladys
Seager ; Joan Selby ; Isabel Sergent ; Cecilia Sewell ;
Elizabeth Street ; Dorothy Strouts ; Helen Thomson ;
Eleanor Toulmin ; Annie Vallance ; Bertha Vallance ;
Nora Watson ; Mary Wright.
Kent 74, Speldhurst. Bidborough Court,
then standing empty, was placed at the disposal
of Kent 74 by Mr. H. J. Wood, and on mobilisation
was quickly transformed into a model temporary
hospital.
The first call, on Sunday, October 25th, 1914,
would have tested the efficiency of a much more
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 167
experienced staff, for thirty Belgians were sent at
the shortest notice direct from the trenches at
Dixmude ; but everything was ready, and all was
carried through without a hitch, the Speldhurst
Men's Bearer Squad rendering most useful assist-
ance.
Commandant — Miss K. Pott.
Medical Officer — Dr. Hesketh Biggs.
Lady Superintendent — Miss A. Pumphrey.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Taylor Marsh.
Members. — Jane Allan ; Muriel Apperly ; Kathleen Bartram ;
Julia Belcher ; Dorothy Colley ; Adeline Collins ; Nora
Cowley ; Norah Dundas ; Hilda Field ; Idaberga Fooks ;
Ursula Hills ; Brenda Hopkins ; Griselda Kirk ; May Kirk ;
Lisette Lee ; Girlie Lucas ; Henrietta Martin ; Nancy
Mason ; Theo Nicholson ; Mary Phillpotts ; Evelyn Pott ;
Edith Pulley ; Bertha Silverthorne ; Hannah Stone ; Nora
Sweetnam ; Ethel Talbot ; Margery Taylor ; Phyllis
Tindall ; Doris Walter ; Elsie Warner ; Joy Williams ;
Annslee Winton.
Kent 76, Sevenoaks. From January of 1912
this detachment has been in full swing.
Sevenoaks being a centre for troops, it was
decided on September 18th, 1914, to open for the
use of the R. West Kent Territorials a ward in the
Cornwall Hall. On October 14th this small effort
was greatly enlarged, the whole hospital being
opened, on notification of the arrival of forty-three
wounded Belgians; and on November 24th the
first convoy of men from the Expeditionary Force
was received. Sonic of these soldiers were ap-
168 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
parently incurable cases, but all have been returned
fit for service.
At the beginning of the new year, with the
consent of the V.A.D. authorities, the hospital was
taken over as a military base hospital for the
2nd West Lancashire Field Ambulance. Since the
beginning the work has been carried on most
successfully, 221 cases having been dealt with,
including a second convoy from the firing line.
The hospital is staffed by thirty V.A.D. members,
four trained nurses and a certificated masseuse.
The Honorary Commandant is in charge of the
onerous duty of transport for the Sevenoaks section,
with Dr. Sterry as distributing officer, and much
excellent work has been done.
Commandant and Lady Superintendent —
Mrs. P. Mansfield.
Honorary Commandant — de Barri Crawshay, Esq.
Medical Officer — Dr. P. Mansfield.
Quartermaster — Miss Rosemary Rooker.
Members. — Ethel Amsden : Mabel Anson ; Jessie Ashdown ;
Mildred Athill ; Mildred Bosanquet ; Hester Bull ; Jessie
Clark ; Elsie Clouting ; Dorothy Coleman ; Emma Crump ;
Constance Dennes ; Florence De Ville ; Irene Durrant ;
Doris Escombe ; Ethel Hards ; Madge Harrison ; Mary
Hay ; Margery Hearson ; Evelyn Heslop ; Gertrude Heslop ;
Freda Hilder ; Dorothy Limbrick ; Nora Linnell ; Kathleen
Madden ; Arthur Martin ; Margaret Martin ; Alex Norman ;
Lylie Pearce Clark ; Muriel Pinchin ; Elsie Pinnell ; Phyllis
Pinnell ; Grace Poland ; Judith Poland ; Molly Poole ;
Cecil Rooker ; Frances Soyer ; Alice Schwartz ; Marjorie
Sikes ; Mary Standen ; Vera Thompson ; Irene Westcombe ;
Gertrude Winch.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 169
Kent 78, Bickley, on mobilisation quickly got
to work at " Southwood," Bickley, kindly lent by
Mr. Wythes, and on the following two days forty
wounded Belgians were installed. From that time
to the present patients have come and gone, and
from their grateful letters all were more than
satisfied with their treatment. Much kindly help
outside the detachment has been rendered, and
the whole of Bickley has given of its best. Miss
Gosselin was unfortunately not able to continue as
Quartermaster after April, 1915.
Commandant — Mrs. Fredk. Brown.
Medical Officer — Dr. C. Lewis.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Chisiiolm Simpson.
Members. — Violet Boreham ; Marguerite Bouvier ; Agnes Allen
Brown ; Muriel Clay ; Vera Clay ; Stella Clay ; Beatrice
Davies ; May Fawcett ; Grace Gibson ; Muriel Gosselin ;
Marjorie Henderson ; Edith Holloway ; Ethel Jefferson ;
Jemima Jofforson ; Dorothy Jefferson ; Violet Johns ;
Evelyn Lamb ; Georgiana Lead better ; Vera Livett ;
Dorothy Lord; Dorothy Lovell ; Gwendolen Mawe ; Mary
McMillan; Gladys Moore; Violet Nash; Daisy Nash; Eliza-
beth Oboussier ; Marion Pawley ; Mabel Beresford Pierse ;
Elizabeth Sandle ; Emily Slipper ; Lily Slipper ; Freda
Btaoey ; Elizabeth Turpin ; Helen Vallings ; Primrose
Vallings ; Sophie do Wacl ; Jcssio Walduck.
Linen Room. — Mrs. and Miss McMillan.
Kitchen Orderlies. — Mesdames Burnie ; Chaldocot ; Millar;
Paton ; Stenning ; Sydney Smith ; Symington; Misses
I ulcock (two) ; Cooper ; G, and M. Cork ; Downs ; Dutson ;
Hawkins; 1 1 • ilc li . hi ; Houghton; Humphreys; Lako ; Moore;
Howe ; Staples; Stonard ; Walters; White.
170 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 80, Farnborough. As soon as the
present war broke out lectures were started, and
the detachment considerably strengthened.
The order to mobilise was received on October
16th ; for this the trustees of the Wesleyan Church
kindly placed at the disposal of the detach-
ment their church, and within twelve hours a
hospital, capable of taking seventeen patients, was
ready, entirely equipped by loans and donations
from residents in the neighbourhood.
Commandant — Miss B. Greenway.
Medical Officer — Dr. J. F. Douse.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Durtnell.
Quartermaster — Miss R. Davis.
Members. — Beatrice Blundell ; Mabel Challen ; Gwen Davis ;
Phyllis Davis ; Ethel Mary Douse ; Alice Ellam ; Charlotte
Hellier ; Margaret Ledgar ; Elsie March ; Mabel Paice
Gladys Plumbridge ; Kathleen Shannon ; Helen Sharp
Caroline Straker ; Lilian Patricia Swan ; Constance Swift
Lucie Twitchell ; Daisy Vidal ; Phyllis West.
Kent 82, West Wickham, was formed in 1913,
after most of the candidates had passed their
exams. Classes for lectures, drills, and practical
work were held and members went into camp that
year at Heme, winning Dr. Yolland's shield
against fifteen other detachments.
In August, 1914, preparations for mobilisation
were made, and about £350 was guaranteed by
the residents in the neighbourhood. Sir Robert
Laidlaw generously offered his house at Hayes,
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 171
" The Warren," promising £25 per week and the
use of five servants.
There are fifty-five beds in the hospital, with an
operating theatre, for which Mr. Gurney Preston
gave an operating table and two tables for dressings.
The detachment was mobilised on October 14th,
and has treated over 250 patients, Belgians and
British.
Sir Everard Hambro kindly lent " Hayes Grove "
as an additional hospital for twenty patients,
supplying the equipment and giving £5 per week
towards the upkeep.
Very great credit is due to Miss Gillian Lee-
Warner and the Quartermaster for all the work
undertaken by them in the earlier stages of the war.
Commandant — Mrs. Gripper.
Medical Officer — Dr. Blake.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Maxwell.
Quartermaster — Mrs. E. M. Kershaw.
Members. — Rosa Blake ; Helen Butler ; Blodwyn Clark ; Louis
Daws ; Alice Farr ; Annie Fuller; Mary Katherine Gripper ;
Patience Gripper ; Annie Gussin ; Adelaide Hemming ;
Gertrude Heufrey ; Maud Hurnall ; Ada Lawrence ; Gillian
Lee- Warner ; Maude Lee- Warner ; Grace Lennard ; Con-
stance Mai lam ; Elizabeth Orde ; MaryOrdo; Elsie Preston ;
Edith Rickwood ; Agnes Robertson; Marjory Sherrard ;
Violet Smith.
Kent si, Crayford, whs started in 1912 by
Mrs. Butcher of Barnes Cray House.
Drills wi re held weekly, and, after the outbreak of
172 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
war, some of the members worked as probationers
at the Livingstone Hospital, Dartford.
On the outbreak of war the detachment made
every preparation for opening a hospital, and on
October 14th, at 2 a.m., orders for mobilisation
were received, with instructions to be ready at 9 a.m.
The two hospitals, i.e. the Parish Hall lent by
the Rector and the Friendly Hall and Working
Men's Institute lent by the Friendly Society and
Working Men's Club, were quickly prepared and the
wounded, forty-three Belgians, eventually arrived
early on the 16th. Besides the Belgians many of
the Territorials from the neighbouring barracks
have been treated.
The inhabitants of Crayford have been most
kind and willing to help.
Commandant — Miss Evans.
Medical Officer — Dr. J. E. Walker.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Stanley.
Quartermaster — Miss M. Mann.
Members. — Grace Baker ; Lottie Bond ; Joan Carvosso ;
Esther Clarke ; Edith Cooper ; Margery Cox ; Winifred
Cox*;|Bessie Ferdinand; Grace Hartley; Ethel Letchford ;
Lena McGregor ; Catherine Nicholson ; Daisy Powell ;
Emily Powell ; Edith Ranshaw ; Ethel Saunders ; Mabel
Skingley ; Annie Smith ; Elizabeth Smith.
Kent 86, Beckenham. In December, 1912, a
meeting was held to explain the aims and methods
of the Red Cross V.A.D. Names were enrolled
and Kent No. 86 was formed. Lectures were
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 173
arranged, examinations held, and members had
the advantage of three weeks' training at Maryle-
bone and Paddington Infirmaries.
In a short time the detachment became so large
that it was split and Kent 96 was formed. The
detachments did useful practical work at Rolven-
den Camp on the eve of the outbreak of war, when
working parties were at once organised and further
training secured at the Cottage Hospital. Christ
Church Schools were lent by the vicar, the Rev.
Harrington Lees, and when, on October 13th, the
detachments were suddenly mobilised at 2 a.m.,
it remained only to clear the schools and equip
them as a hospital. This was done in a few hours.
The hospital contains two wards, capable of hold-
ing forty-five patients, two isolation rooms, and a
well-equipped operating theatre with a complete
X-ray apparatus. One hundred and sixty-nine
patients have passed through the wards.
The inhabitants of Beckenham have been most
generous in their help. The hospital has the use
of fourteen private motor-cars, and these are each
on duty once a fortnight.
Commandant Mrs. Xka.mk.
Medical Officer — Dit. Strickland.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Savory.
Quartermaster Miss .1. Stunning.
Members. — Beatrice Adams; Esm<'' Anderson; Mildred Bowyor;
Muriel Cardross-Grant ; Merlo Cow; Georgina Cree ;
Evelyn Denner ; Frrdu I ).ruu r ; (Jhidys D.tiiht; Sybil
174 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Dunlop ; Florence Eden ; Alice Mary Furze ; Eva Gallic ;
Edith Lee Gibberd ; Dorothy Giddings ; Rosa Grieg ; Helena
Harrison ; Agatha Hawthorne ; Ethel Hawthorne ; Marion
Hudson ; Frances Hudson ; Nesta Inglis ; Doris Jones ;
Hilda Lazenby ; Mary Litchfield ; Winnie Manger ; Violet
Margaret Mather ; Eirene Mather ; Winnie Mather ; —
Maynard ; Hilda Mitchell ; Eva Morley ; — Oakes ;
Marjory Paterson ; Poppy Paterson ; Cicely Pattisson ;
Madge Pattisson; Lucy Price; Edith Robinson; Eleanor
Sharpe ; Emily Stenning ; Ellen Sterling ; Mary Eanswyth
Tolhurst ; Mary Trimmer ; Eveline Young ; Mesdames Clarke,
Ginn, Kent, Privit, Treggis, Wilson.
Kent 88, Edenbridge. When it became
apparent early in the war that all the accommoda-
tion possible would be required it was found that
there was no building in Edenbridge large enough
for a hospital. But so eager were Kent 88 to put
into practice the training they had so strenuously
acquired that the difficulty was overcome by
opening three hospitals, each with accommodation
for ten patients :
1. Church House, generously offered rent free.
2. Eden Hall, the home of the present Com-
mandant.
3. Marlpit Hill Men's Institute.
On mobilisation at midnight on October 14th
everything was quickly got ready and at eleven
o'clock the following morning the first convoy
arrived. To the surprise of the detachment the
wounded proved to be Belgians, but the language
difficulty was quickly overcome.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 175
Offers of help and gifts poured into the hospital.
By Christmas the numbers of patients had con-
siderably dwindled, and these were concentrated at
Eden Hall.
Whilst waiting for the next convoy a large empty
house, Marlpit Court, lent by Mr. Edwards, has
been secured and furnished as a hospital with
twenty beds, in place of Marlpit Hill and Church
House. Splendid work was put in at the outset by
Dr. and Mrs. Hubbard, and it was with great
regret that the detachment lost their devoted
service in November, 1914, consequent upon
Dr. Hubbard's severe illness.
Commandant — Countess Riccardi-Cubitt.
Medical Officers —
Dr. Scott, Dr. Pennell, Dr. Newington.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse Giddins.
Quartermaster — Miss Akerman.
Members. — Eva Akerman ; Norah Akerman ; Dorothy Barnes ;
Catherine Chapman ; Kate Cheal ; May Churches ; Mary
Coleman ; Susan Cross ; Theodora Cubitt ; Vera Cubitt ;
Rowena Curtice ; Mary Eedes ; Gertrude Fordo ; Kathleen
Finn Kelcy ; Hannah Giddins; Ethel Goifin ; Florence
Hammond ; Nellie Harding ; Lillias Hayward ; Annie Hub-
bard ; Amelia Hutchinson; Lilian Kclsey; Constance
Knight; < haris Locket; Lilias Locket; Marjorie Locket;
Mary Lovel ; Emma Masters ; Coralio Moade-Waldo ; Alico
Miles; Clara Miller ; Caroline Norman ; Kate Oliver ; Marv
Pullinger ; Fede Riooardi-Cubitl ; Violet Seal; Isabel
Souttor ; Martha Staff ; Christina Tatnall Dorothy Tread-
uill ; Marjorie Treadwell ; Dorothy West ; Ellen West.
176 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 90, Herne Bay, first came into being in
1913. On the outbreak of hostilities the Dence
Trust kindly offered the use of Downs Park College
at Herne Bay for the whole period of the war. The
hospital was throughout equipped by friends in
the neighbourhood.
The detachment was mobilised on October 14th
and a week later some of the beds were occupied
by wounded Belgians. Since then relays, totalling
about sixty patients, have passed through the
hospital.
All the work of the hospital is voluntary, and
the kitchen staff under Mrs. Lloyd and Miss Grey
is particularly efficient.
Commandant — Mrs. Openshaw.
Medical Officer — Dr. Fenculhet.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Cunnynghame.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Thurnham.
Members. — Mary Bass ; Jessie Bawcomb ; Violet Browne ;
Alice Rose Campbell ; Phyllis Charming ; Gwendolin
Chapman ; Lois Cremer ; Edith Grey ; Agnes Hunter ;
Elsie Iggulden ; Madge Iggulden ; Dorothy Lang Sims ;
Ethel Lloyd ; Olive McDougall ; Hilda Meyer ; Mary Mills ;
Ursula Osmond ; Evelyn Paterson ; Ivy Smith ; Mary
Swinford ; Mabel Wacher ; Mary Whistler ; Elsie White.
Kent 92, Gravesend. On the outbreakof war
this detachment, with Kent 16 and 42, : commenced
to collect equipment and money, and an^offer was
received from Messrs. W. G. and A. W. Fletcher,
the owners, of the building formerly used as the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 177
New Thames Yacht Club. On mobilisation the
members, assisted by Kent 16, quickly prepared
the building as a hospital, and on October 15th,
1914, fifty-eight wounded Belgians were received.
Dr. Dismorr was the first medical officer, but
increasing private practice compelled his retire-
ment, and the present doctor was appointed,
together with the honorary surgeon, Dr. S. M.
Lawrence.
Miss Schofield took the position of Matron tem-
porarily, but transferred to the Cobham Hospital.
The present Matron, Miss E. M. Tarrant, has had
experience in Australia, and has been in charge of
more than one hospital. Due to her exertions is
the operating theatre, subscribed for by members
and their friends. Grateful thanks are due for the
ready support given by all in the district. Up to
date 224 cases have been treated. Sir Gilbert and
Lady Parker take great interest in the welfare of
the detachments, and have rendered valuable
assistance.
Commandant — Mrs. Gadd.
Medical Officer — Dr. F. Ma in waring Hughes.
Hon. Surgeon — Dr. S. M. Lawrence.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. M. Taylor.
Quartermaster — Miss M. F. IIoyle.
Members. — Edith Acott ; Amy Agnew ; Emily Allen ; Gladys
Allen; Blanche Avenell ; Madeline Bevin ; Ireno Blake;
Dorothy Broad wood ; Mary Broad wood ; Gladys Brown ;
M
178 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Miss Calvert ; Antoinette Crook ; Lilian Dickens ;
Bertha Dunstall ; Elizabeth Durrant ; Dorothy Evans ;
Margery Fox ; Edith Franklyn ; Frances Harvey ; Ruby
Herring ; Gladys Hickmott ; Betty Holderness ; Margaret
Horrigan ; Eva Howes ; Caroline Johnson ; Doris Keeley ;
Mary Linington ; Eleanor Luck ; Grace Luck ; Agnes
Maplesden ; Annie Sandford ; Sarah Sandford ; Isabella
Schofield ; Kathleen Shepherd ; Mabel Starkey ; M. K.
Tristram ; Agnes Veevers ; Eleanor Warlters ; Gertruda
Warren ; Miss Willoughby ; Freda Winder.
Kent 94, Tunbejdge Wells, was organised
in 1913. From the first much invaluable help
was received from doctors and nurses in the
town, who gave lectures and superintended prac-
tices.
In August, 1914, working parties were organised,
advanced lectures held, and several members
were allowed to work in two of the local
hospitals.
Mr. Harris Gastrell generously offered his house,
West Hall, as a hospital for fifty cases, and this
was furnished and equipped entirely by local
residents.
At 5 a.m. on October 14th mobilisation orders
were received, and at 9.30 a.m. the first contingent
of wounded Belgians was received, St. John
Ambulance then acting as bearers.
Early in December wounded English began to
arrive.
At the request of the R.A.M.C. officers in the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 179
town fourteen beds were reserved for local troops,
and these have been kept occupied.
Commandant — Miss V. M. Moore.
Medical Officers —
Drs. G. T. Watson, R. A. Walter, B. F. B. Manser.
Lady Superintendent — Miss P. Dunster.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Faulkner.
Members. — Evelyn Barnes ; Janet Bell ; Kate Bell ; Doris
Candy ; Aileen Faulkner ; Hope Glover ; Monica Handley ;
Edith Happell ; Kathleen Hardy ; Rita Hay ; Maude
Higginson ; Grace O'Bryen Hodge ; Marjorie O'Bryen
Hodge ; Janet Hull ; Dorothy Hyde ; Winifred Jones ;
Elsie Kerr ; Laura King ; Mildred Knott ; Margaret Layard ;
Margaret Logan ; Carol Lowry ; Annette Maingay ; Olive
Manser ; Grace Morley ; Amy Murdoch ; Agnes Nix ;
Marguerite Rainier ; Lucy Ranking ; Cherry Robbins ;
Margaret Seymour ; Marjorie Snelgrove ; Irene Sutton ;
Alice Sword ; Winifred Sykes ; Dora Symes ; Edith Symes ;
Lynette Tewson ; Catherine Warnington ; Ada Webb ;
Agnes Wilkinson.
Kent 96, Beckeniiam, was formed from Kent 86
in 1913 and co-operated with that detachment in
all the preparations for Red Cross work and in
opening and working Christ Church Hospital.
Dr. Ramsbotham, the then Commandant, rendered
invaluable assistance, together with Mrs. Rams-
botham, and it was with great regret that the
detachment lost their services when both were
accepted for active work at the Trout.
Kclscy Cottage, generously lent by Mr. 1 'rest on,
was opened in November us the Kclscy Auxiliary
180 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Red Cross Hospital, where fifty-one patients can
be treated. Miss Constance Sharpe, who took over
the duties of Commandant from Dr. Ramsbotham,
also had most unfortunately to give up duty,
when Mrs. Fisher took charge. Lighter cases are
usually received at Kelsey, and very marked
progress is soon reported. A great deal of the
comfort of the hospital is due to the efficient
voluntary service rendered by those who so kindly
undertake the cleaning of the house. After much
excellent and self-denying labour Mrs. Fisher had,
for private reasons, to relinquish the command
in May, 1915, when the present officer was ap-
pointed.
Commandant — Mrs. Nicholson.
Quartermaster — Miss Olive Lewer.
Members. — Muriel Anns ; Joyce Baker ; Muriel Bowden ; Mar-
jory Brown ; Marion Carpenter ; Barbara Castell ; Phyllis
Castell ; Evelyn Challenger ; Eileen Clarke ; Grace Collier ;
Margaret Ewins ; Lucrece Fiddes ; Elizabeth Greig ;
Mary Hooper ; Sybil Leighton ; L. Mather ; Mabel Mather ;
Helen Moses ; Marjorie Neame ; Grace Nicholson ; Florence
Petley ; Dora Reynolds ; Constance Sharpe ; Nancy Stain-
bank ; Rosalind Stinson ; Dorothy Tremel ; May Tremel ;
Katherine Wade ; Margaret Ward ; Annie Wedekind ;
Hilda Wedekind ; Lily Wedekind ; Catherine Whittington ;
Lilian Wright.
Kent 98, Southborough, was registered in
1913 as the result of a meeting held at the Victoria
Hall, Southborough, for the purpose of forming a
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 181
Red Cross detachment. On October 14th, 1914,
the detachment was mobilised, and on the 21st
the Victoria Hall, lent by the District Council, was
opened as a hospital.
At the beginning of the war a guarantee fund
was started and liberally responded to, and the
inhabitants have freely given and lent equipment
for the hospital, also rendering gratuitous service
whenever required.
Commandant — Lady Salomons.
Medical Officers — Drs. Bayfield and Reynolds.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Askwith.
Quartermaster — Miss Salomons.
Members. — Edith Burr ; Alice Farthing ; Alethea Kirby ;
Florence Leigh-Sarney ; Ada Marshall ; Lottie Martin ;
Lucy Martin ; Beatrice Newman ; Annie Seale ; Amy Stunt.
Kent 100, Canterbury, took charge of Abbotts
Barton Hospital, kindly lent by Mr. Bennett
Goldney, M.P., whose residence it is. It contains
forty beds for patients, and the Red Cross committee
for Canterbury supplies any amounts needed over
and above the War Oflice grant. The trained
sisters gave their services, whilst the cook took
hall' wages only, but after three months the com-
mittee decided that such sacrifice was not neces-
sary on the part of these ladies. Three hundred
patients have been eared for since October 4th,
seventy-two of these being Belgians. The medical
182 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
officer has charge of the Canterbury section
transport.
Commandant — Miss Frances Carnegie Wemyss.
Medical Officer — Dr. R. J. Ferguson.
Quartermaster — Miss M. R. Williamson.
Members. — Ida Baker ; Madeline Bates ; Mabel Beatson ;
Winifred Beatson ; Lily Bird ; Agnes Bousfield ; Geraldine
Clarke ; Mildred Clarke ; Finovola Cordy-Simpson ; Violet
Cremer ; Catherine Dyneley ; Bertha Evans ; Carol Frend ;
Camilla Frend ; Dorothy Gilham ; Violet Countess of
Guilford ; Ethel Hankin ; Kathleen Hilton ; Annie Kay ;
Janet Maiden ; Margaret Marshall ; Helen Mills ; Beatrice
Moore ; Ursula Morris ; Alice Murton ; Irene Oldham ;
Audrey Patterson ; Myrtle Stuart ; Mary Trueman ; Beryl
Tuke ; Joan Wacher.
Kent 102, Biddenden. The first interest in
V.A.D. work was aroused in 1909 at a meeting
at Hemsted Park called by Cicely Countess of
Cranbrook, and the detachment was registered in
1914. Mobilisation orders were received on October
14th, and a small hospital was opened in the village
Institute, sympathisers in Biddenden generously
helping with equipment, etc.
Commandant — Mrs. C. Hall.
Medical Officer— Dr. Boyce.
Lady Superintendent — Sister J. Stone.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Phillip Jones.
Members. — Louisa Austen ; Ellen Avory ; Augusta Boyce ;
Helen Bradshaw ; Helen Mary Dormer ; Gertrude Edwards ;
Elsie Elliott ; Emily Gurr ; Alice Jones ; Gladys Pinyon ;
Lydia Stapley ; Edythe Stuart ; Mary Tassell ; Eva
Thirkell ; Muriel Todd-Naylor ; Alice Watts ; May
Witherden.
Ada Wise, unable to serve, gives assistance with laundry work.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 183
Kent 104 and 106. Strood and Frindsbury
Hospital consists of two neighbouring buildings,
organised by Dr. G. A. Skinner. The owners
granted the buildings free of charge, and the
Council freed them also from rates and taxes.
Kent 126 works in conjunction with these two
detachments, and the first patients were received
on September 3rd, 1914. Since that date four
hundred patients have passed through the hospi-
tals, and a larger number of local troops have been
treated as out-patients. An up-to-date operating
theatre has been fully equipped, and the detach-
ments possess their own motor ambulance and
dispensary. The beds are now to be increased to
130. Dr. Skinner, Assistant County Director,
No. 2 Division, has charge of the distribution of
the wounded when the convoys arrive at the
railway station.
Co m mandants —
Miss M. Skinner, Mrs. Skinner.
Medical Officer —
Dr. Skinner.
Lady Superintendents —
Mrs. Pocock, Mrs. Beaney.
Q u arte r masters —
Mrs. Ireland, Mrs. H. B. Clarke, Mrs. Elliott.
Members. — Elizabeth Brain; Emily Bunyard ; Nellie jCoopi r ;
Lena Homewood ; Violet Bysted ; Nellio Jackson ;*Bertha
Leney ; Sarah Millard; Dorothy Parker; Clara Robson ;
Maria Thatcher.
Kent 108, Orpington. Due to the exertions
184 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
of the Quartermaster and of the members of the
detachment who had canvassed the district for
promises of equipment, a hospital, containing
thirty beds, was quickly made ready at the village
Hall when mobilisation orders were received on
October 14th, 1914. Wounded Belgians were soon
installed. Another party was landed at St. Mary
Cray, and, thanks to the generosity of the Misses
Lyster, who placed their schoolhouse at the dis-
posal of the detachment, a temporary hospital of
twenty-five beds was established. A week later
these patients were transferred to the Institute,
St. Mary Cray, equipped by E. H. Joynson, Esq.
This hospital was closed when the patients were
convalescent, and all cases are now treated at
Orpington. An operating theatre is being installed.
E. Rock Carling, f.r.c.s., of Harley Street, and
W. Ironside Bruce act as Hon. Consulting Surgeons.
Commandant and Medical Officer —
Dr. Tennyson Smith.
Assistant Medical Officer — Dr. Thomas Bailey.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Tennyson Smith.
Quartermaster — Miss Gammon.
Members. — Winifred Bickmore ; Amy Crosse ; Virginie Dolan ;
Beatrice Fooks ; Mabel Greenwood ; Joyce Harrild ; Marjorie
Harrild ; Vera Harrild ; Isabel Hoar ; Irene Holroyd ; Amy
Howard ; Hilda Larmarque ; Eliza Lewis ; Winifred Miller-
Hallett ; Lilian Morris ; Mabel Philips ; Ethel Simpson ;
Mabel Smith ; Nora Symons ; Irene Temperley ; Hilda
Townsend ; Miriam Townsend ; Winifred Tremaine ; Ethel
Tyrer ; Mildred Virtue ; Mary Waring ; Marjorie Wisely ;
Hirel Wright.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 185
Kent 110 and 112, Abbey Wood. The Belve-
dere women's detachments were raised on the out-
break of war by Mrs. Butcher and family. Lectures
were at once started, and the members met daily
for practice.
Mobilisation orders were received at 2 a.m. on
October 14th, 1914. The two Quartermasters at
once called up the detachments. Six a.m. saw the
members hard at work cleaning and preparing
their temporary hospital — " Shornells " — the resi-
dence of the late Mr. Hudson Church, kindly lent by
his four daughters. Equipment, previously pro-
mised by the residents, was collected, and by the
afternoon the hospital was complete. Belgians
were the first patients to be received, but these
have all been discharged, the present occupants
being British soldiers.
The hospital has been almost entirely equipped
by gifts and loans from residents in the district,
and is indebted, both financially and for personal
service, to Mrs. Callender of Abbey Wood.
Commandants —
Miss Butcher and Mrs. Butcher.
Medical Officer — Dr. Barry Cane.
Lady Superintendent — Miss M. Slattery.
Quartermasters —
Miss V. Butcher and Miss May Butcher.
Members. — Ethel Abbott ; Ruby Abbott ; Florenco Baddel*
Irene M. Baj ley ; Dora Blyth ; Alico J. Cane ; Gertrude, W.
Cano ; Dorothy Cornish ; Ruth Cowley ; Dorothy Garrett ;
186 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Clara L. Hartwright ; Alice M. Knight ; Edith Lester ;
Muriel Lumley ; Ellen L. Lynde ; Lydia Munden ; Ethel M.
Palmer ; Blanche Scarlett ; Ailsie Griffith Searight ; Eileen
Searight ; Ailsie Lilian Searight ; Madeline Sidley ; Doris
Sidley ; Annie Walker ; Mary E. J. Willard ; Norah. Wright.
Belvedere, Kent 112
Members. — Georgette Adam ; Letty Bedwell ; Mary E. Biggs ;
Dorothy Billington ; Dorothy M. Blyth ; Beryl Butcher ;
Grace Chapman ; Elsie Charlesworth ; M. Edith Darken ;
Kate Eastwood ; E. Mary Flack ; Emily E. French ;
Edith M. Fullaway ; Edith M. Gloyn ; Gertrude Hayward ;
Katie Hayward ; Mabel Herbert ; Maude Hooker ; Florence
F. C. Lyster ; Frances Marshall ; Gwendoline E. Masson ;
Sarah Pooler ; Ellen Rider ; Florence E. Simms ; Florence
Simms ; Annie Whitmore.
Kent 114, Shoreham. The small but very
pleasant hospital is at Myrtle College, and has
accommodation for seven patients. Much useful
work has been done by this detachment, which
was previously under the command of Mrs. Wilmot.
Commandant — Miss Gwendolen Madge.
Medical Officer — Dr. Passmore.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. George Bell.
Quartermaster — Miss Cohen.
Members. — Annie Ansell ; Alice Bell ; Elizabeth Bowers ;
Alice Chapman ; Ellen Clark ; Jacobina Clark ; Fanny
Collins ; Annie Gooding ; Carol Greenwood ; Gwendolen
Greenwood ; Bertine Gregory ; Phoebe Gregory ; Margaret
Madge ; Gladys Randall ; Isobel Scott ; Sarah Steane ;
Kate Taylor.
Kent 116, Dartford, was initiated at a meet-
ing called by Mr. F. J. Pile, who was appointed the
first Commandant, with Mrs. A. H. Botten as
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 187
Quartermaster. Weekly drills were well attended,
and lectures were given by Miss Stanley.
On October 14th, 1914, the detachment was
mobilised, and the Wesley Hall was fitted up as
a hospital. The equipment was generously given
or lent by the townspeople. Credit is due to
Mr. C. J. Mansford, of the Dartford Grammar
School, for much of the preliminary work. Owing
to structural alterations becoming necessary this
hospital had to be closed, and on November 13th
" Heath Close " was taken over and the equipment
transferred. This hospital has proved most useful
for the reception of sick soldiers stationed in the
district.
A change of officers took place in January, the
present Commandant being appointed, with Mrs.
Annie Read and subsequently Mrs. Black as
Quartermaster. Mr. F. J. Pile took over the
important transport duties for Dartford section,
and became Honorary Commandant to this detach-
ment.
Commandant — Mrs. C. M. Reed.
Medical Officer — Dr. Graham Robertson.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse Cliff.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Black.
Members. — Mrs. Abbey ; Miss Abbey ; Alice Adams ; Gladys
Allon ; Ada Basharn ; May Brow ; R. Burgess ; Clara
Cleveland ; A. Coles ; May Cooper ; Gladys Crawter ; H.
Draper ; M. Edgecumbe ; Emily Fairbrass ; May Gore-
Brown ; Lucy Heisoman ; Mrs. Lyon ; Rosina McKney ;
N. E. Pott ; May Walker ; Lelia Whiting ; Mrs. Wood.
188 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 118, Greenhithe. On the outbreak of
war a women's Red Cross detachment was formed,
and on mobilisation Ingress Abbey was equipped
and staffed by private generosity, under the Chat-
ham Military Hospital, with accommodation for
sixty beds, in the care of a fully trained matron,
six sisters and a house surgeon.
Commandant — Mrs. Sydney Allnutt.
Medical Officer — Dr. Richmond.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Richmond.
Quartermaster — Miss M. Watson.
Members. — Alice Ames ; Jessie Barnes ; Ethel Bartrum ;
Elizabeth Bridger ; Nellie Burt ; Florence Chatfield ;
Gertrude Davis ; Sarah Dyble ; Elizabeth Ellis ; Grace
Hardy ; Rose Ireland ; Maud Kernick ; Jessie Langston ;
Rhoda Lee ; Hettie Lockyer ; Margaret Mackenzie ; Eliza-
beth Newnham ; Agnes Oakes ; Sylvia Richmond ; Kate
Sbewell ; Dorothy Smith ; Lizzie Wheatley ; Kate Wood ;
Agnes Woodcock.
Kent 120, Hastings. The Hospital of St.
John of Jerusalem had its beginning in August,
1914, at the outbreak of war, when all members
were summoned to prepare themselves for the
work before them and classes were held every
night.
On mobilisation a house in the centre of the
town was kindly lent by Mrs. Stubbs and rapidly
transformed into a V.A.D. hospital by the volun-
teer nurses. Belgian wounded arrived on October
13th, and in January the first convoy of English
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 189
soldiers was received. At this time another house
was offered by Mr. Parks, bringing the accom-
modation up to fifty beds.
Thirty members are available for duty under
the supervision of two fully trained sisters and
two certificated nurses. Dr. Morgan, the first
Commandant, undertook military service soon
after the outbreak of war, and the present officer
carried on the detachment.
A considerable sum of money is collected weekly
to supplement the War Office grant, and equip-
ment has been freely lent and given.
The girl guides give invaluable help as door-
porters.
Hastings was specially attached to the Kent
V.A.D.
Commandant — Dr. George Locke.
Medical Officer — Dr. James D. Hessey.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Florence Vanstone.
Quartermaster — Miss Winifred C. Coxeter.
Pharmacist — Mary Alice Lobley.
Members. — Minnie Bates ; Florence Gertrude Begbie ; Ada
Mary Benyon-Winser ; Ethel Blackman ; Lizzie Blomfield ;
Alice Louise Bowers ; Georgina Bruce ; Amy Buckett ;
Frances Jessie Clarke ; Margaret Dorothy Coxeter ; Marjorie
Eldridge ; Georgia Finger ; Gertrude Mary Fowell; Margaret
Hill ; Celia Hinks ; Louise Inkpcn ; Edith Jane Larcombe ;
Lily Ransom; Nellie Rowland; Susan Selwood ; Winifred
Skinner ; Ann Mary Viner ; Rosetta Walther ; Ethel Mary
Watt; Edith .Mary Wicks; Emilir Wilshin.
Kent 1*22, CormiuitsT. At the beginning of
the war the detachment was formed and classes
190 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
were organised. The Commandant offered his
house, " Lidwells," as a hospital, and money and
equipment were promised by local residents.
Two trained nurses offered their services upon
mobilisation, which took place in May, 1915.
Twenty beds are provided and are now kept well
occupied in this very pleasant and fully-equipped
hospital.
Commandant — Rev. H. P. Fitz Gerald.
Medical Officer — Surgeon Lt.-Col. Collingridge.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Fitz Gerald.
Quartermaster — Miss Raikes.
Members.— Editha Barry ; Margaret Constance Burgess ;
Ruby Burgess ; Norah Burke ; Annie Caleutt ; Margaret
Cheeseman ; Ada Mary Clemetson ; Florence Annie Mary
Cole ; Elsie Collingridge ; Marian Louisa Crump ; Frances
Anne Davis ; Frances Mary Davis ; Ida Davis ; Rosa Maud
Gouldthorpe ; Sarah Elizabeth Haines ; Maud Emily
Jenner ; Kate Johnson ; Clarice Kendon ; Ianthe Kershaw
Doris Large ; Mabel Large ; Kathleen Emily Maude
Florence Morley ; Adelaide Nicolson ; Violet Noakes
Margaret Penny ; Aileen Rivett-Carnac ; Elizabeth Smith
Ellice Fletcher Smith ; Ellen Louisa Southam ; Marjorie
Waters ; Lily Elizabeth Wickham ; Norah Wickham.
Kent 124, Dover, undertakes the duty of
assisting with refreshment at the disembarkation
of the wounded when convoys arrive at the Pier
Head, and is doing much quietly useful work.
Commandant — Mrs. E. G. Wynne.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 191
Kent 126, Strood, is working in conjunction
with detachments 104 and 106 at the Strood
Hospital, rendering the greatest possible assistance.
Commandant — Miss O. P. Haggard.
Medical Officer — Dr. Skinner.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Hewson.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Elliot.
Members.— Alice Allen ; Mabel Allen ; Maud Bigge ; Grace
Fielder ; Elsie Larcombe ; Clare Latham ; Nellie May ;
Fanny Myhill ; Mildred Newson ; Mary Sayer.
Kent 128, Asn. In August, 1914, the inhabi-
tants of Ash were asked by Dr. McCall-Smith to
lend the village hall as a hospital, and the trustees
gave their consent. On October 25th the detach-
ment was mobilised ; the thirty members quickly
prepared the hall with twenty beds, and in less
than two hours twenty wounded Belgians were
installed. Since January British soldiers have
been cared for, many operations having been
successfully performed.
Commandant — Mrs. McCall-Smith.
Medical Officer — Dr. McCall-Smith.
Lad I i Superintendent — Miss M. Harrison.
Quartermaster — Mrs. IT. Wilson.
Members. — Tholma Bicknell ; May Buley ; Mary Chandler;
Rosa Gardner; Connie Harden; Doris Harrison; Edith
Herbert; Annie Jacobs; Amy Jenner; Dora Jenner;
Fonnie Mackenzie; Dulcie Macmeiken ; Mabel Maxl d;
Kathio Mil<-s; Stella Parker; Dorothy Petley ; Bessy
Quested; Ruby Streeter ; Miss Westmorland.
192 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 130, Bexley. To Mrs. Burridge, Vice-
President of Kent 130, and the Committee, is due
the credit of this detachment being formed, and on
the declaration of war the present Commandant
was able to bring the detachment up to full
strength.
Mobilisation orders were received on October
14th at 10.30 a.m., when the members took charge
of " Gardenhurst," lent by Mrs. Arthur Barrett.
The house had stood empty for eight years, so that
the detachment had very hard work to do in
preparing the place as a hospital. The local
residents were most generous in providing equip-
ment and funds.
Commandant — Mrs. N. Christopherson.
Medical Officer — Dr. J. E. Walker.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse A. M. Bunce.
Quartermaster — Mrs. R. T. Gumbleton.
Members. — Hilda Aldis ; Minnie Baker ; Lucy Brown ; Daisie
Burridge ; Constance Cutcliffe ; Priscilla Escombe ; Adeline
Footitt ; Madeline Friswell ; Helena Gough ; Maud Hamil-
ton ; Rachel Howe ; Marjorie Hudson ; Ada Kennard ;
Mary Loxley ; Alice Lucas ; Clare Lucas ; Alice Radford ;
Winifred Rubeck ; Suzan Sewell ; Mary Simon ; Maud
Simonds ; Ethel Stimson ; Kathleen Upton ; Marjorie
Vesey-Holt ; Eveline Webb ; Elsie Whalley ; Christabel
Whitehead ; Joan Whitehead.
Kent 132, Sydenham, is ready to take twenty
patients, when called upon, at " Brooklyn,"
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 193
Sydenham ; and fifteen British soldiers are now
being cared for at this pleasant hospital.
Commandant — Miss Ada Bennett.
Medical Officer — Dr. Umney.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse Shand.
Quartermaster — Miss Irene Carter.
Members. — Vera Alabaster ; Maud Alston ; Ethel Badcock ;
Mabel Bellamy ; Lottie Bennett ; Phyllis Boxall ; Nellie
Brigg ; Dora Brookes ; Enid Clarke-Williams ; Claire
de Baerdemaecker ; Olive de Pury ; Ruby de Pury ; May
Faux ; Agnes Gaman ; Ethel George ; Phyllis Gooch ;
Bertha Grose ; Gertrude Johnston ; Gladys Johnston ;
Glenda Jolly ; Beatrice Jones ; Stephanie Langmead ;
Sibyl Owsley ; Ethel Partridge ; Elsie Pryce ; Dorothy
Pynegar ; Winifred Selby ; Amy Shackleton ; Millie Sted-
man ; Dora Sturman ; Muriel Umney ; Helen Waterson.
Kent 134, Lenham, is a compact detachment
fully prepared to take up duty at Lenham and
Harrietsham. All arrangements are complete, and
eighteen patients are installed.
Commandant and Medical Officer —
Dr. Temperley Grey.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Plowman.
Quartermaster — Mrs. H. M. Campbell.
Members. — Ellen L. S. Bensted ; Elizabeth Jane Broad ; Con-
stance Campbell ; Clarissa Clark ; Ethel Clark ; Nellie Clark ;
Annio Collin* ; Emma Collins ; Adeline Day; Bertha Grey ;
Nellie Kilchin ; Edith Kortright ; Mary Lucy; Norah
Maylam ; Fanny L. Norris ; Gladys Shayer ; Margaret
Woolley.
N
194 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 136, New Romney, has not yet been
mobilised, but is fully prepared for any emergency.
Commandant — Miss Maud Cobb.
Medical Officers —
Dr. Mossop, Dr. Hick.
Quartermaster — Mrs. H. G. South.
Members. — Alice Anderson ; Amy Anderson ; Evelyn Anderson ;
Kathleen Bannon ; Elizabeth Campbell ; Frances de Luze ;
Marie de Luze ; Marguerete Ellis ; Florence Fagg ; Alice
Finn-Kelsey ; Emily Heard ; Ethel Hobbs ; Evelyn Hobbs ;
Ellinor Howes ; Elsie Kennett ; Ethel Knight ; Maud
Mossop ; Louie Murray ; Edith Palmer ; Rosa Pearson ;
Kathleen Pritchard ; Rosa Pritchard ; Effie Ringland ;
Edith Tuffield ; Annie Vidgen.
Kent 138, Whitstable, have not yet the op-
portunity of utilising their experience, but will
render a very good account of themselves when
called upon. Eleven are giving their services at
the Military Hospital.
Commandant — Miss G. Campbell.
Medical Officer — Dr. C. Etheridge.
Quartermaster — Miss Poole.
Members. — Dorothy Beard ; Florence Brightman ; Dorothy
Carson ; Mabel Collings ; Clara Cook ; Beatrice Couper ;
Frances Davis ; Maude Davis ; Ethel Dorman ; Mary
Etheridge ; Ethel Fortesque ; Emmeline Gann ; Dorothy
Gill ; Mabel Hayward ; Gladys Horden ; Adela Jones ;
Mabel Kirkby ; Ivy Kingston ; Philamena Maclntyre ;
Romola McKenzie ; Hilda Mitchell ; Amelia Page ; Mina
Pout ; Mary Powell ; Annie Rigden ; May Rushworth ;
Antonia Scrymgeour ; Mabel Ware ; Ellen Wood.
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 195
Kent 140, Faversham, was formed from the
nursing division in October, 1914, and mobilised
at once. A large empty house, " The Mount,"
Faversham, was offered rent free by the executors of
the late Mr. Percy Neame and the neighbourhood
was canvassed for promises of equipment, etc.
Friends responded willingly, with the result that
very little had to be bought. The hospital was
opened on November 18th with fifty-two beds. One
hundred and forty patients have passed through, in-
cluding men from the Front and from local troops.
Many contributions have been received.
The doctors and trained nurses are all voluntary
workers, the cooking is managed by ladies, and
cars are freely lent for transport work.
Commandant — Mrs. Alexander.
Medical Officer — Dr. G. J. Evers.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Withers.
Quartermaster — Miss F. K. Crosse.
Members. — Dorothy Alexander ; Muriel Alexander ; Eva Amos ;
Louisa Amos ; Margaret Amos ; Olive Amos ; Alice Andrews ;
Freda Barnett ; Annie Boorman ; Edith Brown ; El
BurTeo ; Jessie Bushell ; Lily Cook ; Minnie Cook ; Mra. Flossie
Cornfoot ; Miss Flossie Cornfoot ; Molly Cotterill ; Frances
Crosse; Bertha Dengate ; Mirion Dunn; Dora Edwards;
Emily Bills : Annie Evers ; Gladys Filmcr ; Edith Gillett ;
Lizzie Gubbins ; I Hawkins; Eunice Holder ; Gwen
Jenkins; Lizzie Johnson ; Eleanor Lyons; Nellie Miller;
Ethel Murtoii ; Margaret Neame; Maud Neame; Dorothy
Nunns; Frances Packham ; Nellie Paokham ; Hilda
-a; N'orah Roberson ; Violet Robcrson ; Bettj
Robins; Ethel Seward; Louisa Sherwood; Alico Smith;
Mildred Steed ; Elsie Vinson ; Nellie Williams ; Nellie Wise.
196 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Kent 142, Walmer, was formed in August,
1914. On mobilisation the services of the detach-
ment were given to Kent 22, with whom they have
worked at St. Anselm's, Walmer. Three members
have been lent to the temporary hospital attached
to Kent 40, Deal.
Commandant — Miss D. M. Lapage.
Medical Officer — Dr. Mason.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Lloyd.
Quartermaster — Miss P. Lloyd.
Pharmacist — Miss J. Thomas.
Members. — Annie Balchin ; Annie Mary Bass ; Marian Bayly ;
Mabel Blogg ; Marjorie Blogg ; Edith Ellen Bowles ; Evelyn
Coast ; Evelyn Denne ; Grace Fletcher ; Ada Green ;
Lilian Locke ; Muriel Lucas ; Rose Moggridge ; Beatrice
Patterson ; Margaret Patterson ; Ena Mary Russell ; Annie
Ryder ; Mildred Slaughter ; Gertrude Stevens ; Eva Nellie
Todman ; Hilda Mary Todman.
Kent 144, Wood church, was initiated at a
meeting held in the village school, a committee
was formed, and offers of financial help towards
opening a hospital were made, Mrs. Somerset
Webb acting as treasurer ; also offers of equip-
ment and service have been received.
Unfortunately, owing to the much-regretted
death of the Medical Officer, Dr. Cape Doughty,
and the consequent resignation of his widow as
Commandant, the detachment was placed in the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 197
difficulty of losing its principal officers. The posts
have been rilled as follows : —
Commandant — Mrs. Bourne.
Medical Officer — Dr. W. Drew Mitchell.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. A. Tanton.
Quartermaster — Miss B. M. Harpur.
Members. — Elizabeth Arthur ; Annie Baker ; Edith Bourne ;
Mabel Bourne ; Violet Catchpole ; Eva Collick ; Maud
Cottar ; Margery Doughty ; Mabel Goorge ; Jessie Huntley ;
Elsie Johnston ; Jane Marshall ; Elsie Milton ; Dorothy
Tanton ; Sarah Vincett.
Kent 146, Broadstairs, was mobilised on
October 14th, with some fifty voluntary workers.
The detachment has charge of two hospitals at
Broadstairs which are run in conjunction. " Fair-
field," the residence of Norman Craig, Esq., M.P.,
and lent by him for the purpose of a Red Cross
Hospital with forty beds and a small operating
theatre ; also " Roseneath," lent by the Com-
mittee of the Jacob Memorial Home with thirty beds.
Various gifts have been received from residents
in the locality. Dr. Brightman has also to perform
the onerous duties of Joint Assistant County
Director for No. 7 Division of Kent.
Commandant — Mrs. Brightman.
Medical Officers —
Drs. Aytoun, Brightman, Pinnigee, Raven, Robins.
Dentist — M. C. Reed.
Lady Superintendent — Miss D. Muir.
Quartermaster — Miss R. Masks.
Members. — Dorothy Alfreo ; Florence Allen ; Mupiel Andrews ;
May AthawcH ; Enid Athawea ; Gcrtrudo Austin ; Doris
198 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Bartrum; Frances Bromfield; Phyllis Brightman; Myrtle
Broadhead ; Emily Burnham ; Louisa Burnham ; Eva Bush ;
Marjorie Bush ; Rosa Bush ; Jessie Caldwell ; Jean Caird ;
Constance Chamberlain ; May Chappie ; Christine Church ;
Esther Cornock ; Mabel Dames ; May Dacres ; Adelaide
Daniels ; Jessie Davis ; Joy Davis ; Molly Davis ; Carol
Denton ; Dorcas Denton ; Fanny Denton ; Maud Dennant ;
Lilian Elsworthy ; Clara Eveling ; Mona Farrar ; Helen
Fiske; Dorothy Forster; Kathleen Foster; Margaret Goodey ;
Marjorie Gullick ; Jennie Hall ; Bessie Half night ; Agnes
Harrison ; Grace Hickie ; Gertrude Inglis ; Meta lies ; Eva
Inkster ; Nora Inkster ; Dorothy Johnson ; Frances Ken-
drick ; Helen Langham ; Muriel Lee ; Vera Lee ; Eva Leslie ;
Nora Lewis ; Helen Malet ; Ruth Marks ; Dolly Marsden ;
Beatrice Matthews ; Gertrude Matthews ; Maud Maxted ;
Irene Mockett ; Annette Moon ; Annette Moore ; Daphne
Morton ; Lily Nicholson ; Annie Norman ; Ethel Owen ; Ada
Parry- Jones ; Mabel Parry-Jones ; Beatrice Pascoe ; Dilys
Pascoe ; Kate Patmore ; Dorothy Philips ; Beatrice Philipps ;
Grace Peyton ; Dorothy Peyton ; Lizzie Pollard ; Jean
Raven ; Olive Raven ; Muriel Robins ; Laura Romer ;
Nellie Rolfe ; Gladys Sargent ; Alice Seager ; Edith Seaton ;
Dorothy Shadwell ; Dorothy Shew ; Mary Snowden ; Jessie
Stockwell ; Mabel Tice ; Edith Tomlin ; Irene Tuffill ;
Marian Turnbull ; Ethel Vinson ; Helen Walker ; Kate
Wallace ; Marion Waller ; Ellen Ward ; Hilda Warren ;
Gladys White ; Daphne Wickham ; Maud Williams.
Kent 148, Mere worth, Wateringbury, and
West Peckham, was organised in 1913 with the
support of Viscountess Falmouth. A hop-picking
party, with the Hon. Pamela Boscawen, was
conducted for some weeks in September, 1914, to
help the cause, and on the outbreak of war the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 199
detachment made all arrangements for equipping
a Rest Station, if required.
On the opening of Kent 14 Hospital at Hayle
Place the detachment received orders to work
there, and for some time past have practically
taken over the night duty, under a sister. This
has only been made possible through the kindness
of many friends in lending their motor-cars.
Commandant — Miss E. Moore.
Lady Superintendent — Nurse Keate.
Quartermaster — Miss Swan.
Members. — Ellen Bassett ; Annie Berney ; Elsie Blest ; Rebie
Brooks ; Katharine Bunyard ; Lorna Bunyard ; Margaret
Bunyard ; Cecily Burnaby- Atkins ; Millicent Burnaby-
Atkins ; Alexina Chalmers ; Jane Clapson ; Katharine
Champion ; Lucy Coe ; Alice Goodwin ; Beatrice Goodwin ;
Helen Harding ; Rose Harris ; Jane Hooker ; Gwendoline
Lemmens ; Dorothea Livett ; Lydia Lockyer ; Dorothea
Moore ; Katharine Moore ; Mary Ongley ; Nellie Skinner ;
Daisy Smithers ; Emily Standen ; Bertha Stone ; Dorothy
Swan ; May Swan ; Agnes Wallas ; Ada Warnett ; Ethel
Woollett.
Kent 150, West Malling. On the outbreak
of war Mailing House, West Mailing, was kindly
offered by Mr. Percy Nevill as a V.A.D. hospital.
In November l his house, then standing empty, was
prepared as a hospital with fifty beds.
Residents in l he neighbourhood responded gener-
ously with donal ions, also with loans of equipment.
On November 16th the first patients arrived, and
200 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
since that date the hospital has never been empty.
Besides men from the Expeditionary Force and
Belgian soldiers, a great number of sick from the
local troops have been treated.
Three trained nurses are employed, and the
detachment is strongly reinforced by voluntary
helpers.
Commandant — Mrs. C. Wingfield-Stratford.
Medical Officer — Dr. Pope.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Kelly.
Quartermaster — Miss K. Hardy.
Members. — Edith Adam ; Ethel Adam ; Doris Alston ; Rosalind
Blackburne-Maze ; Violet Cator ; Camille Doucet ; Cicely
Englefield ; Celia Gauntlett ; Norah Hardy ; Ellen Hayton ;
Ruth Hayton ; Margaret Lawson ; Florence Pope ; Agnes
Roberts ; Madge Roberts ; Isabel Rust ; Isabel Smyth ;
Margaret Stedman ; Edith Timins ; Ada Viner ; Dorothy
Wood ; Elsie Wood ; Marjorie Wood ; Hermione Wingfield-
Stratford.
Kent 152, Margate. On declaration of war
Margate formed two detachments, with Miss M.
Mason and Miss Inness as Commandants. Nursing
and first aid classes were held. Wanstead Orphan
Asylum, Margate branch, was lent by Captain
Martin, r.n., as a hospital, with six large wards.
A trained nurse is in charge of each ward, with
members of the detachments under her. The
building was opened on October 14th in conjunc-
tion with several private houses, and 110 wounded
Belgians were received, and from that time the
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 201
hospital has been busy, some hundreds of patients
having passed through it.
Commandant — Miss M. Inness.
Medical Officers —
Dr. Graham Stewart and Dr. Thomson.
Quartermaster — Miss M. Lloyd.
Members. — Marie Baeten ; Ethel Marian Thornton Bobby ;
Ursula Marian Thornton Bobby ; Alice Boldero ; Ida Hay
Brighurst ; Olive Buswell ; Mary Callingham ; Beatrice
Carter ; Helen Dorothy Clayton ; Edith Cooper ; Elwyn
Theresa Diehl ; Louise Edwards ; Hilda Kate Gocher
Eveling ; Lily Eveling ; Mary Finn ; Beatrice Mary Giles ;
Ida May Godfrey ; Gertrude Mabel Godwin ; Florence
Gower ; Frances Hadlow ; Olga Harrison ; Emily Hawkins ;
Ethel Hews ; Phyllis Hill ; Eleanor Hobson ; Edith Horsley ;
Annie Keble ; Mildred Lamb ; Frances Lank ; Gwendoline
La Trobe ; Mary Elizabeth Linnington ; Grace Lusby ;
Edith Mann ; Minnie Mandelson ; Gertrude Annie
McLaughlin ; Mary Hilda Mills ; Marian Musto ; Ada
Norton-Smith ; Louise Perchard ; Frances Mary Pope ;
Gertrude Pullen ; Mabel Gainsborough Ray ; Alice
Richards ; Dorothy Richards ; Louise Emma Rogers ;
Annie Jane Rusholme ; Ambrosine Alicia Smithson ; Edith
Southey ; Elsie Spurgwin ; Maud Victoria Tappenden ;
Kate Edith Taylor ; Kathleen Taylor ; Miss Walker-Smith ;
Emily Walton ; Florence Maud Weir-Rhodes ; Ethel Willett.
Kent 154, Tunbridge Wells. Red Cross work
originated under the guidance of Miss L. Kemball,
with lectures given by Dr. Thurlow, who under-
took the training of the members. The detachment
was eventually formed at a meeting held at the
Grange, when Mrs. Rogers presided as temporary
Commandant, Mr. II. Kemball acting as secretary
and Mr. S. II. Leeder as treasurer.
N 2
202 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
The difficulty of obtaining a house suitable for
a hospital was overcome by friends of the cause,
who desire to remain anonymous, taking Rust
Hall for five years, and giving the detachment
use of the same with eventual accommodation
for fifty beds. The present Commandant was
unanimously elected, Mr. Scott Blair undertook
the care of the accounts and Mr. H. M. Caley gave
assistance with the care and management of the
buildings. Mr. C. Bruce Aitken is honorary solicitor.
Commandant — Miss Rachel M. Ard.
Medical Officers —
Dr. W. C. Aylward, Dr. B. L. Thurlow.
Lady Superintendent — Miss Hodgson.
Quartermaster — Miss L. Kemball.
Members. — Grace Aitken ; Harriet Aitken ; Isabel Barlow ;
Alice Mordaunt Barnard ; Mary Bolton ; Kate Bridger ;
Alice Bromley ; Annette B. Brooks ; Alice Brown ; Con-
stance Caley ; Marjorie Cass ; Louisa Perceval Clarke ;
Isoline Cook ; Beatrice Cook-Hayne ; Mary Coomber ; Ethel
Cox ; Caroline Craddock ; Gwendoline Cressey ; Louisa
Eliza Crossfield ; Mabel De Mattos ; Rhoda Mary Draper ;
Hetty Forbes - Adam ; Lilian M. Foss ; Annie Grier ;
Frederica H. Hammond ; Margaret Harding ; Edith Harris ;
Mary Hartley ; Daisy Harvey ; Isobel Haynes ; Agnes Hoare ;
Mary Hollamby ; Edith Hudson ; Elmira Kemball ; Emma
Keys ; Alice Lambart ; Lucy Evelyn Leeder ; Amy Lees ;
Eveleen Lees ; Florence Lees ; Ethel Littlewood ; Anna
McClean ; Nona McFarlane ; Florence Maunder ; Daisy
Mercer ; Florrie Mercer ; Ella Mitchell ; Ella Morgan ;
Lilian A. M. Morse ; Elizabeth Nevill ; Violet Overton ;
Anne Page ; Mary Panwick ; Maud Pilkington ; Mary C.
Pooley ; Florence Maud Poulter ; Evelyn Prescott ; Ellen
Price ; Seagram Richardson ; Myddleton Verna Rogers ;
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 203
Mabel Sargeaunt ; Louisa M. Scattergood ; Lydia Ann
Shepherd ; Catherine Sheppard ; Helen Shipton- Green ;
Alice Smith ; Hon. Mary Sommerville ; Hon. Florence
Starmer ; Agnes Stephenson ; Margaret Stephenson ;
Emma Kate Stevens ; Myma Symons ; Naomi Tabuteau ;
Ida Taunton ; Gertrude Taylor ; Ethel Templer ; Grace
Thompson ; Margaret Thorn ; Dorothea Tottenham ; Jane
Turner ; Harriett Vaughan ; Katherine Waddilove ; Elene
Waddilove ; Marjorie Wade ; Una Watson ; Margaret
Wilde ; Rose Withers ; Mary Wontner ; Doris Wynne.
Kent 156, Hawkhurst, was initiated shortly
after the declaration of war, both women's and
men's detachments being formed. Lectures and
practices were held. On October 14th, 1914,
mobilisation took place, and " Lillesden Park,"
kindly lent by Mr. and Mrs. Loyd, was opened
as a hospital with Belgian wounded. The present
hospital is " Oakfield."
The equipment was almost entirely supplied by
local residents.
During the earlier stages Mrs. Braybrooke and
Mrs. Gubbins acted as Commandants, and, with
the late Dr. Young, rendered valuable assistance.
Commandant — H. M. Braybrooke.
Medical Officer — Dr. Stead.
Lady Superintendent — Sister IIolley.
Quartermaster — Mrs. Ross-Thomson.
Members. — Olive Braybrooke ; Isabel Butt-Gow ; Amy Chat-
field ; Gladys Cyster ; Florence Davis ; Hilda Delves ;
Madge Edwards ; Mary Foster ; Edith Gormon ; Alice
Hayward ; Violot Heath ; Edith Jenner ; Lily Kemp ;
Elsie Monnie ; Ellen Morris ; Fanny Morris ; Kato Pannett ;
Katharino Percy ; Mary Persso ; Freda Ross-Thomson ;
204 WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS
Mabel Santer ; Cicely Slaughter ; Dorothy Slaughter ;
Alice Springett ; Frank Springett ; Helen Springett ;
Adelaide Stead ; Selina Ussher ; Evelyn Vaughan- Jenkins ;
Frances Williams ; Florence Wilson ; Marjorie Young.
Kent 158, Bexley Heath, was raised in August,
1914. The detachment commenced work in Octo-
ber, when the first convoy of wounded Belgians
was received.
The detachment is particularly fortunate in
possessing the services of two trained nurses, who
give their assistance quite voluntarily : Miss M.
Bartlett and Mrs. S. J. Weston, who is Matron of
the West Kent Nursing Home, the hospital of the
detachment.
Commandant and Medical Officer —
Dr. O. Sunderland.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. M. A. Cotsell.
Quartermaster — Miss W. A. R. Tyrer.
Members. — Ursula Adams ; Florence Berlyn ; Marion Cane ;
Alma Chaffey ; Emily Crowe ; Edith Harston ; Ellen
Hunnisett ; Alice Jenkins ; Bessie Jenkins ; Edith Jones ;
Helen Jones ; Una Lidington ; Hilda Reeves ; Mabel Rix ;
Hilda R,obinson ; Alix Russell ; Edith Snowden ; Phoebe
Windridge.
'o
Kent 160. The Willesborough Women's V.A.D.
began its existence in August, 1914 ; the Rev.
F. T. Gregg, m.a., Superintendent of the St. John
Ambulance Brigade, Willesborough, being the
chief mover in its formation.
When the V.A.D. were mobilised it was very
soon found that a contingent of Kent 48 could be
WORK OF THE DETACHMENTS 205
of great assistance at the Temporary Hospital,
Ashford ; and in consequence this detachment
acts in that capacity, its services there being
greatly appreciated.
Commandant — Miss Fanny M. Pledge.
Lady Superintendent — Mrs. Sims.
Members. — Lilian Brake ; Evelyn Devereux-Fleet ; Annie
Garner ; Lilian Holdstock ; Edith Holley ; Esther Home-
wood ; Anna Lilley ; Kathleen Pilcher ; Gertrude Ruck ;
Mabel Tomlin ; Alice Wildash ; Mary Wiles.
Recruits. — Edith Berry ; Betty Brake ; Milly Elizabeth Brett ;
Mabel Buss ; Evelyn Capeling ; Edith Capeling ; May
Coleman ; Gladys Chapman ; Maggie Crust ; Alice M.
Down ; Anah Dines ; Mary Evans ; Rose Harmer ;
Minnie Hodges ; Florence Hills ; Elsie Hills ; Louisa Hyland ;
Kathleen Merry ; Amy Clara Nicholls ; Alice Elizabeth
Noad ; Beatrice Sarkissyan ; Elizabeth Scott ; Jessie
Stark ; Lilian Swinerd ; Muriel Thomas ; Muriel Thompson ;
Mary White ; Florence Wilde.
Kent 162, Beckenham.
Commandant — Mrs. 11. H. Hurlbatt.
Medical Officer— Dr. Curtis.
Quartermaster — Miss Clara Klaber.
Members. — Florence Aires; Breta Bakewell ; Dorothy Bishop;
Marguerite Bluen; Rita Boot; Dorothy Buck; Winifred Carey;
Adelaide Cleveland ; Muriel Coleman ; Clare Curtis ; Grace
Davis; Kathleen Dawes ; Maude Derek ; Bessie Drughorn ;
Nellie Eastwood; rhyllis Fawel; Elsio Firmin; Gertrude
Firmin; Muriel Grose; Elsie Harvey; Margaret Ingram;
Evelyn Lenanton ; Mary Livingstone ; Amy Mania
Mary Moreland ; Annie Moser ; Julia Mumford ; Liliun
Munn ; Rose Neilson; Vera l'ortrr ; A. Rogors ; Dora
Rogers; Leslie Sambrook , Freda Smith ; Marjorie Soldi;
Winifred Sykes ; Johanna Vollers ; Doris Walker : Ethel
W.;bb.
HEADQUARTERS
Thanks to the kindness and self-sacrifice of Mrs.
Yolland these are still at No. 53 Bromley Common.
As stated elsewhere Dr. Cotton acted as County
Director most capably until his much-regretted
breakdown in health in August, 1914, when Lord
Darnley accepted the position of County Director
and carried on the duties admirably in close com-
munication with the Chief of Staff. In January,
1915, Lord Darnley was ordered by his physician
to take a thorough rest, and Dr. Yolland became
Acting County Director until his Lordship's return
on May 1st, 1915. The work has progressed con-
tinuously and every difficulty has been overcome :
all arrangements for future contingencies are com-
plete to the last detail.
Mr. ('.. Stanley Pond has acted throughout as
private secretary to Dr. Yolland, and has helped
him in the organisation; Mr. Paul Creswick has
been enabled, through the generosity of the
Prudential Assurance Co., Ltd., to perform the
interesting duties of chief transport officer for the
whole county.
207
208 HEADQUARTERS
The Kent County Committee, to whom so much
is due, is constituted as follows :
President :
fTHE Marchioness Camden, Bayham Abbey, Lamber-
hurst, Kent.
Vice-Presidents :
-j-Lady Northcote, Eastwell Park, Ashford.
f*LoRD Harris, Belmont, Faversham.
County Committee :
Mrs. Walter Hay, Manor House, Sevenoaks.
fMRS. A. C. Norman, The Rookery, Bromley Common.
-j-*Charles M. Hilder, Esq., Kirkella, Sevenoaks.
The Hon. Mrs. Ward, Squerryes Court, Westerham.
Rev. Canon Arnott, f.r.c.s., The Rectory, Becken-
ham.
*j-Lady Bower, The Grange, Chislehurst.
The Hon. P. Bowes-Lyon, Skeynes Park, Edenbridge.
Mrs. Preston, Moncks Orchard, West Wickham.
f*ARTHUR N. Lubbock, Esq., The Bassetts, Farn-
borough.
Louisa, Lady Cohen, Highfield, Shoreham.
f*J. W. Wheeler-Bennett, Esq., Ravensbourne,
Keston. *
-j-*Kenneth E. Chalmers, Esq., Blackbrook, Bickley.
f*R. Leonard Powell, Esq., Heatherbank, Chisle-
hurst.
-j-Mrs. Hoyle, 24, Park Place, Gravesend.
fSiR Gilbert Parker, Bart., m.p., 20, Carlton House
Terrace, London, S.W.
HEADQUARTERS 209
The Countess of Darnley, Cobham Hall, Cobham,
Kent.
Mrs. E. L. Tomlin, Angley Park, Cranbrook.
fMRS. Cornwallis, Linton Park, Maidstone.
Mrs. R. H. Style, Boxley House, Maidstone.
fMRS. D'Aytgdor Goldsmid, Somerhill, Tonbridge.
Viscountess Hardinge, South Park, Penshurst.
Mrs. Julian, The Old Rectory, Milstead, near Sitting-
bourne.
The Earl of Westmorland, Woodstock Park,
Sittingbourne.
Mrs. Strang-Steel, The Moat, Charing.
Mrs. Thornton Down, Spearpoint, Kennington,
Ashford.
Lord Rothermere, Hempstead Park, Benenden.
fMRS. Barham, Hole Park, Rolvenden.
Major Powell-Cotton, Quex Park, Birchington.
Colonel E. T. Buttanshaw, Marshview, Hillcrest
Road, Hythe.
|Lady Dorothy Ruggles Brise, Hj^the.
A. Randall-Davis, Esq., m.r.c.s., Oaklands, Hythe.
Lieutenant-Colonel S. E. Pratt, i.m.s., Under-
ledge, Hythe.
Lady Seager Hunt, 11, Royal Crescent, Ramsgate.
jLady Rose Weigall, Ramsgate.
Mrs. Murray Smith, Westcliff House, Ramsgate.
Mrs. Prescott-Westcar, Strode Park, Heme.
•j-Lady George Hamilton, Deal Castle, Deal.
Lady Parker, 20, Carlton House Terrace. London, S.W.
Mrs. Randall-Da yidson, Lambeth Palace, London.
fW. R. FlTZHUGH, Esq., Howitts, Ashford.
■fDft. Cotton, Briarfield, Canterbury.
fDii. Prideaux Selby, Teynham, Kent.
210 HEADQUARTERS
fA. Leon Adutt, Esq., Chelsea Lodge, Margate.
Colonel Sinclair, Barming House, Maidstone.
f*T. Pawley, Esq., 14, Rodway Road, Bromley.
f*LoRD Darnley, Cobham Hall, Cobham, Kent.
t*F. Schooling, Esq., Hollydene, Bromley.
Colonel Streatfield, Marlborough House.
D'Avigdor Goldsmid, Esq., Somerhill, Tonbridge.
fTHE Mayor of Margate (Alderman Booth Reeve),
Town Hall, Margate.
f*GEO. Croll, Esq., Millfield, Chislehurst.
-j-*Geo. Marsham, Esq., Hayle College, Maidstone.
fW. R. Bruce-Culver, Esq., Hope House, Gravesend.
Ex-Officio :
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer : Dr. J. H. Yolland,
53 Bromley Common.
Those whose names are marked f form the Executive Com-
mittee under the Chairmanship of Lord Darnley, the County
Director.
All those marked with a * are Members of the Finance
Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mr. J. W. Wheeler-
Bennett.
The Assistant County Directors have dealt
promptly with all local matters and are allocated
thus :
Division I. Dr. Allan, Chislehurst ; Dr. Sterry,
Sevenoaks.
II. Dr. Skinner, Strood.
III. Surgeon-Colonel T. Joyce, M.D.,
Cranbrook; Dr. Tra vers, Maidstone.
Dr. Watson, Tunbridge Wells.
HEADQUARTERS 211
IV. Dr. Prideaux Selby, Sittingbourne.
V. Captain Brandreth Gibbs, Hastings.
VI. Dr. T. Vernon Dodd, Folkestone.
VII. Dr. Frank Brightman, Broadstairs ;
Surgeon- General F. H. Benson,
Walmer.
The County Secretary is Mr. W. R. Bruce-Culver,
who, like the Divisional Secretaries, Mr. Alfred
Pope, Mrs. Bruce- Culver, Mr. Walter Neve and
Dr. J. P. Henderson, have found plenty to do. The
county architect and surveyor, Mr. Granville
Streatfield, has been of great service. Mr. P. H.
Ashton has rendered considerable assistance at
headquarters, and, with Messrs. A. Pope, W. W.
Gomer, C. D. Quint, Herbert Gurney Smith,
Evelyn Gurney Smith, R. Gilliard and other
voluntary workers, has made the heavy detail
work each day possible of accomplishment. To
Dr. E. J. H. Midwinter, Dr. Kirby and Dr. R. A.
Shannon sincere acknowledgment is made of much
unselfish and valuable help. Mr. T. Pawley, the
committee's financial adviser, has had charge of the
County Red Cross stores in East Street, Bromley,
and has conducted these, in conjunction witli Miss
Pawley, with success.
Cordial thanks are here expressed to Messrs.
Kemp, Sons, Sendcll and Co., for acting as
Honorary Auditors, and to the Misses Shafto of
212 HEADQUARTERS
Market Square, Bromley, for having undertaken,
free of all cost, the whole of the typing for head-
quarters.
To all those ladies and gentlemen who have so
self-denyingly placed their motor-cars at the dis-
posal of the Chief of Staff his very warm acknow-
ledgments are now made. One and all in Kent,
from first to last, have been most generous and
public-spirited in assisting the County in its great
and successful crusade on behalf of those who
have fought so splendidly for all that is best in
the British Empire.
PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY
WM. BRENDON AND SON, LTD., PLYMOUTH.
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