OPENING OF ARMY NURSING EXHIBIT [AT THE MEDICAL MUSEUM], FEBRUARY 1972. COLIN THOMBSON, DESIGNER AND MS HELEN MCCLELLAND, WW1 REGISTERED NURSE.
For Rea P, a quick transcription from p. 4-5, discussing being assigned to a hospital in Belgium, to a British nursing team with one other American nurse:
There were seven surgical teams; five British and two American, besides the regular staff of officers and sisters. Four teams were put on day duty; three on at night until a "push" began - then the schedule was changed and the teams would work for twelve hours - go off for eight - then on again for twelve. In this way, all the teams would be working for part of the twenty-four hours.
There were five operating tables in a Nissen hut and two in a large tent (marquee). The two American teams were on duty at the same time and our tables were next to each other in the hut.
When the first big drive came - which was the heaviest that we had known, all the teams worked overtime - no one felt like going off when the men were pouring in. One day, we worked for twenty-two hours - only stopping for something to eat. After cleaning up our tables, we went to bed at 2:00 A.M., but were back on duty at 4:00 A..M, and worked for another twelve hours. At the end of that period, when the men were not coming in so fast, we were relieved for eight hours.
2 comments:
My aunt, Nurse Helen Fairchild was the other nurse with Helen G, McClelland. You didn't tell that McClelland won the DSC for heroism under shellfire near the front at Third Battle of Ypres-Passchendaele, Belgium, August 18, 1917.
I have my aunt's letters, documenting this WWI history.
elle12@ptd.net
Well, we only transcribed a part of 2 pages - the speech went on for many others. Right now, I don't recall if McClelland mentioned winning the DSC in it. That's very neat that you have your aunt's letters though!
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