Dr Silliman. 2nd Bedfords. 1918

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I am lucky enough to have the hand written diary of Lt Col Poyntz , 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment.

Just beginning to research it.

On January 11th 1918, he records the following, while on a train from Steenbek to Longeaux

"Our American Doctor Silliman set himself on fire while asleep, the candle fell on to him. I burnt my fingers putting him out. He is an extraordinary card, very uninteresting and dirty, seldom washing"

I am interested in researching him, any hints on how to start? was it usual for an American doctor to be attached to a British unit?

Thanks

[sotonmate]

In the last couple of days someone here posted an extract from a War Diary for 1918. One of the entries stated "two American MOs attached to the unit". I have seen other instances of this too,so probably an established process.

[GraemeClarke]

Morning

Mentioned here as joining on 29 January

http://www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/2ndbn/2ndbtn1918diary.html

Medical Officers Reserve Corps

Regards,

Graeme

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Thanks both, yes it does seem to be an established practice.

Graeme, I had missed that, thanks, seems he actually left them on that date.

Cheers

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

The only draft record I can see is for a Guy Stuart Silliman BUT I am NOT saying this is him.

http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?MS_AdvCB=1&db=WW1draft&rank=1&new=1&MSAV=2&msT=1&gss=angs-d&gsfn_x=1&gsln=silliman&gsln_x=1&dbOnly=_F0006EAE|

Regards,

Graeme

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Thanks for that Graeme

[4thGordons]

Silliman? Really...setting himself on fire? that is silly.

This might be of interest

Somewhere I have a copy of a book called the Cellars of Marcelcave which is an account of a US Doctor serving with the BEF - I'll have a look to see if there is any mention of your man.

Chris

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Thanks Chris.

Interesting read, as for the 'joke' I will not comment…..

Thanks for looking in your book as well.

Cheers

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Re opening this discussion from almost 20 years ago. I am nothing if not persistent.

I have identified the doctor as Dr George Stephen Silliman of NY. A picture of him and his grave are included in the 'Findagrave' website.