Medical service at the front

Preface

This book was begun at the suggestion of several Canadian friends, who said they thought it would interest many to be told something about their medical service and its arrangements for the care of sick and wounded at the front.

The writers knew that in telling this they were of necessity giving an account of medical activities anywhere along the British line, for just as the Canadians are a fraction of the British force, fighting the same fight in the same way, so the Canadian Medical Service does its part, in beating a brave but disreputable foe, by like methods of work and administration to those adopted by the Royal Army Medical Corps. The task imposed, although apparently not difficult, was therefore of moment, involving, as it did, the careful collection of details, and verification of data.

It thus occurs that this little book, commenced over a year ago, and written under varying circumstances in many places, is only now completed. The authors have endeavored to give the simple facts in a plain way, and trust they may prove of as much interest to brother officers and others as their setting forth has been to themselves.

The Authors.

Foreword

By Surgeon-General J. F. Fotheringham, D. G. M. S., Canada.

(Formerly A. D. M. S., 2d Canadian Division.)

Gentle reader, for this great war makes most participants who survive it gentle, and particularly those engaged in repairing its ravages in the bodies and minds of its victims, I can recommend to your favorable consideration and earnest perusal this unpretentious volume. It is hot from hell's gridiron and correct in all its details, as all can vouch who have been through the experience of those who wrote it. It beautifully lacks self-consciousness, but is not without a living personal element. It can therefore not be called a text-book, but is reminiscent of Hippocrates, who, though a heathen, produced four hundred years before Christ a Christian document through his contact with the sick and wounded.

(vii)

Contents

A Division in the Front Line . . . . n

The Field Ambulance in Battle ... 71 The Selection of Field Ambulance

Positions 87