CQMS role relating to burns injury

[tamiwell]

Hello,

I am researching a CQMS of the 12th Battalion AIF who suffered burns to his hands on the 20th of April 1918.  During this time his Battalion were  in the area of Pradelles.  The Battalion war diary states that they were heavily bombarded, suffering 30 casualties on the 17th, however he was not injured until the 20th.  On the 19th of April his company had moved into line near Meteren.  On the 20th nothing is reported apart from a 2nd/Lieut being wounded with a GSW to the neck.  On the 21st enemy aircraft were dropping bombs.

My question is, if he was a CQMS does that mean he would not have been in line during this time?  Would it more likely have been an accidental injury?

Thanks,

Tam

[Chesterboy]

What does his service records state

[tamiwell]

These are the entries noting the events from his service record:

[FROGSMILE]

The CQMS was usually located behind his company at the forward echelon, out of direct fire, but well within range of artillery.  He would have had with him his company’s ‘first line’ reserve ammunition, usually in a protected store of some kind (a dug out if in a prepared position).  If there were a fire from e.g. incendiary attack then one can imagine him trying to suppress it to prevent detonation and preserve his company’s ability to fight.  That is of course conjecture, but I know of similar incidences and hopefully it will paint a picture for you.  He usually had with him the company field kitchen, some cooks, and a clerk too.

Edited 29 November , 2020 by FROGSMILE

[Ron Clifton]

If one of the cookers in the field kitchen was hit or knocked over, for whatever reason, he might have tried to stop it falling and got burned that way.

 

Ron

[FROGSMILE]

4 minutes ago, Ron Clifton said:

If one of the cookers in the field kitchen was hit or knocked over, for whatever reason, he might have tried to stop it falling and got burned that way.

 

Ron

Yes, he might have been burned by the soup!

[tamiwell]

Thank you all, the war diary for his battalion that day does not report any artillery attack so I presume it was putting out a fire or an accident with hot drink or food.  Possible he could have scorched himself with his own cup of coffee I guess!! : )  I've described all as a possibility in his biography, really appreciate your help!

[FROGSMILE]

34 minutes ago, tamiwell said:

Thank you all, the war diary for his battalion that day does not report any artillery attack so I presume it was putting out a fire or an accident with hot drink or food.  Possible he could have scorched himself with his own cup of coffee I guess!! : )  I've described all as a possibility in his biography, really appreciate your help!

The one thing I would add is that for him to be evacuated so far back does suggest a more serious burn that required a more profound treatment.  Had it been a simple but painful scald he would more likely have had the burn dressed and then been returned to duty with orders to report for inspection and dressing change later.  My gut feeling is that it was probably a more serious incident than a simple accident with a cooker (which would have been unlikely to result in a sojourn at a “convalescence depot” as in this case).

 

NB.  If not artillery incendiary effect, a dugout fire seems likely.  Oil lamps and candles led to endemic problems in that regard.  Frantically trying to put them out caused burns.  The possibilities are many.

Edited 29 November , 2020 by FROGSMILE

[tamiwell]

Very good point, thanks Frogsmile!