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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
THE PAST LIVES + TIMES OF THE
ROYAL VICTORIA MILITARY HOSPITAL, NETLEY
1862 - 1966
CHAPTER 2 - THE HOSPITALS AT NETLEY 1914 - 1918
"From 1914, for the second time in its history, Netley Hospital became filled to capacity with the wounded from the war. During the First World War between 1914 and 1918, casualties from many nations were treated. It was a conflict which created the most appalling numbers of wounded, especially from the trench warfare in France and Belgium.
Once again Netley was the principal reception hospital and once again from Southampton Docks to Netley Hospital, ambulance trains brought in patients in their hundreds.
The 1000 beds in the main building were supplemented by 1500 beds in the hutted and tented
British Red Cross, Irish and Welsh Hospitals, which treated nearly 10,000 and over 20,000 patients
respectively during the five years of war."
Web.archive.org/southernlife.org.uk
Final Garrison Theatre Concert in 1913 -
Private Albert Victor Godsell
Service No 198
Royal Army Medical Corps
He was born at Sandhurst,
Gloucestershire.
He died at Netley Hospital on 13/01/1914
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
Lt-Colonel A Kennedy , RAMC,
in charge of "D" Block
between 1912 - 1914 has been noted for a tour of service
in India.
Army + Navy Gazette 07/03/1914
During WW1 alone, the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Netley treated almost 50,000 wounded or sick soldiers about 5% of whom died whilst in the Hospital's care.
Wartime Memories Project
We are now heading into the "Great War" as it was commonly referred to during that time.
Of course no-one called it the "First" World War because who would have ever thought the world was going to have a second one about 25 years on?
Many of the National Archives records below, show the phrase "Chain of Evacuation given".
This covered the steps taken from the point when a soldier was wounded through to his
arrival back to a Base Hospital in the UK.
Pete Starling has kindly given me the simplified diagram below of the evacuation process.
I thought it may give you a better understanding of the terms used in some of the
records and newspaper clippings.
Legend for above diagram:RAP - Regimental Aid Post
ADS - Advanced Dressing Station
MDS - Main Dressing Station
CCS - Casualty Clearing Station
From the MDS rearwards, they were evacuated by the Motor Ambulance Convoy, train or barge. From the General Hospital to the UK was by ship.
The Base Station for all RAMC Personnel onboard the Hospital Ships was the
Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Forfar Reservist is wounded
Intimation has been received in Forfar of a reservist belonging to the town having been wounded
in one of the recent engagements on the Continent.
A letter has been received by his relatives from Private John Johnston, the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, stating that he has been landed at Netley Hospital, Southampton among the first batch of wounded from the Continent. In his letter, Johnson makes no statement as to the nature of his injuries and the communication gives no information as to where the engagement in which he was wounded, took place.
He was a factory worker at Manor Works, Forfar.
Dundee Courier 28/08/1914
Private W Dempsey of the St John's Ambulance Brigade, Padiham Division is serving as a Medical Orderly at Netley Hospital in August 1914
Burnley News, August 1914
Hats off to the Welsh general public!
A National Fund-raising Campaign throughout the Principality!
As soon as it was announced that there would be a Welsh Hospital created within the grounds
of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, every Fete, Sale of Work, Bazaar,
social event in towns and villages, large and small,
earmarked some, if not all, of the money it raised to be sent to Colonel A W Sheen
to support the Welsh Hospital, its Staff and patients.
The donations and endowments flooded in!
Helpless Case Shirts?
Okay - so are these Shirts for folk who are deemed to be "helpless cases" or Case Shirts which can't do anything for themselves?
Wanted! Newspapers and Magazines for the wounded
at Netley!
Private Robert Thomas Dobbyn
Service No 5667
5th Lancers, Royal Irish
He died at Netley Hospital of enteric fever on 07/09/1914, aged 31. He was a Shoe-smith.
He was born in Donnybrook, Dublin. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC787.
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
Appeal to Barbers!
Every barber of course cannot go to the Front, but the members of the Southampton and District Hairdressers' Association are anxious to help in their own way.
Members are asked by by the Secretary, Mr G J Samways, to cycle out to Netley Hospital to shave or cut the hair of wounded soldiers gratuitously.
A number of firms have already responded to the appeal.
Portsmouth Evening News 09/09/1914
Private/Bandsman Sidney Carter
Service No 121
2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
He was hit in the leg by a piece of shrapnel shell during the fighting around Mons and Cambrai.
He fell down with cramp.
He was acting as a Stretcher-bearer at the time - which apparently is "what Bandsmen do".
Not surprisingly he dropped the stretcher which fell with a bump giving his patient a
severe shaking ...
Private Andrew Townend
Service No 147
2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
He was that Patient!
He had received a rifle shot wound in his right calf whilst fighting in the neighbourhood of Cambrai.
They managed to crawl back to Cambrai where they were eventually shipped home to Netley.
They met up at Netley Hospital to joke about how they knew each other.
Both were making good progress and hoped to return to the front as soon as possible.
Postscript -
One of the saddest moments reading as I do through the newspapers, is when I share on this website that a soldier has survived his injuries and is now "doing well", only then to come across a later article in which he has after all "not made it" or has been fit enough to return to the Front and then been killed in action.
This is one of those -
Private Andrew Townend did indeed return to the Front after his stay in Netley Hospital
but was killed in action on 19 December 1915.
Coventry Evening Telegraph 16/01/1916
Reports on the recent Royal Visit to
Netley Hospital -
The King and Queen motored out from Buckingham Palace this morning and accompanied by a lady-in-waiting and two equerries, left Waterloo by special train on their way to Netley Hospital to visit the wounded soldiers there.
The cases their Majesties saw at Netley were many of them much more serious than those visited in London.
As Netley is a military hospital, the King and his
equerries were in uniform.
Pall Mall Gazette 15/09/1914; Birmingham Daily Post 16/09/1914
Willi Kessler, Jaeger Battalion I/G, German Army, died at Netley Hospital on 18/09/1914 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1586.
www.cwgc.org.uk - Casualty Search for Netley Cemetery
Private William Hermes
Service No 7280
12th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers
Admitted to Netley Hospital, sick, on 18/09/1914
Private J Ferrie
Service No 7804, Royal Scots Fusiliers
He was wounded in the right hand at Landrecies.
He was invalided back to Netley Hospital.
He went home to Barrhead on furlough.
Dundee Evening Telegraph 19/09/1914
The Todmorden Ambulance Corps were stationed at Netley Hospital during the last quarter of 1914. Several of their ambulancemen took it in turns to write to their local paper to keep its readers up to date with daily life at Netley Hospital. More articles from them below!
Private Frederick Baxter
Service No 7736
1st Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
He has just returned to his home in Wellingborough from Netley Hospital.
On 26th August, around Cambrai, Private Baxter received his wound whilst in the fighting line in an open field. The bullet which struck him down went through his ear, pierced the back of his skull
and lodged at the base of his neck.
He was invalided home, arriving at Netley on Saturday 29/08/1914.
He was operated on the next day and the bullet taken out from the back of his neck.
He made a quick recovery and arrived home the following Tuesday.
He has held on to the bullet which is about an inch long and pointed like a sharpened pencil.
He declares that whilst at Netley he saw "six ship loads of Russians leave Southampton for France."
[How did he know they were Russians?]
Northampton Mercury 18/09/1914
Rev J E H Williams has been appointed Acting Chaplain to the Church of England troops at Netley Hospital in September 1914
Hampshire Advertiser 19/09/1914
"Highfield House", Victoria Road, Netley Abbey is altered to receive soldiers on convalescence from Netley Hospital.
It's still there in 2022 but as a private residence
once more named "Highfield House"
The local French inhabitants of Mons flee as the Germans arrive ... a British soldier's account:
Sergeant A McGregor of the Black Watch who belongs to Cowdenbeath,
was interviewed on his way from Netley Hospital to Perth.
He says -
"No-one has any idea of what the British Army accomplished in the early days of the war. The regiment took part in the fight at Mons on 22 August. On the approach of the Germans, the inhabitants left the town and the sympathy of the British soldier was with them as they passed along the road with nothing but some bread and other articles tied in a handkerchief. Many were bare-footed and numbers of the children were in their night-dresses. It was a pitiful sight."
Strathearn Herald Saturday 19/09/1914
Private Uriah Macey
Service No 5793
2nd Battalion Essex Regiment
He received a bullet wound in his right thigh on 15/08/1914. Tetanus began on 20/09/1914.
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 21/09/1914 with a septic wound.
He died at Netley on 22/09/1914 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC 789.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects; National Archives Folio 60 MH 106/2105/27
"He is a typical German in appearance" - and that is?
There's more about him below!
On the right is Miss Emily Evans who was accepted for service work at the Welsh Hospital, Netley. She is from an old Aberystwyth family.
She has had a large and varied experience both at home and overseas and possesses the Queen Victoria and King Edward medals for services in the South African War.
Miss Evans at some unknown point became Matron of the Welsh Hospital - look out below in June 1918 as she bids farewell to the Hospital.
Superintendent Boulton, of the Birmingham Police Force, has received a communication from Cyril Dean, Royal Artillery, stating he is under treatment at Netley Hospital, having been wounded in the
battle of the Oise.
Dean was attached to the divisional city police.
Birmingham Daily Post 01/10/1914
Intimation has been received from Mrs C J Wilkins of Llanishen that more than sufficient funds have been collected by the dog fanciers of Wales to endow a bed to be known as -
the "Welsh Dogs' Bed".
Western Mail 01/10/1914
Wreiddiol neu beth?
Private T A Blakey (right) was a member
of the Todmorden Ambulance Corps stationed at Netley Hospital in the last quarter of 1914.
The German soldier he mentions has died, I think must be Otto August Fritz Schulz , Jaeger who died on 27/09/1914 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref RC790.
Sergeant Joseph E Armitage
Service No 30335
Royal Field Artillery
He was a Patient at Netley from October 1914 - January 1915.
He received gunshot wounds to his back, leg and hand on 16/09/1914 at Aisne.
He was given anti-titanic serum on 02/10/1914 when tetanus began.
He was admitted to Netley on 04/10/1914.
A Gastronomy operation was performed on 04/10/1914.
He was discharged but re-admitted on 31/12/1914 for the gastronomy wound to be closed.
He was then transferred to Post Office Home 22/01/1915. Outcome not stated.
National Archives Folio 44 MH 106/2105/20
In October 1914, H L Tidy MD was granted the Rank of Temporary Captain whilst serving at the new British Red Cross Hospital at Netley.
London Gazette Issue 28965 Page 9018
The wounded "Tommies" at Netley Hospital are being well cared for by their friends outside. Huge quantities of fruit from the beautiful Southern Hampshire harvest are being sent, together with cigarettes and tobacco and literature. One gentleman has sent his whole stock of modern novels, dispersing a collection of some considerable value.
Men with slight wounds are being sent away within a day or two to convalescent homes or on furlough, and others occupy the wards immediately. This constant ebb and flow of patients is throwing a heavy burden upon the administration at Netley which is really one of the
marvels of the war.
Portsmouth Evening News Thursday 08/10/1914
Private Thomas Hatcher
Royal West Kent Regiment
His Regiment had been hotly engaged in France and he was invalided to Netley.
His letter home said that he was all right and in hospital and has had a piece of his little finger
blown off but nothing serious.
Kent + Sussex Courier, 09/10/1914
Private James Shaw
3rd Battalion
Manchester Regiment
He lived at Cowlieshaw. He was wounded in the head and sent home to Netley Hospital to recover.
He had fought in the Boer War.
Heywood Advertiser 09/10/1914
Dr Lloyd and Sergeant Timmis
Private James Allen Purdy
Service No 8030
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
He had part of his valise carried off his back
by a piece of shell.
He is a native of Poyntspass Co Armagh.
Private G Higgins
Service No 10642
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
He lives at 148 Wilton Street,
Shankhill Road, Belfast
They were wounded at the same time when the enemy began a rear guard action and opened heavy artillery fire on them from ambush. They were both struck on the right shoulder.
They were attended to by the Red Cross and then transferred to Netley where each
had their bullet removed. Both soldiers are progressing favourably.
They have kept their bullets as souvenirs of their engagement with the Germans.
Larne Times 10/10/1914 - both photos and text
A A Prichard was appointed a "Dresser" when the Welsh Hospital opened in October 1914.
He is the son of Dr R Prichard of Cardiff.
The Hospital October 1914
C Pearson MD was granted the Rank of Temporary Lieutenant whilst serving at the British Red Cross Hospital in Netley in October 1914.
London Gazette Issue 28965 P9018
Private Arthur Read
Army Service Corps
Patient in Netley Hospital in October 1914
He owes his life to a New Testament.
He kept the book in his trouser pocket and was shot during the battle of the Aisne.
The bullet penetrated the Testament and also his hip but thanks to the book,
he received only a slight wound.
He has sent the Testament to his sweetheart, (Miss) Annie Williams of Godalming.
Runcorn Guardian, Tuesday 20/10/1914
P Pland, Soldat in the German Army died at Netley Hospital on 22/10/1914 and is buried in
Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1611
Netley Military Cemetery Register
Private John James O'Brien
Service No 439
1st (or 2nd) Battalion
Manchester Regiment
He served in the Expeditionary Force in France.
He died at Netley Hospital from wounds received on 27/10/1914
and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC 804.
De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919; Fold3 Army Register
Private Charles Cottis
Service No L/8004
1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 28/10/1914 from tetanus contracted whilst on active service.
He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref CE1620.
He was married.
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919
Private David Cunningham
Service No 8239
2nd Welsh Regiment
It was officially reported to his wife that he had been killed in action but then she received a letter from her husband saying he was all right except for a shrapnel wound in his right arm and that he was in Netley Hospital.
He served 7 years with the colours and went through the South African War.
He lived at No 14, Cwmrydybedd, Dowlais, Mid Glamorgan, Wales.
Western Mail 28/10/1914
Miss Mary Jane Martin is the Matron at the Welsh Hospital. She was trained at the Middlesex Hospital and was at one time, a Sister at the Cardiff Infirmary.
The Hospital 31/10/1914
If you are looking for a specific name, perhaps a relative, who has a connection to
Netley Hospital, why not drop me a message via Contact Me?
Perhaps your relative is already on the Netley Hospital Names' database?
It's free to enquire and if we hold or find any information in connection
to the Hospital, that's free too!
If you would like copies of any documents we find in relation to that search, all we ask is that
you make a minimum £10.00 donation to The Alzheimer's Society on proof of which the
documents will be emailed to you via the "We Transfer" service.
Private W G Town (right) takes over from Private Blakey this week to report to their local paper and its readers. As you can see, the article gives an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of an ambulance-man at the Hospital.
See below for more news from Private Blakey
More news of and insight into daily life at Netley Hospital, courtesy of Private Blakey ...
Below left, Professors Maclean and Parkes still being quoted after all these years.
Below right, the development of a tetanus vaccination
Private Edward Northwood Ravenhill
Service No 9682
1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers
He received a shrapnel wound to his neck on 21/10/1914 and was admitted to
Netley Hospital on 24/10/1914.
He underwent x-rays - a bullet was found. He underwent an operation on 06/11/1914 to remove shrapnel. He suffered a haemorrhage on 07/11/1914.
He died at Netley on 15/11/1914, aged 25 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref CE1636.
National Archives Folio 93 - 94 MH 106/2112/42; Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
“There are now representatives of five different nations in Netley Hospital - British, Indians, French, Belgians and Germans. This is the first time in the history of the hospital that such
a thing has happened.”
Hampshire Advertiser 21/11/1914
Private J Banks
Service No 7725
3rd Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps
Pre-enlistment he was a Boot Finisher
He died at Netley Hospital on 3 November 1914 from wounds received in action.
He came from Ripon.
Private Thomas McAdams
Service No 6417
2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
He received shrapnel wound to his face on
07/11/1914 at Ypres.
He was admitted to Netley on 24/11/1914 with septic wounds. Plastic surgery was necessary.
He was discharged to a convalescent home on 08/12/1914. Outcome not stated.
National Archives Folio 387 MH 106/2110/171
Private Deans
Scots Guards
He is a Patient in Netley Hospital in November 1914 suffering with a bullet wound in the shoulder. He is now a convalescent.
His father, George Deans, lives in
Cairnfield Terrace.
Aberdeen Evening Express 27/11/1914
Private Clement Webster
The Buffs
He was severely wounded in action and brought
home to Netley Hospital
Private Roderick Perry
Service No 9857
2nd Battalion Oxfordshire + Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
He was the eldest son of the late Joseph Perry.
He received a gunshot wound to his left knee resulting in a comminuted fracture of the tibia.
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 01/12/1914 and died a short time later.
He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1648.
National Archives Folio 197 MH 106/2125/40
Two brothers in the same Regiment but in different hospitals !
Private J Hill and Private T Hill, brothers, are both serving with the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment.
Private J Hill is currently lying in Netley Hospital suffering with a wound in his arm.
His brother, Private T Hill, is in a French hospital
suffering with a wound to his face.
The Hill brothers belong to Wellingborough.
Northampton Chronicle + Echo 02/12/1914
Queen Alexandra sends lawn muslin for use by the wounded Indian troops at the British Red Cross Hospital but it's too good to use!
Setting up the facilities at the new British Red Cross Hospital
at Netley.
Sepoy Ratif Khan
Service No 3818
107th Pioneers
He received a gunshot wound to his right eye on 23/11/1914 and was admitted to Netley Hospital on 02/12/1914 with a septic wound. Tetanus set in on 03/12/1914 and he was transferred to the Tetanus ward suffering from marked cyanotic attacks on 06/12/1914.
He died on 08/12/1914, aged 25. He is buried in Brookwood Cemetery.
National Archives Folio 115 - 116, MH 106/2105/52
Private Robert Bruce Richardson
Service No 2981
10th Liverpool Scottish Regiment
He was 26. His illness, enteric fever began on 01/12/1914.
He was seen by a medical officer and given brandy and pills and was transferred to a small field hospital, then to Bailleul on 04/12/1914 and on to Boulogne on 05/12/1914.
He boarded HMHS “St Patrick” on 06/12/1914 and was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 08/12/1914. No visible illness detected on admission.
The Doctor suspecting Maconochie’s* Ration to be the likely cause,
discharged him on 15/12/1914.
National Archives Folio 35 MH 106/2088/19
*Maconochie was a stew of sliced turnips, carrots and potatoes in a thin broth, named for the
Aberdeen Maconochie Company that produced it.
It was widely used as a food ration for British soldiers in the frontline trenches during WW1.
Although the stew was tolerable, most soldiers detested it.
As one soldier put it, "warmed in the tin, Maconochie was edible; cold, it was a man-killer."
Others complained about how the potatoes appeared to be black lumps.
A reporter once described the stew as "an inferior grade of garbage".
www.wikipedia.org.uk
One final article from Private Blakey
as 1914 comes to a close.
Private Richard Walsh
Service No 4250, B Company
1st Battalion Irish Guards.
Eldest son of Patrick and Mary Walsh, 9 Green Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny.
He died at Netley Hospital on 18/12/1914 from wounds received and is buried at
Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC 822. He was 23 years of age.
Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Rifleman A Mallion
1st Rifle Brigade
He is in Netley Hospital, near Southampton, wounded.
His next-of-kin is Miss J Mallion, The Bungalow, Filsham Road, St Leonards-on-Sea
(who supplied the photo)
Hastings + St Leonard's Observer 19/12/1914 - text and photo
Private W Connelly
Service No 9539
2nd Battalion Scots Guards
Husband of Margaret Dibble (formerly Connelly), 12 Smithfield Street, Gorgie, Edinburgh.
He died at Netley Hospital on 21/12/1914, age 34.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC823.
War Graves of the British Empire
Private John Hadley
Service No 13355
3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
He received gunshot wounds to both thighs on 14/09/1914 while advancing.
He was admitted to Netley on 19/09/1914. Tetanus began on 26/09/1914.
He was transferred to the Tetanus ward on 27/09/1914 suffering with spasms.
On 13/12/1914 he was transferred to the Surgical Division.
On 20/12/1914, he was suffering with crepitations
[a crackling sound made when breathing with an inflamed lung] and tubercular breathing.
He died of tetanus on 23/12/1914, 21 years old.
He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N322.
The People 22/12/1914; War Graves of the British Empire; National Archives Folio 236 - 243 MH 106/2105/110
Netley Hospitals' Christmas Celebrations!
Private Joseph Matthews
Service No 11383
1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
He scalded his foot on 02/12/1914 when he upset a kettle of boiling water.
Ailments listed - septic wound of foot, blisters.
He received treatment at Boulogne.
On or about 14/12/1914, he was admitted to the Welsh Hospital, Netley where his wounds were dressed, picric acid* was applied, the sloughing skin was removed and carbolic lotion applied.
His wounds healed and he was discharged on or about 01/01/1915. He was 44 years old.
National Archives Folio 423 MH 106/2129/276
*The National Archives' transcription said "picnic acid" but I'm sure it should have been
"picric acid" which was an antiseptic used to treat burns (as well as in munitions,
it being highly explosive).
www.wikipedia.org.uk
British Red Cross Hospital gets ready to receive
Indian wounded
Lance-Corporal Ernest Mann
As we leave 1914 and move into 1915, please meet a couple of members of the
Voluntary Aid Detachment working at Netley.
www.vad.redcross.org.uk
Annie Elizabeth Betts
Sister at the Royal Victoria Hospital from 1914 to 1915. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross.
Newton Braby
Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital from December 1914 to June 1915.
He lived at Charlwood House, Lowfield Heath, Crawley and was 48 years old when he started at Netley Hospital
"Lincolnshire Hut" at the British Red Cross Hospital
Trenches and Tetanus
One of the most serious of the medical problems which had to be faced soon after the trench-fighting began in France and in Flanders was that of tetanus.
Experts have been hard at work in London and on the other side of the Channel grappling with the theory and practice of its prevention or cure. It was found that wounded discovered in certain areas developed tetanus whilst other fields were immune from the germ. Shorn of technical details, the reason appears to be that the countryside where our troops have been fighting is not the virgin soil, say of the veldt, for it has been lived upon for centuries and its soil cultivated year by year, especially in the Champagne district.
The tetanus germ flourishes more at a depth of eighteen inches and under than on the surface.
That is why the peril is aggravated by trench-digging.
Interview with Dr A W Sheen, Welsh Hospital - Western Mail 09/01/1915
Slightly Wounded?
There is a certain wounded warrior in Netley Hospital who has been there since about the beginning of November 1914 and who is officially described a "slightly wounded".
He has five bullets in his right shoulder, one in his left arm, one in his right arm
and his right thigh has been shattered by shrapnel.
Portsmouth Evening News 11/01/1915
Nurse Ethel Nazer
Nurse Ethel Nazar tells a touching story of a blind Gurkha, a patient in the
Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Corporal John Logan
Service No 733
Military Mounted Police
He was transferred from the Military Hospital at Cottonera, Malta.
Condition - epileptic stupor. Ailments listed: nervous debility, general weakness but was largely
well on admission to Netley on 21/01/1915.
He had previously served in South Africa.
He was stationed to the Dardanelles on 25/04/1915. He reported sick in late 1914.
Treated with Brandy at the Front. Civilian job: miner. Age 38.
National Archives Folio 83 MH 106/2102/41
Personal Memories of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley ...
"During the 1914 - 1918 War, I was at school next door to the Abbey and my father was a
Medical Officer at the Hospital.

To those of us who knew it, who will ever forget the three seemingly endless corridors, which rumour said, if put end-to-end would measure a good mile?
Even in those days, it was out of date for the running of an efficient hospital,
and there had been negotiations shortly before the outbreak of war to sell it for a biscuit factory.
Fortunately the plans fell through for Netley Hospital came into the glory that it had been intended for when it was built, during the forthcoming four-year holocaust."
Author is possibly Leslie Grant; I came across this bit on an old tattered page of Hampshire Magazine
Private Edwin George
Service No 5159
3rd + 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Admitted to Netley Hospital in January 1915 and remained there for seven months
JAPANESE RED CROSS SOCIETY
"A contingent of two surgeons, two chief nurses, 20 nurses, a secretary and an interpreter reached Liverpool on 22/01/1915 from Japan. They were met and welcomed by a deputation from the British Red Cross Society. The party will shortly join the British Red Cross Society's Hospital at Netley, Hampshire."
Aberdeen Press + Journal 23/01/1915
The Newspapers of the day reported on everything connected with Netley Hospital
Corporal William Reynolds
Service No 10103,
23rd Field Company, Royal Engineers
He was the son of Matthew and Ellen Reynolds, of Ballycarthy, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
He died at Netley on 09/02/1915 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC831.
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
On Friday evening week, a social and dance were held in the National School-room, Grantham.
The funds are to be devoted to the Netley Hospital.
Grantham Journal 20/02/1915
Private Robert Elder Alles
Service No 10160
Argyll + Sutherland Highlanders
He died at Netley on 28/02/1915 from fractured bones.
He is buried at Kinross East Burying Ground, Kinross, Perthshire
Ancestry.co.uk/Burial Records
Indian Troops' Funeral customs were always a source of interest and intrigue in Netley Village - as recalled by two of our past residents below:
Another past Resident, Mr Eric O'Hara recalled -
"One memory I have forgotten to mention in connection with the funeral ceremonies, was the burning of the corpses of every Indian or such like as is their custom.
As one enters the cemetery, up on the right, one sees a large grassy mound and fires were lighted for the burials."
Past Residents' Memories are from Ken Ford's Research courtesy of Hound Local History Society's Archives
And "officially" by the Newspapers too -
Postscript:
He is the son of Mr T H Clark, Byron Street, Skipton.
Sadly he died at Netley Hospital on 11/03/1915 from the wounds received in action. He was 24 years old.
West Sussex Gazette 18/03/1915
Private Wilfred Hoyle
1st Battalion Expeditionary Force
He is the youngest son of the late Mr John Hoyle and Mrs Hoyle of Gravesend.

He died at Netley Hospital on 15/03/1915 from pneumonia.
Rochdale Observer 20/03/1915
Sergeant Henry John Jacob
Service No 18064
Royal Field Artillery
He previously suffered with dysentery in India in 1906.
Onset of this illness was at Richebourg on 19/02/1915.
Ailments listed - vomiting and diarrhoea. He was treated at Merville Clearing Hospital for three weeks.
Suffering with inflammation of the intestines, he was transferred to the Welsh Hospital, Netley where they found no visible symptoms. He was discharged.
He was 36 years old.
National Archives Folio 26, MH 106/2088/13
Private Griffiths
Canadian Expeditionary Force

On a list of wounded Canadian soldiers admitted to Netley Hospital in March 1915.
The Gazette Montreal 19/03/1915 via www.newspapers.com
Rifleman Sharkey
Royal Irish Rifles
He was wounded and brought home to Netley Hospital in late March 1915.
Derry Journal 26/03/1915
Private G Cleaton
Service No 8849
1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

He is lying sick in Netley Hospital in late March 1915.
Warwick + Warwickshire Advertiser, 27/03/1915
Albert John Lister
Service No 6832
Suffolk Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 26/03/1915 from gangrene in his feet.
Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private Patrick Gribbin
Service No 10975, Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
He was a Miner pre-enlistment.
He received a bullet wound which penetrated through leading to a rupture of the urethra and
a gunshot wound to his thigh on on 13/03/1915 at Neuve-Chapelle.
He attended hospital in Wimereux and then was admitted to Netley Hospital on 30/03/1915
where he was fitted with a catheter. He was discharged as unfit on 05/07/1915. He was 25.
His File at the National Archives holds 2 Medical Case Sheets.
National Archives Folio 199 MH 106/2116/85
Private W Frisby
1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
He has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry while
serving at the front.
He is at present at Netley Hospital suffering with a serious wound to his neck.
He is 18 years old; his three brothers are all serving at the front.
He is the youngest son of Mrs Bladen of the "Wagon and Horses" at Tividale
Captain F Latham, writing to Private Frisby's parents, states that his gallant deed consisted of assisting to dress the injuries of a wounded man at great risk to himself,
while under fire when the Leicesters took over the trenches from the 1st Gurkhas.
Birmingham Daily Post Monday 05/04/1915
Lance-Corporal Ernest Gale Brown
Service No 10389
4th Dragoon Guards
He reported sick on 24/03/1915 at Tidworth with a sore on his knee and was sent to Tidworth Hospital. He was transferred to Netley Hospital on 08/04/1915 suffering with
pustular eruption** to his thighs and chest. He is 23 years of age.
He was discharged on 16/04/1915.
National Archives Folio 212 MH 106/2100/130
**A rare skin reaction that in 90% of cases was related to medication administration,
appearing on average five days after a medication was started.
www.wiki-paedia.org.uk
Much more egg-citing Egg stories still to come!
Below - Field surgery in the Dardanelles in 1915. Scroll down to October 1916 to see the standard contents of a Field Surgeon's Pannier.
Sapper George Francis
Service No 1225
Royal Engineers
He received gunshot wound to his abdomen and loin.
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 29/04/1915 with an extensive and filthy wound.
Tetanus began 01/05/15.
He died at Netley Hospital on 03/05/1915, age 19.
He is buried in Shepton Mallet.
National Archives Folio 113 MH 106/210/50
Recruits are required for the St John Brigade, the qualification being a first aid certificate of the St. John Association.
For particulars concerning recruiting, write to First Ambulance Officer R. C. Moorman (men), Gibraltar House, Hound Road, Netley Abbey; Mrs Metcalfe (ladies), Seabreeze, Netley Abbey.
Hampshire Advertiser 08/05/1915
Private Alexander Noss
Private John Johnstone
Sapper Fred W Burgess
Second Lieutenant Frederick Joseph Morley
1st Battalion Dorset Regiment
He received a gunshot wound to the left side of his face on 05/05/1915 at Ypres
near Hill 60 from 15 yards away.
He attended hospital in France where the bullet was extracted from his lower jaw.
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 14/05/1915. Outcome not stated. He was 24 years old.
His National Archives file contains one Medical Case Sheet and a sketch of his wound.
National Archive Folio 253 MH 106/2110/111
Eggs-traordinary times call for all sorts of encouragement!
The letter on the left was sent to the Editor of many newspapers during May 1915 encouraging the general public to become involved in collecting and donating fresh eggs to the wounded soldiers at Netley Hospital.
There's a wonderful example of how successful this was further down in September 1915.
Sapper J W Hamilton
Service No 17466
38th Field Company, Royal Engineers
He died at Netley Hospital on 17/05/1915.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref CE1687
Casualty Search for Netley Military Cemetery at cwgc.org
Private James Scott
Service No 2168
4th Battalion Black Watch
Son of Mr David Scott, Hillbank Terrace, Kirriemuir.
He was 20 years old and served his apprenticeship to the grocery trade with Mr D F Leslie, Kirriemuir.
He enlisted at Monifieth where he was employed by Peebles Bros. He was the first man from Monifieth to volunteer. He was an Officer in the Monifieth Boys’ Brigade.
He was wounded in action on the memorable 9th May**, the injuries to his head being serious. He was transferred to Netley a day or two ago but died on Tuesday 18/05/1915.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N332.
Dundee Evening Telegraph Wednesday 19/05/1915 - photo + text
**The Battle of Aubers Ridge was a British offensive which took place from 9 - 10 May 1915 - a disastrous attack which cost 11,000 British casualties for no material gain.
www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles
Private James Baldie
Service No 3695
London Scottish Regiment
He was a Patient at the Royal Victoria Hospital in May 1915.
He was born in Largs, North Ayrshire.
He died at Netley Hospital on 20/05/1915 of wounds received and was buried
in Netley Military Cemetery.
He had a younger brother, Private John Baldie of Royal Bank House, Markinch, Fife
Ancestry: Death, Burial Records
A Relative perhaps?
Mrs Frances Mabel Baldie, nee Johnstone, is serving as a Nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment at Netley Hospital between September 1914 and January 1915.
She lived at 50 Manor Place Edinburgh.
www.vad.redcross.org.uk
This Appeal was sent out on behalf of the
Red Cross Hospital at Netley.
"The Red Cross Hospital"
The Sussex Branch of the British Red Cross Society has given £160 towards the maintenance of the Sussex Hut at Netley Red Cross Hospital. A sum of £80 has been forwarded by subscribers to the Oakenden Hut.
Hampshire Telegraph 28/05/1915
Lt-Colonel Alfred W Sheen MD
2nd Welsh Field Ambulance
RAMC
Major B A Corbett,
13th Rajput Regiment
He was wounded on 03/11/1914 at Banga in British East Africa, receiving a bullet wound to his left hip joint.
He was 41 years old.
He was admitted to Netley on 01/05/1915. An X-ray detected a smashed femur with large shrapnel pieces present. Treatment was massage and movement with crutches.
He was discharged on sick leave on 29/05/1915.
National Archives Folio 731 - 733 MH 106/2123/245
Why not have a look at the Shared Hospital Stories?
If you have already researched your relative's military story and found a connection to the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Netley and wish to add their details to our Netley Military Hospital Names' database, we would love to hear from you.
Please click Contact Me to get in touch. Thank you!
A Patient at Netley Hospital in March 1915, he is 19 years of age. He enlisted in September 1914. Pre-enlistment, he worked at the Forth + Clyde + Sunnyside Foundry, Camelon, Falkirk.
He was wounded in the face and arms. His home is at Griffiths Street, Falkirk.
Private Robert McPherson
King's Own Scottish Borderers
His Father is serving with the 1st Gordon Highlanders and his brother Private Harry McPherson is serving in France with the Army Service Corps.
In the photo, Private McPherson is in the middle of the three men in the foreground.
More Donations for Netley Red Cross Hospital
Lance-Corporal Godfrey McDonald
Many of our local residents worked at the Hospital in its heyday.
The British Red Cross Hospital receives large numbers of wounded from the Dardanelles
Ampoule of anti-typhoid vaccine (1915)
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/medicine
Private Albert Carter
Service No S/9886
Black Watch
He died at Netley Hospital on 15/06/1915
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
Miss Maud Dipple
She is working as a Nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley in June 1915 whilst her brothers are all fighting at the Front.
Coventry Standard 18/06/1915
Driver R Littlehales
One can't help wondering if the volume of eggs being eaten at the Hospital is at least partly responsible
for that smelly ditch?
Private Bernard Bolden
7th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
He received shrapnel wounds to his face on 06/05/1915 in the Dardanelles while waiting to go into the trenches. He attended hospital in Malta - the chain of evacuation is detailed in his National Archive file.
The shrapnel was removed at Malta.
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 27/06/1915 suffering with otitis media**.
He was discharged on 27/07/1915, aged 20.
There is a Medical Case Sheet containing a sketch of his wound and brief medical history
in his National Archives file.
National Archives Folio 278 MH 106/2110/122
**Inflammatory disease of the middle ear, often associated with hearing loss but pain is rarely present.
wikipedia.org.uk
The Princess later lunched with Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke at
"Hamble Cliffe"
Hampshire Advertiser
If you recognise any of the photos or articles mentioned on this Page and either wish to know more, or see that I have made an error or you have further details and/or photos or documents which you are happy to share on this Page, please get in contact with me! Thank you.
Private William McGrath
1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers
He received a shrapnel wound to his neck on 05/07/1915 near Krithia**.
He was admitted to the Hospital Ship “Dongola” where the shrapnel was removed.
On arrival at Southampton, he was transferred to Netley on 24/07/1915, aged 20.
He was discharged on furlough on 30/07/1915.
His National Archive file contains a sketch of his wound.
National Archives Folio 393 MH 106/2112/226
** Krithia is a small village in Thessaloniki.
The author of the above article was a member of a group called the Blue Cross Choir who toured the country offering entertainment.
They advocated temperance.
Victim of German Water Poisoners
Private H Priestley,
1st Sherwood Foresters,
Victim of the German crime of poisoning water, he was buried with military honours
at Beeston on Saturday.
He was wounded on May 9th and at Netley Hospital, his wounds healed but a complication
of six diseases set in as a result of drinking water in the trenches that the
Germans had poisoned, and death ensued.
Yorkshire Post + Leeds Intelligencer 02/08/1915
Jack Monroe , Princess Patricia's Regiment.
He was in Netley Hospital when Queen Alexandra paid a visit on 23/08/1915.
He is a well-known Boxer and was introduced to the Queen who expressed the "hope that his wounds would not prevent him from practising his art".
The Toronto World 24/08/1915 via www.newspapers.com
Mrs Alice Emelia Emerson, nee Coupland, was interviewed in the 1980s about her time working at Netley Hospital during WW1. The Labour Exchange sent her there. She didn't know what the job was until she arrived at the Hospital and was told she would be a lift operator in B Division of the Hospital.
The hydraulic lift was operated by pulling on a thick rope which brought one large tank holding gallons of water down whilst the second equally large tank went up and the lift moved accordingly. She was only a slip of a girl but she soon got used to pulling the rope although her arms were sore for a long time.
Her uniform was a navy blue top coat and a little round hat with a red cross on it; her dress was brown.
She was given £5 to buy her uniform and every six months, she got £2 10s for its upkeep.
She had to sign on for the duration of the war.
After she had done 6 months' duty, she received a Certificate and after 12 months,
a little brooch/badge on a chain which said "General Service VAD". It was white with a red cross on it.
She met her husband whilst at Netley Hospital. He was a patient suffering from trench foot and appendicitis.
[Extracted from files in Julie's Collection]
Singing to the Wounded
Miss Reeve** has spent much of her time lately in singing to our wounded soldiers at Netley Hospital.
She describes the cheerfulness and optimism of our wounded warriors as simply astounding.
In no single case, did Miss Reeve hear an isolated expression of regret from
any of the men that they had suffered for their country.
Daily Mirror 01/09/1915
**Miss Ada Reeve, born Adelaide Mary Reeves, was a well-known, popular English actress of both stage and film
en.wikipedia.org
Private Harry Grindrod
9th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
He died at Netley Hospital on 31/08/1915 from wounds received at the Dardanelles, aged 19 years.
He took part in the new landing at Gallipoli and was wounded in five places on reaching the beach.
His father Mr S Grindrod lived at 6 Bocklands, Wardle. Pre-enlistment he was employed at Clegg’s, Shore Mills, Littleborough.
He is interred in the Wesleyan Churchyard.
Rochdale Observer 04/09/1915 - text + photo
Second Lieutenant J E Murphy
2nd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
Disease - Catarrhal Jaundice. Onset of illness on 08/05/1915.
He was admitted to Estretat on 11/09/1915 and then transferred to Netley
on 14/09/1915 with the following ailment listed - jaundiced.
He was discharged on 01/10/1915 to one month of sick leave.
His National Archive File file contains 2 medical case sheets and a medical transfer certificate.
National Archives Folio 112 MH 106/2090/71
I said it would be "egg-citing" - no "egg-aggeration"
I'm sure you are pleased to hear that I have not only "eggs-hausted" the play on words but also ran out of articles about Eggs - well for now!
Corporal J G Whiting
Service No 1005
Royal Bucks Hussars
He is in Netley Hospital suffering with a gunshot wound in his
left leg.
Buckingham Advertiser + Free Press 18/09/1915
Private Arthur Willics
Service No 12570
9th Battalion Notts + Derby Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 24/09/1915.
Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private Frederick James Leader
4th London Regiment
He was admitted to Netley Hospital in late September 1915 suffering from Myalgia**. Age 32.
He first reported sick on 29/08/1915 to the Regiment Doctor at Neuve-Chapelle.
On admission to hospital in Netley, he complained of pain in his leg. He was discharged to sick furlough.
National Archives Folio 405, MH 106/2093/299
** aka Trench Fever
Driver Archibald Abraham
Service No T/35197
42nd Division Train Ambulance
Army Service Corps
He died at Netley Hospital on 29/09/1915, aged 24, from enteric fever contracted in the Dardanelles.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref CE1732
He was born in Cardiff. He lived at 29 Station Street, Treherbert. Mid Glamorgan. He was the son of John and Emily Harriet Kingdom, of 20, Station Terrace, Treherbert (Rhondda).
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
James McDonald
Service No 2291
Highland Light Infantry
He died at Netley Hospital on 01/10/1915.
Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private Phillip Charles Vowles
Service No 996
9th Battalion Australian Infantry Force
He was born at Winford, Somerset, UK. He joined the Gloucester Regiment but deserted and went to Australia where pre-enlistment, he worked as a Policeman.
He served at Gallipoli where he developed influenza. Being seriously ill he was brought back to Netley Hospital where he died on 02/10/1915, age 29, of pneumonia.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1735
He is the son of Charles and Eliza Jane Vowles of 21, Steven’s Crescent, Totterdown, Bristol.
Netley Cemetery Admissions - Julie Green
Above - Field Mobile Laboratory used in WW1
Right - Field surgical pannier set for surgeons in field stations and ambulances.
The pannier contained equipment for sterilisation, anaesthesia, amputation and trephination **. The kit also contains a saline infusion apparatus and an aspirator used to remove liquids and gasses from the body.
** a surgical intervention where a hole is drilled, incised or scraped into the skull using surgical tools.
Private Donald McRae
Service No 12/821
NZEF, Auckland Regiment
He died in Netley Hospital on 20/10/1915, aged 35,
from wounds received at Gallipoli
Son of Finlay + Isabella McRae of Hokonui, Southland, New Zealand.
War Graves of the British Empire
Photo on left extracted from the Otago Witness of 24/11/1915
via Paperspast.org.nz
Private John Ledwidge
Service No 7882
4th Battalion South Staffs Regiment.
He died at Netley Hospital on 21/10/1915.
Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private Percy Terry
Royal Engineers

He is the son of the late Mr + Mrs Terry of Bayham Road, Tunbridge Wells.
He has been at the Front since outbreak of the war with one or two brief intervals.
He was wounded in France recently in a very painful manner. . He was struck in the region of the left breast by a bullet which passed through his body.
From the nature of his wound he was exceptionally fortunate to escape with his life.
He is at present in Netley where he is going on as well as can be expected.
Last week 22,000 cigarettes were presented to the Chaplain for distribution among the patients.
The cigarettes were paid for by the proceeds of a recent concert
arranged by Messrs Sparks and Living at the Roberts Hall.
Hampshire Advertiser 06/11/1915
Private William Murphy
L V Lloyd
Royal Army Medical Corps
He was stationed at Netley Hospital in November 1915.
Pre-enlistment he was a member of the clerical staff of Great Western Railway at Swansea.
He is the son of Mr W A Lloyd, Stationmaster of Easton Court.
Kington Times, Saturday 13/11/1915
Private John William Webster
Service No 3219
Manchester Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 16/11/1915.
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
The Annual Report of Colonel W Sheen has just been issued and deals with the work accomplished up
to 26 October 1915 which marks the first anniversary of the establishment of the Welsh Hospital at Netley.
Western Mail 18/11/1915
Private Victor Westrip
Mr F R Barrell, now Professor of Mathematics at Bristol University, had previously rendered important service to the Government as an expert adviser in the localisation work of the X-Ray Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley.
He was taken ill whilst lecturing at the University on 02/12/1915 and died within a few minutes.
Dublin Daily Express 03/12/1915
Trooper Francis (Frank) William Parker
Service No 1780
No 4 Troop D (Wantage) Squadron Berkshire Yeomanry
Died from his wounds at Netley Hospital on 19 November 1915
[Photos below received from Andrew G French in June 2021]
He was known to his friends as
"Jammy Parker"
He was the only son of Mr + Mrs Parker of Glebe Farm, Black Bourton.
He enlisted at Faringdon in February 1913.
He received a severe gunshot wound to his pelvis at Gallipoli on 21/08/1915 while advancing in the open.
He was admitted to hospital at Alexandria and then transferred on 15/09/1915 to a Hospital Ship
for return to England. He contracted pneumonia en route and when admitted to Netley Hospital on 24/09/1915, he was suffering with dysentery.
National Archives MH 106/2116/71 Folio 172 - 175
He died at Netley Hospital on 19/11/1915, aged 19.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
The Army Chaplains' Department
There are many references to the "Chaplain to the Forces" throughout the website and I thought it may be of interest to you to learn about their role etc within the British Army.
The Army Chaplains Department (AChD) was formed by Royal Warrant of 23 September 1796.
During the First World War, some 4400 Army Chaplains were recruited and
179 lost their lives on active service.
The Department received the "Royal" prefix in February 1919.
During the Second World War, another 96 British and 38 Commonwealth Army Chaplains lost their lives,
Chaplains are either classified as Jewish or as a member of one of eight Christian denominational groups.
There are of course religious advisers from other faiths.
However, an Army chaplain is expected to minister to and provide pastoral care to any soldier
who needs it, no matter their denomination or faith or indeed lack of it
Chaplains are the only British Army officers who do not carry standard officer ranks.
Their official designation is "Chaplain to the Forces (CF)".
They do, however, have grades which equate to the standard ranks and wear the insignia of
the equivalent rank.
Chaplains are never addressed by their nominal military rank.
Chaplain-General (CG) = Major-General;
Deputy Chaplain-General (DCG) = Brigadier
Chaplain to the Forces 1st Class (CF1) = Colonel
Chaplain to the Forces 2nd Class (CF2) = Lieutenant Colonel
Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class (CF3) = Major
Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class (CF4) = Captain
Information supplied by en-wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Army_Chaplains
Driver William Kemp
Service No 024273
Royal Army Service Corps
He reported sick on 19/10/1915 at Neuve Mond, France with pains in his side (rheumatism) and was sent to the Base Hospital at le Havre. He had noticed a lump on his arm around 3 weeks previously.
He was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 15/11/1915, age 25. His file in The National Archives gives in detail the physical examination results and includes a drawing of his arm.
Treatment was prescribed; details are given in his file.
The lump was incised under chloroform on 27/11/1915. Wassermann** test was positive.
He was discharged on 17/12/1915 to furlough. Disease is stated as - Gumma** of left forearm.
National Archives Folio 50 MH 106/2107/33
** The Wassermann Test is an antibody test for syphilis; a Gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth
resulting from this ailment.
See the article below on information about the new Reading Room at the Red Cross Hospital at Netley
donated by Mrs Godman of Horsham.
Staff Sergeant William Herbert Hughes
Army Service Corps
He reported sick on 03/12/1015 at Rouen suffering with periostitis** on his right leg.
He had had an operation on his leg 12 years ago previously.
He went before the Medical Board on 18/12/1915 and was treated at No 8 General Hospital Rouen.
He was then shipped to England on HS “St Andrew” on 22/12/1915 and admitted to Netley on 24/12/1915.
He was discharged to furlough on 31/12/1915. Age 30.
National Archives Folio 466 MH 106/2092/275
** caused by inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the bone
The Entrance to the Welsh Hospital at Netley 1915
Rifleman Charles Ilbery
Service No 9851
1st Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 24/12/1915 from France until 04/01/1916.
He was in the trenches for 6 days and his feet became swollen and sore with blisters on the heel.
He was sent on to Orchard Hospital Dartford.
National Archives Folio 153 MH 106/2086/91
Nurse Stanley
Private F W Dedman
Service No R/095441,
Army Service Corps, Remount Depot
He died at Netley Hospital on 30/12/1915 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1771.
www.cwgc.org, Casualty Search for Netley
So heading out of 1915 into 1916, it's time to introduce a couple more members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Without these key workers, everyday life in the Hospitals would have been difficult.
www.vad.redcross.org.uk
W J Anscomb, Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital from 04/12/1915 to 15/04/1916. Home address was 9 Egremont Place, Halton, Hastings. Age 32 on engagement at Netley.
Miss Violet Jane Ann Sandoz Lindsay, worked as a voluntary Red Cross Helper/Nurse in one of the wards at the Royal Victoria Hospital between 1915 - 1916. She invited a party of wounded soldiers to her mother's house at "The Oaks", Botley in August 1915 for tea and entertainment. She then undertook 14 months training in Massage, Med Electricity + Swedish Remedial ISTM Exams and passed in each subject and returned to the Red Cross Hospital, Netley from 07/08/1916 to 07/03/1917.
Corporal William T Legg
Private Charles Tryhorn,
Service No 19892
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
He was wounded in his back on 24/10/1915 at Hulluch, France.
He was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 14/11/1915 suffering with Paraplegia
Ailments listed - bullet entry and exit wounds, loss of power in legs, urine retention, incontinence.
His condition improved; he regained movement of legs.
He was discharged unfit on 22/02/1916. He was 32 years old.
National Archives Folio 209 MH 106/2114/86
Private Charles Reading
Service No 1249
8th Leicestershire Regiment
He was admitted to Netley Hospital, age 20, in March 1916, suffering with trench feet.
He was discharged to a convalescent hospital on 14/03/1916
National Archives Folio 725 MH 106/2163/281
Private Albert J Higgs
Service No 23190
11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 29/03/1916 suffering from pleurisy and pericarditis. He was transferred to the Auxiliary Hospital at Paultons. He was 21 years old.
National Archives Folio 354 MH 106 /2168/154
Private H Hardacre - we don't as yet know his Regiment. If you can help, please get in contact. Thank you.
He was on sentry duty when a shell burst close by wounding him in the left hand, under the left arm and in the right shoulder. He has since been attacked by typhoid fever and is now in Netley Hospital. He lived at Starkey Street, Heywood.
Heywood Advertiser 31/03/1916
Soldat Warczak , Prisoner-of-war at Netley (since September 1914), late of the German Fusilier Regiment, escaped from "D Block" (Asylum). on Thursday evening.
He was found in a wood 2 miles away on Saturday afternoon. He had evidently suffered great privations for he was in a state of collapse when found and had to be taken back to the hospital by stretcher.
When discovered he was still wearing his hospital clothes.
All through Thursday and Friday, the police had been searching for him. His description had been well circulated and there was practically no chance of his getting away.
Leicester Daily Post Monday 10/04/1916
Guess what I've found?
Eggs-actly, more Eggs-traordinary stories about eggs! This first one, on the right, is very similar to the one reported above in September 1915 ...
More to follow below!
Lance-Corporal W Carroll
Was it cheaper you think to pay for two small adverts rather than one simply stating "Two positions required, one for General Duties, one for the CO's Quarters"?
Private Hamilton Deans
Service No 15454
Derry Regiment, Ulster Volunteer Force (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers)
He is the first soldier of the Derry Regiment to give his life for his country to be buried in Londonderry.
He was buried at Derry City Cemetery with military honours. A detachment of the Inniskillings and their band and the members of the City of Derry Ulster Volunteer Force attended.
He died at Netley on 12/04/1916 of an illness contracted at the front.
Wicklow News-letter and County Advertiser Saturday, 22/04/1916; Ancestry Registers of Soldiers' Effects
FYI - the Reverend William Alfred Cramer Chevalier, Vicar of the Church of St Edward's the Confessor, Netley Abbey was a close friend of Charles Dickens
Alfred James Warren
Service No 4486
Gloucestershire Regiment
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 28/04/1916.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Lance Corporal Frederick Devonish
Service No 8138
2nd Essex Regiment
He lived at 1 Maldon Villas, Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Essex
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 03/05/1916 from wounds received in action.
He was 30 years young.
His body was brought home for burial at Great Baddow Churchyard on Saturday with full military honours.
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects
Sapper James Podmore
Service No 146204
Royal Engineers
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 20/05/1916, aged 52.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref CE1792.
www.cwgc.org; Casualty Search for Netley Cemetery
Prayers for the recovery of Lance-Corporal E Roberts
Miss E Brechon was a member of the Voluntary Aid detachment and was employed at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley as a Nurse from 01/06/1916 to 08/07/1916.
Her home address was 5 Cliff Street, Whitby.
[www.vad.redcross.org.uk]
The Photos below are all from the Royal Victoria Chapel Photo Collection (thank you).
Please visit this wonderfully restored Royal Victoria Chapel within the Royal Victoria Country Park,
Netley Abbey,
It is so worth a visit! There's plenty to do and see.
Gunner James William Duncan
Service No 77819
Royal Horse Artillery
Pre-enlistment, he was employed as an apprentice draughtsman with the Dundee Shipbuilding Company Ltd. His Father, James Duncan, lived at 1 Sibbald Street, Dundee.
He was wounded in action. He was 19 years of age,
His constitution was weakened as a result of an artery bursting on his homeward journey.
He was at Netley Hospital for some 3 weeks before dying on 20/06/1916.
He was buried at Dundee on 24/06/1916.
Dundee Evening Courier 23/06/1916 - both text and photo
Private Arthur William Tilbury
Service No 742
Royal Sussex Regiment
The remains of Arthur Tilbury were interred in the Churchyard at Meonstoke, amid signs of
respect and sympathy on Saturday.
He died at Netley Hospital from an illness contracted when on active service in France.
Hampshire Chronicle Thursday 22/06/1916
It was suggested back in June 1916 that when the war was over, a suitable memorial to those
gallant Meonstoke men [some names were listed] who had fallen, should be erected
near the Jubilee Tree, which had been planted for Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887.
So was the Memorial erected?
In September 2020, I went over to Meonstoke to see for myself.
Despite several local folk being totally unaware of the existence never mind the location of Jubilee Tree,
it turns out to be the very large tree being used as a centre-piece in a fork in the road in the Village!
The Memorials to the Fallen of Meonstoke in both the Great War and the Second World War
are shown on the interior walls of the Church of St Andrew's Lych Gate.
[which made it nigh impossible to get decent photos of them!]
The Memorial Plaque on the right originally hung in the reception hall of the Officers' Mess at Netley Hospital but has not been seen for a long time.
Does anyone know what happened to it?
The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of the upper reaches of the River Somme in France.
The battle was intended to hasten a victory for the Allies and was the largest battle of the war's Western Front. More than three million men fought in the battle and one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history.
en.m.wikipedia.org
There were many discussions taking place within the Government and local authorities about what would happen to those disabled soldiers once the war ended.
The Red Cross Hospital at Netley began to provide wool- and wood-work classes to teach the patients new skills.
If you recognise either of these ladies, please let me know!
Private Robert Carr
Service No 16772
Borders Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 09/07/1916 from wounds received in action.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Lance-Corporal J Chappell
Service No 15833
York and Lancaster Regiment Depot
He died at Netley Hospital on 10/07/1916 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref RC 876.
War Graves of the British Empire
Second Lieutenant C S Whitworth
King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment
He is now in Netley Hospital suffering from bullet and shrapnel wounds.
He has been shot through the left lung and left thigh and also has four shrapnel wounds.
He is progressing well.
Last evening, his parents, Mr + Mrs F P Whitworth of Wharncliffe Place, Manchester Road, Rochdale,
went to see him.
Rochdale Observer 12/07/1916
Private F Curran
Service No 2631
2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 13/07/1916. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref RC 877
www.cwgc.org
Private John F Aspinall
"A" Company Leeds "Pals"
He died at Netley Hospital on 15/07/1916, aged 27 years, from shrapnel wounds received on 01/07/1916.
Funeral at Harehills Cemetery on Wednesday 19/07/1916, leaving 264 Harehills Lane,
Leeds at 4 pm.
Leeds Mercury 19/07/1916
Private Johnny Dube
Service No 61020
22nd Battalion Canadian Infantry (Quebec)
He was born on 09/05/1892.
Son of Fereole Dube and his wife Marie Gaudreault
of Chicoutimi, PQ, Canada
He died at Netley Hospital on 17/07/1916 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1815.
War Graves of the British Empire
Private Oswald Daniels
Service No 8077
7th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment
He is the son of Mr + Mrs Walter Daniels, 574 Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent.
He died at the British Red Cross Hospital on 18/07/1916, age 19.
He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N362.
www.cwgc.org
Private Harry Travis
Private Thomas William Heslam
Royal Scots
The elder son of Mr William Heslam, Draper, Wigton, he died in Netley Hospital from wounds received while serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
Private Heslam (who was an Old Nelsonian) was 22 years of age and was in the Civil Service.
He was of a bright and winning disposition and was a great favourite with all who knew him.
His body was brought to Wigton and the interment took place at the Cemetery on Wednesday evening.
The Union Jack was placed on the coffin.
Wigton Advertiser 29/07/1916
Public Generosity
"No reference to the hospital provision which Wales has made for our gallant heroes would be complete without a word of praise to those who subscribed to and supported the establishment of a Welsh Hospital at Netley, and another for service overseas, under the direction of Colonel William Sheen.
This noble movement had its origin at Cardiff during the year of office of Dr James Robinson as Lord Mayor, and finds a generous supporter in Sir William James Thomas, of Ynyshir, who acts as Hon Treasurer."
Western Mail 04/08/1916
One of our past Residents, Mr A F Martin, recalls being told by a Butlocks Heath resident, Mr Turrell, that his Grandfather was a cobbler at the Royal Victoria Hospital and under instruction from the surgeon, made the first Thomas Splint**.
**This splint revolutionised the manner in which men injured in the Great War were treated. It reduced the rate of mortality from fractures (of the femur in particular). It was originally designed by Hugh Owen Thomas, considered the father of orthopaedic surgery in Britain, with the intention that it would stabilise a fracture and prevent infection. It was not fully appreciated until his nephew, Robert Jones, introduced it for use in the war in 1916.
Extracted from a National Archives Blog; "Notes on Military Orthopaedics" by Robert Jones
Sergeant A Phillips, son of Mrs Phillips of 85 St Thomas's Road, Hastings (or St Leonard's) has for a third time been wounded at the Front. It is a gunshot wound in his chest.
Although only 26 years of age, Sergeant Phillips has just entered his 11th year of army service,
having joined the King's Royal Rifles in 1905.
He is now in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Hastings + St Leonards Observer 12/08/1916
Dr H Cameron Wilson has been appointed Surgeon to the Royal Victoria Military Hospital at Netley.
He hails from Maidenhead.
Reading Mercury 12/08/1916
Driver Thomas Smith Morgan
Service No T4/174154
Army Service Corps
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 15/08/1916
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Private William Armstrong, Service No S/9429 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders
He died at Netley Hospital on 29/08/1916. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery.
Rifleman Frederick John Avards , Service No 8472, 7th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps.
He was born in Lamberhurst, Sussex. Enlisted in 1915. He died at Netley Hospital on 30/08/1916 of wounds received in action. He is buried at St Peter St Paul, Aylesford, Kent.
Corporal Joseph Balderston , Service No 1922, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment
He died at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley on 02/09/1916.
He is buried in Ulverston Cemetery.
All - Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, via Julie
Private William Deas Lumsden
Australian Expeditionary Force
He died at Netley Hospital on 30/07/1916 from wounds received.
He was born in Linlithgow, 23 years earlier. He went to Australia in 1912 and enlisted there at the outbreak of the war.
He was at the first landing in Gallipoli where he was wounded. He recovered from his wounds and returned to the fighting line and fought on until the evacuation of the Peninsula. He next went to France where he was again wounded and this time invalided home to England.
His father, James Lumsden of St Magdalenes, requested his son’s body be brought home to Linlithgow for burial but through some misunderstanding, he was interred in Netley Cemetery.
After considerable delay, the body was exhumed and brought home.
He was buried at Linlithgow Cemetery on Wednesday 13/09/1916.
West Lothian Courier 15/09/1916 - text and photo
Looking for a particular name? Why not use this website's Google Search box?
It can be found on the Introduction and Who Lived in your House Pages!
Private James Kilbride
[His Regiment is currently unknown - can you help?]
He is from Kingscavil, Linlithgow. He enlisted in September 1914 and so has served 2 years.
He is now in Netley suffering with gunshot wounds sustained in action on 01/09/1916.
He was a player for Champfleurie United Football Club and pre-enlistment, was a pony driver in one of the shale mines of James Ross + Co, Philipstoun Oil Works.
He is 19 years old.
West Lothian Courier 15/09/1916
The Southampton Class Teachers' Association, who are now such general favourites with the inmates of
the three hospitals at Netley, again paid a visit to the British Red Cross Hospital
last Saturday evening when they performed before a crowded and appreciative
"house" of patients and nurses."
Hampshire Advertiser 23/09/1916
Private Peter Grubb
Beds, Huts, Huts, Beds and
even better, more Funds!
Private Stanley Sisson
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Son of Mr Sisson, 84 Sussex Road, Harrow, he enlisted in November 1915 and was sent to France last February.
He is in Netley hospital severely wounded, having had his right foot blown off six inches below the knee.
Harrow Observer 13/10/1916
Private/Rifleman Frank Vernon Green
Service No 5840, 21st Battalion City of London Regiment
Service No S/15149 Rifle Brigade
He died at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley on Saturday 07/10/1916, age 23.
His Mother lived at Avenue Road, Ramsgate.
He suffered from a serious malady but succeeded in joining the Army and after having been at
the Front for some time, he was wounded in the thigh and lungs on 10/09/1916.
For 5 days he lay in “no man’s land” before being rescued.
Though he afterwards made progress towards recovery, a relapse took place and he passed
away soon after his mother arrived at the hospital.
Thanet Advertiser 14/10/1916
Both articles are from the same newspaper on the same date but the one below is clearly an update -
Private Owen B Alvey
Service No 192985
13th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec).
He was born in Nottingham, the son of Samuel and Harriet Alvey of 121 St Saviour’s Road East, Leicester.
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 23/10/1916, aged 25.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref N375.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Private S Foster, Black Watch
"Netley Hospital in War Time"
a Lecture by the Rev G W Kerr, BA, Chaplain to the Forces at Netley Hospital
at the Garden Suburb Institute on 01/11/1916.
"Mr Kerr dealt with the many phases of hospital life. He referred to the triumphs of the surgical profession and to the self-sacrificing work of the doctors, some of whom had given up practices worth from £5000 to £10000 a year for the Army pay of 24s a day in order to assist in restoring the health of those who had suffered in the service of their country. He also said he could not speak too highly of the work of the nursing sisters and while war was hell, their presence was, in the language of the patients, "a little bit of heaven". They did work which no servant would undertake, and received a wage which the ordinary domestic would refuse.
Many stories were told of the heroic spirit of the British soldier.
One Irish lad who had lost both legs, an arm and an eye, never lost his sense of humour and
suggested that if he could only get walking exercise, he would be all right.
Mr Kerr also gave some useful information as to the kind of books the soldiers liked to read.
Entertainment of all kinds were provided for the patients. Many of the men preferred lectures to concerts, others enjoyed sermons (which were never to long) in preference to amusements.
The attendee at the lecture came away with an excellent impression of life in a military hospital
and full of thankfulness that everything possible was being done for those who had suffered
so much in defence of King and country."
Hendon + Finchley Times 03/11/1916
Driver Cyril Lund Glassbrook
Service no 116030
11th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery
He enlisted at Bolton on 08/12/1915.
He is the son of John Thomas Glassbrook of 103 Queensgate Bolton, Lancs.
He was wounded in October 1917 and underwent treatment at No 2 Canadian General Hospital
at Le Treport, France.
He was then transferred to Netley Hospital in November having had his left leg amputated
just above the knee and suffering from wounds in the left arm and shell shock,
caused by a shell dropped from an aeroplane.
Bolton War Memorials on "Bolton Remembers" website
Denis Meighan
Service No 2/5463
Royal Munster Fusiliers
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 12/11/1916.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie
Rifleman T Heeley
King's Royal Rifles
He died at Netley Hospital.
Private John E Edwards
Service No 193052
Highland Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force
He died at Netley Hospital on 13/11/1916 from his wounds.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N378.
War Graves of the British Empire
Picture on the left is a busy scene outside one of the cook-houses at Netley Hospital. The orderlies, in their linen overalls, are hurrying forth with the patients' dinners, packed in hot boxes for transit to the wards.
Already large before the war, Netley is now a veritable City of Healing, so greatly has it extended its borders.
Leeds Mercury 16/11/1916
Private William John Allen
Army Service Corps, Remount Dept
An Inquest was held at the Library in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on Thursday 30/11/1916
concerning his death.
He was stationed at the Swaythling Remount Depot. Whilst he was watering mules on Friday night, one of the animals kicked him severely in the abdomen.
After receiving local attention, he was removed to Netley Hospital.
It was found necessary to operate and this was apparently successful but unfortunately
peritonitis set in and death supervened.
The verdict was returned as “accidental death.”
Portsmouth Evening News 01/12/1916
Commanding Officer Lt Colonel H G Cook 's Christmas 1916 Appeal
on behalf of the Welsh Hospital at Netley
Private Samuel Ashton
Service No 1981
Cheshire Regiment.
He was a Patient at the Royal Victoria Hospital in
December 1916.
He died at Netley Hospital on 11/12/1916 and was buried at Cheadle Cemetery, Cheshire.
Ancestry: Death, Burial Records
Lance-Corporal Frederick George Coles
Service No 5559
Worcestershire Regiment
He received a gunshot wound to the spine and was admitted to Netley on 21/11/1916 with a bladder infection attributed to his wounds.
He was 30 years old, the son of William John and Emma Jane Coles, 30 Lower St Dartmouth.
He died at Netley on 13/12/1916 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1880.
War Graves of the British Empire
Private William Francis Canning (left)
Service No 205
1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry
He is the husband of Mrs Edith Canning, George Street, Cardiff.
He died at Netley Hospital on 19/12/1916 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1888.
[War Graves of the British Empire; Western Mail 23/12/1916]
Sapper Herbert W Liptrot
Service No 8775
Royal Engineers
He received a gunshot to the head on 11/12/1916 and was admitted to Netley on 12/12/1916 with a shattered cranial vault, facial paralysis and in an unconscious state. He underwent an operation -
scalp excised and loose fragments removed on 12/12/1916. A hernia developed on 22/12/1916.
He died on 26/12/1916. He was 34 years of age.
His file at the National Archives includes a medical case sheet, doctor’s notes and 2 clinical case sheets and
a sketch of his wound.
National Archive Folio 199 - 202 MH 106/2110/87
Miss Margaret Elspeth Gaisford, serving as a Nurse and X-ray Worker at the Welsh Hospital from 08/12/1916 to 01/06/1918. She left Netley to serve in France. She lived at Conynger Hurst, Ulverton in Lancashire.Mrs Dorothy Collinson, nee Arnold, worked as a Clerk-typist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley from 14/01/1916 to 13/02/1918. She was a local lady living at 2 Middlesborough Cottages, Hound Road, Netley Abbey.Edwin George Harman, served as an Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital Netley from 04/12/1916 to 24/08/1917. He lived at 103 Manor Road, Hastings. He was 42 years of age when he started at Netley. Starting pay was 28/-; leaving pay was 29/-.
Private Benjamin Aithwaite
Service No 3927
Durham Light Infantry
He was born in 1896 at Thornaby-on-Tees, Co Durham. His Father's name was Thomas.
He died at Netley Hospital on 07/01/1917 and is buried at Thornaby Cemetery.
Ancestry: Death + Burial Records
Sergeant Albert John Woolcott
Service No 193
Shropshire Light Infantry
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 19/01/1917.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Private James Coomber
Service No 25475
2nd Battalion Hampshire Regiment
He died at the British Red Cross Hospital Netley on 21/01/1917
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Driver David Carrick
Service No 3
Royal Army Medical Ambulance Corps
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley on 25/01/1917
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Lt Charles Leonard Parlett Heming
2nd Battalion 109th Foot
Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), formerly 60th Rifles
Patient at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley in February 1917
He was born on 04/04/1897.
He is the elder son of Francis Charles and Edith Heming of 62 Gordon Road, Ealing.
He was gazetted 2nd Lt on 15/06/1915 and promoted to Lieutenant on 05/04/1916. He served in Ireland during the Rebellion in April 1916.
In September 1916 he went to France with his Regiment to take his turn in the trenches.
On 10/01/1917, he led his platoon on a raid on the German line at Loos and was seriously wounded behind the ear, chin, arm and side by a bomb.
He died at the British Red Cross Hospital on 12/02/1917, age 19, from pneumonia following his wounds.
His body lay in Canterbury Cathedral with a full military funeral there today. Interment will be in St Martin's Churchyard.
Middlesex County Times 17/02/1917
Driver John Pearce
Service No 53246,
Royal Field Artillery
At the Welsh Hospital, Netley between 12/02/917 - 20/02/1917
Aged 47, he was admitted from Salonika suffering with malaria.
He also suffered from varicose veins in both legs and had ‘very bad’ teeth.
Further details are in his National Archive file, including a medical case sheet.
He was discharged on furlough and to duty on 20/02/1917.
National Archives MH106/2178/60; Folio 134
Private Charles Armstrong
Service No 808789
10th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Alberta)
He was born on 10/08/1889 at Dumbartonshire.
Son of Alexander Duff and Jane Darach Armstrong
of Calgary Alberta, he enlisted at Calgary on 28/03/1916.
He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley on 15/03/1917 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N384.
[Photo and text - Virtual War Memorial at veterans.gc.ca; War Graves of the British Empire]
If you or a family member have a connection to any of the Netley Hospitals mentioned in this website,
I would love to hear from you!
Please make initial contact via Contact Me.
I only need copies of any documents and/or photos you are happy to share with me.
You must keep the originals!
Private William McKelvy Johnston
Service No 136349
74th 52nd Battalion Canadian Infantry
(Manitoba Regiment)
He was born on 09/03/1889 at Lurgan, Co Armagh.
Pre-enlistment, he was a Painter.
He enlisted on 17/09/1915 at Niagara, Ontario, Canada. He departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 29/02/1916, arriving in the UK on 09/04/1916.
He was wounded on 16/09/1916.
He died at Netley Hospital on 10/03/1917 from the gunshot wound to his left shoulder and was buried at Netley Military Cemetery,
Grave Ref N383 on 16/03/1917.
Mrs Smith of 40 Hunloke Road, Holmewood has received news that her husband, Private George Smith, Northumberland Fusiliers, has been wounded in the right foot and is a present in Netley Hospital. He has been in France for three months.
Derbyshire Courier 01/05/1917
The funeral of Private Curle , KOSB, who died in Netley Hospital of wounds received in action last August, took place with military honours at Berwick yesterday. He went to the front on the outbreak of war.
Shields Daily News, 01/05/1917
Lieutenant Douglas Leckie, son of Mr and Mrs Peter Leckie, of Buskett Fletchwood, Lyndhurst Road, Colbury,
has been home for a few days' leave, on his discharge from Netley Hospital and has now returned to duty.
Hampshire Advertiser 12/05/1917
Private James Kennedy
King's Own Scottish Borderers

His wife and family reside in Stewart Street, Carluke.
He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and was previously a general dealer to trade.
He went out to France in February 1914. He has four brothers - two are still serving and two are wounded.
He died at Netley on 22/05/1917 after being wounded by shell fire in France at the beginning of May.
He was interred at Wilton Cemetery yesterday.
[Hamilton Advertiser 26/05/1917]
Private Alec Tyson, Royal West Kent Regiment
"He is a well-known Maidenhead pianist. He was rather badly wounded on 21/05/1917. He was caught by a shell on the left side, his face, arm, knee and leg being injured by shrapnel. He is now in the Welsh Hospital and is progressing satisfactorily."
Reading Mercury 02/06/1917
Corporal Bert Warren , Cambridgeshire Regiment
He received a gunshot wound in the head and a compound fracture of both ankles on 28/05/1917. He is now in Netley Hospital. It has been necessary to amputate both feet. He is, however, going on well. He makes no mention of the wound in his head. The report from the Cambridgeshire Regiment speaks very highly of him. The officers state that there could not be a better soldier or a better bayonet fighter. He is 33 years old and has 4 children, They live in Newnham, Burwell.
Cambridgeshire Daily News 08/06/1917
Private George Webster
Service No SS/12122
Army Service Corps, HS + L No 1 Labour Company
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 15/06/1917.
He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1914.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Private Arthur Brown
Service No 202912
4th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
He was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 21/06/1917 suffering with a shrapnel wound to his left arm,
received on 16/06/1917 near Lens, “when lying face downwards, digging a trench”.
Under a course of treatment, he underwent an operation for the removal of a foreign body.
Chain of evacuation and further details of treatment are given in his file at National Archives.
He was recommended for transfer to Convalescent Hospital. Outcome not stated.
File contains a sketch of patient’s wound and a medical case sheet.
Age 27. Discharged on 05/07/1917.
National Archives Folio 79 MH 106/2172/44
On 16 July 1917, King George V renounced all his German connections and changed the name of the UK Royal Family from the alien Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the acceptable English-sounding "Windsor".
He instructed his Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham to come up with an alternative family name.
The more historic names of Tudor, Plantagenet and Stuart having been rejected, Lord Stamfordham
who was working in the study of Windsor Castle at the time, looked around for inspiration and thought
"why not Windsor?"
The monarchy had used the castle since it was built in the 11th century and the name exuded Englishness.
www.onthisday.com
Royal Visit to Netley Hospital
Their Majesties, with Princess Mary, journeyed by special train to Netley Hospital
to visit the patients there.
Text and Photos below are taken from The Graphic of 04/08/1917 and the Illustrated War News 08/08/1917
Private William Gibbin
Service No 11859
Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 10/08/1917.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers'Effects
Driver C Pankhurst, "Australians", formerly of Hartfield.
He has been sent home with a very weak heart and admitted to Netley Hospital.
He is an Old Boy of Hartfield School. He is progressing favourably.
Kent + Sussex Courier 31/08/1917
Private Frank Scott
Service No 46641
11th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
He died at Netley on 03/10/1917, age 31 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N395.
Son of Edwin Scott, of 280, Fell Lane, Keighley, Yorkshire.
Casualty search for Netley Military Cemetery, cwgc.org
Corporal Arthur Sharwin
Service No 240776
2nd/5th Leicestershire Regiment
He was admitted on 01/10/1917 suffering with a gunshot wound to the left forearm and a fractured
radius both of which he received at Ypres on 26/09/1917. Chain of evacuation and further details of his condition, a sketch of his wounds and a medical case sheet are all in his file at the National Archives.
He was transferred to an auxiliary hospital on 12/10/1917. Outcome not stated. He was 20.
National Archives Folio 928 MH 106/2172/406
Miss Mary Ellen Herbert
She was born at Llangeitho.
She worked as a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment from 1917 to 1919.
In May 1917, she was the Chief Dispenser to the military hospital in Whitchurch,
Shropshire and in October 1917, she transferred to the Welsh Hospital and continued to
work in the Dispensary.
www.womenandwar.wales
Private Frederick Adams
Service No M/205934
Army Service Corps
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 10/11/1917. He is buried at Kinston Cemetery, Portsmouth.
His wife's name was Jeanette.
Fold3 Soldiers' Effects
Corporal Arthur James Duncan
Service No S/31185
Army Service Corps, Supply Company, Hong Kong
He died at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley on 22/11/1917.
He was awarded the Military Service Medal. He was 21 years old, the son of Mrs H Duncan of 8 Marine Terrace, Folkestone. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1933.
cwgc.org.uk
Duncan McDonald
Service No 333150
Highland Light Infantry
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 26/11/1917.
Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private William Leeds, Service No 62031, then 27904, Royal Army Service Corps, 104 Labour Company attached to 35th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.
He died at Netley Hospital on 18/12/1917 and is buried at Netley Military cemetery, Grave Ref CE1934.
Army Registers of Soldiers'Effects
Private H Ansell, Service No 41735, 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment
Son of Mrs Martha Ansell, 9 Spenar Street, Hertford.
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 22/12/1917 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1935.
War Graves of the British Empire
Private Richard Jones
Service No 54620
Royal Welch Fusiliers
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 24/12/1917.
Ancestry Registers of Soldiers' Effects
John Frederick Hobbs served as an Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital from 26/11/1917 to 03/07/1918. He was 17 years old and lived at 18 Henry Street, Nuneaton.Miss Lilian Annie Nye served as a Clerk at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley from 30/11/1917 and was still there in March 1919. She was a local lady who lived at "Hazelmere", Station Road, Netley Abbey.
Miss Alice Maud Scorey served as a House Maid at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley from 15/11/1917 and was still there in March 1919. She lived at 11 May Tree Road, Bitterne, Southampton.
Fredrick W Bert
Service No 46729
Worcestershire Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 02/01/1918.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Acting Sergeant T B Carter
Royal Army Medical Corps
He was presented with the DCM and the Russian Order of St George by General McGregor on
Monday 31/12/1917 at a Ceremony in Southampton.
Hampshire Advertiser 05/01/1918
Corporal Randolph D Tait
Royal Army Medical Corps
He is the son of Sergeant-Major Robert Tait, Berwick volunteers, licensee of the Blenheim Hotel, Spittal.
He is on duty at Netley Hospital, the huge Army "mending house" on the Solent near Southampton, where probably 2000 patients can be housed and receive the best skills and attention that Humanity can give.
Corporal Tait writes in "RAMC Magazine" on Nursing and says - "Military Nursing has been to a very great extent benefitted and improved by experience during the present great European conflict, as also it was in a lesser degree by previous wars."
Berwickshire News + General Advertiser 08/01/1918 - text + photo
Hospital Supplies from Duffield
"During the last three months there have been forwarded from the Ladies of this village to the County Clearing House at Bakewell, 3500 sphagnum moss swabs, 1000 assorted bandages and various other articles, and to the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, 1740 gauze bandages."
Derbyshire Daily Times 19/01/1918
Bombardier John Webster
Service No 34163
"D" Battery 156th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
1914 Gunner;
1917 Acting Bombardier;
1918 Bombardier
Born in Keith, Banffshire about 1887. Husband of Marion B McNeill Webster of 130 MacLean Street, Plantation, Glasgow
He died at Netley Hospital on 21/01/1918
from shell gas burns.
Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects; Forces War Records
Concert Party at Garrison Theatre
Private Frederick Fouracres
Service No 267035
Army Service Corps Remounts
An Inquest was held at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
The Patient was admitted to Netley on 28/01/1918 in a semi-comatose condition after receiving a kick
by a mule which he was attempting to mount. An operation was done that night.
Blood poisoning due to wound infection set in and he died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 04/02/1918.
Cause of death was returned as "Meningitis following extensive injuries to the head
received by being accidentally kicked by a mule”.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects; Hampshire Advertiser 09/02/1918
Miss Dorothy Ayling was a member of the VAD working at Netley Hospital as an Assistant Cook
between 24/04/1916 and 28/02/1918 when she was transferred to No 1 NZ Hospital at Brockenhurst.
She lived c/o Lane End School, Longwood, Winchester and The Mithouse, Privett, Nr Alton.
www.vad.redcross.org.uk
Private Thomas Allcock
Service No MS/512, Royal Army Service Corps
He died at Netley Hospital on 05/03/1918.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
Contributions have been received of £110 from the Hertfordshire Red Cross Society for the maintenance of a hut at Netley Hospital and of £66 from Miss E M Shaft, for the maintenance of a bed there.
Hampshire Advertiser 30/03/1918
Lieutenant James Smith
1st/6th Seaforth Highlanders, (attached Labour Corps)
After 30 years of military service, he has died at Netley Hospital, Southampton on 01/04/1918
from trench fever contracted on active service. He was 53 years of age.
He was buried with full military honours in Elgin Cemetery on 05/04/1918.
He leaves a widow, Annie and two sons and two daughters. The family home was 8 Bellavista Terrace, Perth. He is remembered on the Members Roll of Honour at Elgin Golf Club.
Aberdeen Press + Journal 05/04/1918; Daily Record 08/04/1918
Private George Albert Banks
Service No 48279,
2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment
Born about 1895 at Seaford, Essex.
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 27/04/1918 and is buried at Seaford Cemetery, Lewes.
Ancestry Burial Records
Alexander Hutchinson
Service No 21971
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
He died at Netley on 01/05/1918.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie
Gunner Robert William Gowler
Service No 30691
Royal Field Artillery
He died at Netley on 10/05/1918.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie
Private Albert Charles Crow Service No 325439
Essex Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 07/06/1918.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie
Gunner Alfred Oliver Johnson Service No 32943
Machine Gun Corps
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 09/06/1918.
Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie
Private William Thomas White
Service No 267473
1st/6th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
He was born in Alresford. His parents were John Dorey White, butcher and watercress grower
and Elizabeth White. He is the husband of Kate Hillary, formerly White of 10 Grange Road,
Alresford, Hampshire.
He had served in the trenches for 8 months before being wounded and invalided home
from France to Netley.
He died at Netley Hospital on 29/06/1918, age 29 and is buried in New Alresford (St John the Baptist) Churchyard Extension. He leaves a widow and three children.
Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects
"To be Temp Hon Captain - James Brereton-Barry, late Temp Captain of RAMC whilst employed
at the Welsh Hospital, Netley (July 25, 1918)"
Western Mail 25/07/1918
The Mummers - or Guisers - were troupes of amateur actors,
traditionally all male.
wikipedia.org.uk
Major German's Activity
Although seeking health at Barmouth, Major James German, JP, is unable to remain quiet whilst the call of charity is still great. Together with Mr Owen Parry of Barmouth, he organised a flag day there for the benefit of Netley Hospital and realised £150.
The inevitable auction was held and £12 was realised for pipes which were bought earlier by the Major for 18s whilst a paper necklace made by a little girl visitor brought £4.
In the evening, Major German spoke at the local theatre after the Premier's message was read and a collection realised £18. The total will endow three beds at Netley for twelve months.
Western Mail 10/08/1918
HMAT "Warilda" was en route from Le Havre to Southampton on 03/08/1918 when she was torpedoed by the German submarine UC-48 despite being marked clearly with the Red Cross. The ship sank in about two hours and of the 801 persons onboard, 123 lost their lives.
The wreck lies in the English Channel.
en.wikipedia.org.uk/wiki/HMAT_Warilda
HMAT = His Majesty's Australian Transport
Private A Bannister
Service No 10243
6th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 22/08/1918 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery
in the Roman Catholic sector.
War Graves of the British Empire
"Just Keep Marching Along"
On 29/08/1918, the Stage reported -
"Never before have we published a song that has jumped right from the unknown into popularity
without any boosting or particular effort on our part.
It is being demanded by the public so you must sing it.
In Blackpool during the last few weeks, the sales have been phenomenal. It is the public's own song - the one they have chosen from all the rest as echoing their own sentiments."
To listen to a 1917 recording of this song, please click Play!
Okay, sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't, so it's Work-in-Progress!
In my defence, I couldn't check it until I published the Page
[Hint - refreshing your screen should reset it.]
Private L K Scott
Suffolk Regiment
He is the eldest son of Mr Harry Scott, formerly for many years in business at Northfield Avenue
but now living at 50 Lynton Avenue, West Ealing.
Private Scott came home last November 1917 suffering from trench feet and dysentery.
In April this year, he came home once more having been wounded in the shoulder.
Now he is wounded in his left forearm.
He has been operated on in France. He is now in Netley Hospital and has been x-rayed.
He has a brother who is serving with the Honourable Artillery Company.
Ealing Gazette and West Middlesex Observer 07/09/1918
Private W Annetts, eldest son of Mr + Mrs Fred Annetts, South Road, Southall, is lying at Netley Hospital
suffering from shrapnel wounds. Pre-enlistment, he was a valued member of the Gazette staff.
[Middlesex Gazette 26/09/1918]
Lieutenant Griffith T Board , (Regiment currently unknown - can you help?)
His parents are Mr + Mrs R T Board, Home Farm, Merthyrmawr, Bridgend.
He is currently in Netley Hospital suffering from the effects of gas.
He had been wounded twice previously.
Western Mail 28/09/1918
Private George Dixon
Tank Corps
He is now in Netley Hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound in the left arm and a severe fracture of the skull. He is going on as well as can be expected and has written a cheerful letter home.
He is a brother of Mr J Dixon, the well-known Lincoln referee and brother-in-law of
PC Newman, Lincoln City Police.
Lincolnshire Echo 29/10/1918
On Monday 11/11/1918, the Derby Daily Telegraph, as did every other newspaper, declared -
THE WAR IS OVER AT LAST!
At five o'clock this morning, or six hours before the period of grace had expired, the Armistice was signed.
The conditions laid down by the Allies and submitted in their name to the German plenipotentiaries by Marshall Foch and Admiral Wemyss were accepted, and the enemy has bowed with the best grace he could command to the inexorable logic of events. What those conditions are, the world does not for the moment know, but that they are severe may be taken absolutely for granted.
"Never again," as Mr Lloyd George said, and to make that resolution effective it was necessary to take the most stringent precautions against a resumption of hostilities.
The following article is the first and only one I have so far found on British Newspaper Archive's website,
regarding Netley Hospital and the announcement of the Armistice.
Private E F Hall
Service No G/28563, 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment
He died at Netley Hospital on 19/11/1918 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N414.
Casualty Search for Netley Military Cemetery - cgwc.org.uk
Private David J Mitchell
Service No 345660
14th Royal Highlanders - Black Watch
He was the third son of Mr + Mrs W Stephen Mitchell, Bents Road, Montrose.
Pre-enlistment, he was a Law Clerk with Mr Alex Lyell, Solicitors, Montrose.
He died at Netley Hospital on 14/12/1918 from severe wounds received in September in France.
His funeral took place at St Peter's Churchyard, Montrose on 19/12/1918.
Dundee Courier 20/12/1918; Ancestry Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private Frederick Gray
Service No 44819
2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
He was the son of William and Jane Gray, The Raikes, Hartington, Buxton.
He died at Netley on 20/12/1918, age 27 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1998.
Ancestry Army Register of Soldiers' Effects
Private W H Brownhill
Service No 55863
24th Battalion Welch Regiment (Pembroke + Glamorgan Yeomanry)
He died at Netley Hospital on 21/12/1918 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref C1997.
War Graves of the British Empire
And so, dear Reader, here comes to an end the longest-ever Page on anybody's website.
I hope you have enjoyed the journey through the Lives and Times of the
Royal Victoria Military Hospital and the Welsh, Irish and British Red Cross Hospitals
as much as I have, compiling it.
Did you know you can now leave feedback on the website? Just click on Contact Me.
