Medical titles

[PaulS]

My grandfather served on the Hospital Ship Madras during WW1, while he was still a medical student. His three WW1 medals are all inscribed with the letters DRSR before his name. Does anyone know what they stand for?

[Bardess]

Hi PaulS and welcome. If you give your GFs full name it would be very helpful

[PaulS]

Sure, Bardess. His name was HM Strickland, the HM standing for Herbert McKenzie. He qualified as a doctor in 1918, and the following year he was commissioned in the Indian Medical Service. So his next medal - the India General Service Medal - has him as Lt. HM Strickland.

Thanks for replying!

[MarkTurner]

I would guess Dresser as in wound dresser. 

[kenf48]

The abbreviation is not shown as discussed in the preamble, however Dresser RN is:-

 

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/records/abbreviations-in-world-war-one-medal-index-cards-rank.pdf

 

Ken

Edited 28 November , 2016 by kenf48

[PaulS]

Thanks to both for putting me on the right track. I followed up your suggestion on the internet where I came across some nineteenth century Indian medical regulations which referred to first and second dressers reporting to a sub-assistant surgeon. So that would seem to be that.

Many thanks again.

[TEW]

I see in the LG that he became Lt. Indian Medical Service 22/9/1919

 

And later, Temp. Lt. Herbert McKenzie Strickland became Temp. Capt. with Indian Medical Service 22/9/1920

 

Had a look through diary for the Madras and sorry but no mention by name. The vessel changed hands from 'Madras War Fund' to Govt. of India circa July 1918 but on 23/8/1918 they received orders to be converted into Ambulance Transport from Hospital Ship. 11/9/1918 Madras set off on its first voyage as such and sailed to Vancouver. Presumably he must have left the Madras around Aug 1918 and shows up again as Lt. in Sept. 1919.

 

As he became Capt. in Sept 1920 I assume his record is still with MOD? Or you already have that?

 

Out of interest, I can't find anything for any of his medals, were they issued through India Office.

 

TEW

[Matthew B.]

Herbert Mackenzie Strickland, born 6th November 1892,  was initially given a temporary commission into the IMS but he was given a permanent appointment as Lieut & Temp Captain 25/2/21, and was promoted Captain 22/9/22. In the January 1931 Indian Army List he is noted as being stationed at the Indian Military Hospital, Peshawar as an X-Ray specialist. He was promoted Major 22/3/31 and Lieutenant Colonel 22/3/39. It looks like he served during WW2 as well.

 

I hope that helps.

 

Matthew