"Only With Honour" Diaries of medical officer 1915 1916 7th battalion East Surrey Regiment

[RegHannay]

The WW1  daily diary of Reginald Hannay Fothergill a medical officer 36th field ambulance.. 7th battalion East Surrey Regiment.. 134th Field ambulance 39th division.. 29th May 1915 - 28th August 1916.

Reggie received a white feather and so felt obliged to do his duty and volunteer, entering France in late May 1915.

At the beginning you feel his excitement of adventure in his writing, then disillusionment with the leadership and horrors of war. He writes with humour, desperation for the welfare of the "Tommy"

The reading of Theosophy to fight the demons of his sexuality and the loneliness of his life. His anger with "Jack" for resigning his commission when things got tough, while all the time wishing himself "to get out with honour".... The wartime accounts of a medical man at the front are rare.

 

Saturday 29th May 1915

Set out from Twesledown camp with field ambulance at 5:30 am. Arriving Farnborough at 10:30 am where we en-trained at 11:20 am in two trains, I went in first train. At Southampton, we put our men, horses and equipment on-board S.S City of Lucknow and set sail about six pm. Escorted by two destroyers we passed along the south of Isle of Wight. Jack slept in first officers bunk and I on floor of saloon. Sea absolutely calm, a third destroyer joined us in the small hours and warned us of a recent minefield on our course, this necessitated a detour of 35 miles. Arrived Havre at six am. Disembarked without injury to animals, we had to wait until the evening, we were not allowed to go into town. Took advantage of a most excellent cafe on the station run by some ladies at cost price.

We got all our equipment etc on one long train and steamed away about 8:00 pm. Had a most excellent night being only disturbed at 2:00 am by some well meaning people who sent round coffee at some station or other. Passed through Abbeville, Noyen and Boulogne. Beautiful green fields, so fresh and green.

 

If there are any GWF forum members interested in any of the field ambulance and the Surrey Regiment Please contact me and I will try and Help

 

SS City of Lucknow. 3,677 tons - Torpedoed by U.21(Otto Hersing) carrying onions from Alexandria to Liverpool. Sank Sunday 30th April 1916, sixty miles east of Malta. The 42 man crew survived and were rescued by H.M.S Rifleman.

Edited 5 January , 2020 by RegHannay
added info

[charlie962]

I see you first posted on this thread but did not obviously get a response. I'm sure there are people interested in what you have done and good of you to share your work.

 

Where are you now with your searches on background for RHF and what help do you need from us ?

 

Charlie

 

 

Edited 5 January , 2020 by charlie962

[RegHannay]

Hello Charlie. Thanks for your response. I have completed transcribing the Doctors diaries but where do you finish researching!!! The diaries cover the Battle of Loo's, Hohenzollern Redoubt, The Quarries and many of the surrounding areas including the fighting in the resulting craters. And Early August 1916 near Albert.

I have researched the names of the casualties for the 7th battalion and some others including brothers killed on the same day Friday 6th August 1915. 1379. Pte. Cardy. R.-- 49. Corp.Cardy. M. - Royal Fusiliers. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentiers  "A shell burst in the H.Q of a regiment in town today and did much damage. among them were two brothers and they were brought to the hospital 36th F.A. The one who was more severely injured entreated his brother to look after his wife and children. He died two hours later. And now this afternoon the remaining brother has followed him. What terrible suffering there must be at home." These entries give the men not just a date of death but a time, place and sometimes how they may have died or did die. Such as 5901. L.Cpl Sapsford. Edward Thomas. Loos memorial. Wednesday 10th Nov 1915. Right of Redoubt.  "We were relieved at 1:00 pm by the Queen's, made our way down the trenches while violent shelling by the enemy was still in progress but non of their crump's found our trenches until after we had gone, when one fell and overturned one of our machine guns killing the corporal." Edward was the only fatality recorded that day for the 7th battalion, so the chances are that was the cause of his death.

There is so much interesting information in the diaries, much will have not been seen before. My intention is to upload parts of the diary on a regular basis, even the quiet moments playing tennis etc !!

Of course, only if this is permitted on the Great War Forum.

Dave

[charlie962]

46 minutes ago, RegHannay said:

only if this is permitted on the Great War Forum.

If it's Great War then surely no problem!

[RegHannay]

32 minutes ago, charlie962 said:

If it's Great War then surely no problem!

Thank you Charlie962, would it be better if i started again using a Blog as it will be an ongoing thing

Dave

[kenf48]

46 minutes ago, RegHannay said:

Thank you Charlie962, would it be better if i started again using a Blog as it will be an ongoing thing

Dave

 

It’s a matter for you, but personally I would recommend a blog.  I was delighted to follow this account of the war in Salonika

and looked forward to each posting https://georgeswarletters.wordpress.com

 

An account such as this is likely to get lost in the posts on here.  There is no reason within the forum rules why you should no post on here, but a blog is more practical.

 

Ken

[RegHannay]

Thank you Ken, being a bit green to this forum thingy I am happy to take the advice of a 6,000 plus posts man.

Thanks again

Dave D

[kenf48]

9 minutes ago, RegHannay said:

Thank you Ken, being a bit green to this forum thingy I am happy to take the advice of a 6,000 plus posts man.

Thanks again

Dave D

 

It was Charlie who asked for the mods opinion, basically we’re ‘not fussed’.  I for one will follow whatever you decide.

 

Ken

[charlie962]

Thanks Ken. I haven't a clue frankly! charlie

[Michelle Young]

I think we've had this before , when a blog entry is posted, the member puts a link to it on the thread.

Michelle 

[RegHannay]

Thank you all, I will endeavour with a blog and try and link it on the- thread ?? 

Dave D

[kenf48]

 

29 minutes ago, RegHannay said:

Thank you all, I will endeavour with a blog and try and link it on the- thread ?? 

Dave D

 

Sounds like a plan - good luck 😉 

 

Ken

[charlie962]

I see the Edinburgh University Roll has this for him:

Repton. MB, ChB 1906. R. A.M.C., Lieutenant January 1915; Captain 1916. Wounded 1916. Dispatches January 1916.

 

As a result of that wounding there is a (surviving) Hospital Admissions record to No 3 CCS :

RAMC 134 FA, Capt Fothergill RH, GSW VIII 1, admitted 28/8/16, to sick convoy 30/8/16, 28 Army Train

 

I like this 'Ancestry style' mistranscription of his MB doctor's qualification by National Archives:

 

Charlie

[RegHannay]

1 hour ago, charlie962 said:

I see the Edinburgh University Roll has this for him:

Repton. MB, ChB 1906. R. A.M.C., Lieutenant January 1915; Captain 1916. Wounded 1916. Dispatches January 1916.

 

As a result of that wounding there is a (surviving) Hospital Admissions record to No 3 CCS :

RAMC 134 FA, Capt Fothergill RH, GSW VIII 1, admitted 28/8/16, to sick convoy 30/8/16, 28 Army Train

 

I like this 'Ancestry style' mistranscription of his MB doctor's qualification by National Archives:

 

Charlie

 

1 hour ago, charlie962 said:

I see the Edinburgh University Roll has this for him:

Repton. MB, ChB 1906. R. A.M.C., Lieutenant January 1915; Captain 1916. Wounded 1916. Dispatches January 1916.

 

As a result of that wounding there is a (surviving) Hospital Admissions record to No 3 CCS :

RAMC 134 FA, Capt Fothergill RH, GSW VIII 1, admitted 28/8/16, to sick convoy 30/8/16, 28 Army Train

 

I like this 'Ancestry style' mistranscription of his MB doctor's qualification by National Archives:

Thanks Charlie for all this info, I found the medal card for the doctor, I believe the mountain batteries were maybe a type of reservist Corps and that he may well have been a volunteer (gentlemen's club) before the outbreak of the great war. something to do with the return of mountain/field guns returned from India I believe. 

Charlie

1 hour ago, charlie962 said:

I see the Edinburgh University Roll has this for him:

Repton. MB, ChB 1906. R. A.M.C., Lieutenant January 1915; Captain 1916. Wounded 1916. Dispatches January 1916.

 

As a result of that wounding there is a (surviving) Hospital Admissions record to No 3 CCS :

RAMC 134 FA, Capt Fothergill RH, GSW VIII 1, admitted 28/8/16, to sick convoy 30/8/16, 28 Army Train

 

I like this 'Ancestry style' mistranscription of his MB doctor's qualification by National Archives:

 

Charlie

 

 

[petestarling]

I am sure the Museum of Military Medicine would love a copy of the transcription.

[RegHannay]

• Good morning Pete, it is something I certainly have thought about. I am seriously considering putting in print on a small run for family and friends then I will see if they want a copy.
• In the meantime I have started a blog with excerpts from the diary but each add on seems to open in a different page. If you would like to follow the doctor the blog is called "Only With Honour" on this forum. Enjoy.
• Dave D

[charlie962]

12 hours ago, RegHannay said:

Thanks Charlie for all this info, I found the medal card for the doctor, I believe the mountain batteries were maybe a type of reservist Corps and that he may well have been a volunteer (gentlemen's club) before the outbreak of the great war. something to do with the return of mountain/field guns returned from India I believe. 

I'm afraid it is a simple misunderstanding that MB, the Doctor's qualification, has been mis-read as MB, Mountain Battery by someone who should have known better. The Mountain Batteries were serious outfits!

Charlie

[RegHannay]

Charlie, Yes that makes sense, thanks again. I have started the blog under "Only With Honour" two entries so far. At least it will all be in one place and easier to follow for those interested.

I will do extracts from the diary covering the day to day and the fighting along with his personal thoughts and his feelings for "Jack". It is a fascinating story. Looking at getting it printed up eventually, just a few copies for family and friends.

Dave D

[yeknod]

Hi do you have any info on pte John Gadd Died on the 6 of March 1916 at Hohenzollern Redoubt. His Service Number was 901of the east surrey reg. 

I have been trying to find out what happened 

to him for many  years.

Many Thanks

 

John 

[RegHannay]

Hello John, (yeknod).

There is a fairly detailed entry in my grandfathers diary for the date(s) 6th-7th March 1916, although it does not mention people by name. It may well give you some idea of Johns death.

 

Diary entry Monday 6th March 1916.

"Mostly whizz bang(German field guns) wounds or people suffering from the effects of being buried." 

(On the 6th there were 11 deaths recorded CWGC including John Gadd, age 21.)

 

Diary entry Tuesday 7th, March 1916.

" These two days have been terrific days. The enemy threw shells into the craters, rifle grenades, mortars, the poor boys suffered much. It was snowing and freezing cold. Wounded kept coming down in a steady stream and any sleep was out of the question for me during the two nights. In the late afternoon I was asked by the Northants pioneers to see a man in C-crater who had a shattered limb. I made my way up and passed through some bits of trench which were partially blown in. One had to keep low in order not to be exposed above the parapet. 

Then into the crater, what a sight! A huge basin 50 yards wide or more and 50 feet deep, covered in debris and dead bodies of Germans. Around the further lip were our brave boys. A small path ran around it, of cover there was non as there was no time to build dugouts. I found my man lying among some corpses, his left limb was hanging by a few tendons and obviously dying I could not leave him. My stretcher bearers of the coy were knocked out and so I had to get three volunteers to help me. A rifle grenade came over and exploded with a deafening report close to me, wounding slightly three or four men."

 

The two diary entries run as one, so it is difficult to determine how John died but most likely from shell fire of some kind.

 

Hope this helps.

Dave

 

 P.S For information, the lad my grandfather went out to help was most likely Pte Thomas Foster, age 19. 5th Northamptonshire Regiment. (Stebie9173 GWF)

Thank you Stebie

 

P.P.S was he a relative of yours John??

 

Edited 10 December , 2020 by RegHannay

[yeknod]

Hi Dave, 

John was my great great uncle myself my late father and my youngest son are all name after him.

 

I have read that there were three attacks made by the Germanys on the 5th the last one coming at 10.30pm. Could it be possible that John was killed then and not discovered until the next day?.

 

However think you are right and John was killed by a whizz bang, He was only small standing at 5 foot 5 inch's and weighting 8 Stone 2 lb at his enlistment so if it was a direct hit or near by they would never have found him.

Reading your Grandfathers report of the day give me chill that went though my whole body.

 

Many Thanks for your help

 

John Gadd

[RegHannay]

Hello John,

I have just looked through the diary for the 5th, the 7th ESR took over the hohenzollern craters on the morning of the fifth. couple of snippets for the 3 days they were in the firing line

 

"I was up at 6.00am and saw my sick at 7.00, rather a lot and I was sorry for the poor chaps but I cannot possibly send trivial cases to hospital"

(It seems the men knew what they were going into and a fair few tried it on with the doctor)

"At 9.30am we set out for Vermelles which I walked with Leeds beside my horse. A shell burst very close to us indeed , I thought it was coming right on to us"

"At Vermelles Leeds and I walked on the top and so avoided the trenches, they are once again in bad order owing to the parapets slipping in"

" Have had a very busy morning as we have had a good many casualties of a minor type. Our battalion is holding our newly captured position on the top of the craters and we have been badly hammered ever since we took over"

 

Just to say - Leeds(William) was my grandfathers medical orderly  weighing  in at at 5' 3'' and 8st when he joined up.

He makes no mention of German attacks for the fifth but says that all day there had been a constant dribbling of casualties into his dugout.

On the 8th the battalion were relieved and went into the support trenches further back. He wrote of the three days - 

 

"Last night the Bosch attacked C-crater, we easily repulsed it. It had been a terrible night of snow, sleet and our men were in a sorry state.

 We had 140 (18 deaths recorded from 5th-8th Loos memorial 7th ESR - CWGC) casualties during the three days. The bursting of the crumps among our men has undoubtedly a terrifying effect and when no actual wounding takes place men are often killed by the concussion, or if not so close are absolutely "knocked out" and their nerves  entirely shattered. Again, they may be buried by falling parapet or die from suffocation.

Of course; I see the worst side of the thing, all the "funks" (nerve cases) find their way to me but you have only to visit the trenches and craters to realise what splendid fellows- officers and men - are there in plenty. I saw them in C-crater, they all looked worn out and showed every sign of nerve strain but nonetheless determined. This is the worst form of fighting- sitting still, waiting to be shelled and unable to hit back"

 

The chances are that my grandfather would have known John Gadd, their paths must have crossed.

Hopefully this will give some idea what John went through.

Dave

 

 

[yeknod]

What they must have gone through day after day it makes you think how did they do it.