![Dug out for nurses, 50 feet from where a bomb exploded, [ca. 1916-1918]](https://cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Dug-out-for-nurses-50-feet-from-where-a-bomb-exploded-ca.-1916-1918.jpg)
No.2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station organized in Toronto in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel George Septimus Rennie.
Casualty Clearing Stations were the closest facilities to the front lines that could provide surgical treatment. They cared for patients until they could be further evacuated to a General Hospital by Ambulance Train.
Staff
Lieutenant Colonel G S Rennie, Lt Col Alexander Bryson Osborne, Major James Edgar Davey, Captain Francis Walter Wilson, Captain Hervey Lee Jackes, Captain George Stuart Strathy, Captain Lawrence Bruce Robertson, in addition to Honourary Captain & QM Gerard Brakenridge Strathy. In February 1915, there were three Medical Students just graduated, as well as fourteen fifth year Medical Students. These proved a source of weakness rather than strength, as subsequent events will show.
On 20 February 1915, first inoculations against typhoid given, as well, vaccinations against Smallpox and later inspection by Brigadier William Alexander Logie at Exhibition Park, 31 March 1915.
England
No.2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station entrained for Halifax on 15 March 1915, six horses left behind to come later. Left Halifax 18 April 1915 aboard NORTHLAND in very crowded and poor quarters, and later arrived in England 29 April 1915 with a strength of 8 officers, 75 other ranks at Moore Barracks Military Hospital, West Sandling Camp, Shorncliffe, where it was to be taken over by Lt Col Wallace Arthur Scott.
On 5 May 1915, 119 patients (venereal) arrived from Bulford Camp, followed by 3 measles and 3 mumps cases later the next day. Then, Lt Col Alexander Bryson Osborne detailed to duty at the Red Cross Hospital on 13 May 1915. Alexandra Bryson Osborne, wife of Lt Col Osborne traveled aboard the LUSITANIA on it’s voyage in a saloon cabin. She survived the sinking.
Among the recruits there were 22 recent medical graduates, two dental graduates and in addition, 17 medical students in their fourth or fifth year of study. This was shown to be inadvisable since, on 31 May 1915, all the graduates were given commissions in the RAMC, and the remaining students were returned to Canada to finish their course after being with the unit about six months.
General Sam Hughes visited the unit on 21 August 1915.
France
No.2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station arrived in Le Havre, France on 17 September 1915, later the interpreter Mssr Valentin joined the unit. Arrived at Boulogne-sur-Mer on 5 October 1915, and later on 26 October 1915, Private Robert Johnstone 50602 awarded 42 days Field Punishment No.1 for drunkenness (Court Martial). On 30 October 1915, Private Guy Wade 50689 of Yamill, Oregon, volunteered to give blood for transfusion into a patient at No.11 General Hospital – 16 ounces taken. Later the same day, Private Ernest Bloomfield 50521 promoted to Corporal. Finally on 6 December 1915, Pvt Robert Johnstone discharged from Detention Barracks to duty with No.8 Stationary Hospital.
![View of the C.C.S [Casualty Clearing Station] from across the road, [ca. 1916-1918] No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/View-of-the-C.C.S-Casualty-Clearing-Station-from-across-the-road-ca.-1916-1918.jpg?resize=750%2C609&ssl=1)
Caption on the back reads: “View of the C.C.S. from […] across the road. It will be noticed that the C.O was a very keen gardener and succeeded in making the bare fields done presentable”. Another photo’s caption says this is the most presentable part of the C.C.S. and that the flower seeds were provided by various people at home.
Espirit de Corps
On the last day of the year, the Commanding Officer notes great difficulty in maintaining the Espirit de Corps of a unit when the conditions are such as separation of Officers and men into many entirely distinct groups for a considerable period of time. In addition, the prolonged and still uncertain delay in reaching the objective for which the unit organized.
On 3 January 1916, Captain William Albert Richard Ball (Chaplain) transferred to the 49th Battalion (Canadians).
Aire (France) – January 31, 1916
No.2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station arrived in Aire-sur-la-Lys, Pas-de-Calais on 31 January 1916. Visited by Col Collingsworth OC, No 22 CCS, RAMC Aire on 1 February 1916, and by Major General Hobbs the following day. Seven Nursing Sisters joined the unit on 4 February 1916 including Harriet Graham (in charge), T Cameron, M Fraser, Isabella Dora Strathy, Georgina Annie Graham Massy, M M Webb, and finally Alexina Dussault.
On Valentine’s Day 1916, visited by HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught, also accompanied by Maj Gen Hobbs. Eighteen admissions, including one self-inflicted GSW. Also the first anniversary of the unit on 15 February with 25 original members remaining, Sister Graham on leave. Sister Cameron on leave, 22 February, Sister Harriet Graham returning the following day. An enemy bomb dropped in the neighborhood on 29 February 1916. A total of 155 patients admitted during the month.
![Dug out for nurses, 50 feet from where a bomb exploded, [ca. 1916-1918] No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Dug-out-for-nurses-50-feet-from-where-a-bomb-exploded-ca.-1916-1918.jpg?resize=750%2C590&ssl=1)
Air Raids
Enemy once again dropped bombs in vicinity towards Choques on 11 March 1916. The unit (with five months superiority) feels slighted on 19 March after learning No 3 CCS sent up near Poperinghe. Australian troops (2nd Australian Division) arriving in the area on 23 March 1916. Then an Australian cerebro-spinal case admitted to the unit on 29 March 1916. Special precautions re Australians admitted to hospital, on watch for typhus, cholera, and also dysentery. Finally, total admissions to date, 655 as of 31 March 1916.
![Operating theatre with slings from the ceiling to hold up legs and arms while operating, [ca. 1917] No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Operating-theatre-with-slings-from-the-ceiling-to-hold-up-legs-and-arms-while-operating-ca.-1917.jpg?resize=750%2C615&ssl=1)
Imperial Forces
On 9 April 1916, a double funeral very impressive from the show point of Imperial Unity. Australian and also an Englishman buried side-by-side by a Canadian Chaplain and attended by a Canadian Escort. Three Indian graves mere yards away emphasized the bonds of the Empire. On 15 April 1916, the second German POW also admitted he was glad to have taken part in this Great War which was caused by the French advancing toward Germany. They were simply defending Germany and believed it would end in a draw. Finally, admission for month total 721 patients.
![Sitting room of officers’ ward, [ca. 1916-1918] No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sitting-room-of-officers-ward-ca.-1916-1918.jpg?resize=750%2C582&ssl=1)
Received a box of comfort from the Tea Room Girls in Hamilton, Ontario on 4 June 1916. News received the following week the unit now permitted to join the Canadian Corps at the front for duty. Memorial service held at First Army HQ for Earl Kitchener (died 5 June 1916) on 13 June 1916.
Lord Kitchener
Lord Kitchener sailed from Scrabster to Scapa Flow on 5 June 1916 aboard HMS Oak before transferring to the armoured cruiser HMS Hampshire for his diplomatic mission to Russia. At the last minute, Admiral Sir John Jellicoe changed Hampshire’s route on the basis of a mis-reading of the weather forecast and ignoring (or not being aware of) recent intelligence and sightings of German U-boat activity in the vicinity of the amended route.
Shortly before 19:30 hrs the same day, steaming for the Russian port of Arkhangelsk during a Force 9 gale, Hampshire struck a mine laid by the newly launched German U-boat U-75 (commanded by Kurt Beitzen) and sank west of the Orkney Islands. Recent research has set the death toll of those aboard Hampshire at 737.
![English, Scotch, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian patients at C.C.S., [ca. 1916-1918] No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/English-Scotch-Australian-New-Zealand-and-Canadian-patients-at-C.C.S.-ca.-1916-1918.jpg?resize=924%2C707&ssl=1)
Lena Ashwell
Concert by Lena Ashwell Concert Co at 2:30 pm on 18 June 1916 and visited by HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught later on 20 June 1916.
Captain Hutchinson reported for duty on 21 June 1916. Then on 28 June 1916 a Court of Inquiry convened regarding the death of Private Day, whose body had been found in the canal.
Dominion Day 1916
The ground fairly rocked and windows rattled with the concussion of the terrific bombardment of 1 July 1916. Captain G S Strathy on command to 29 CCS Gaziencourt to assist in the British offensive.
The afternoon, for the unit, given over to sports competitions. In the evening, patriotic addresses also given by Padres McIntosh and Lockary. Completion of the handing over of the station to the Highland CCS completed later on 18 July 1916. Heavy bombardment continues on 21 July 1916 at the Somme. In nearby Isbergues, a woman killed when a German aeroplane dropped a bomb, 31 July 1916. The following day, the unit learns their next destination the French Huts at Remy Siding.
Remy Siding (Flanders) – August 10, 1916
Nursing Sisters Harriet Graham, Isabella Dora Strathy, and also Cameron detailed for temporary duty by DMS to No 10 Stationary Hospital, St Omer on 1 August 1916. No 2 CCS arrived in Remy Siding, Flanders, Belgium later on 8 August 1916. Finally, the commanding officer pleased to find five well built French Huts with earth floors and leaky roofs.
57 burials at the nearby cemetery (Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery) on 10 August 1916 – victims of the gas attack on 8 August. The commanding officer noticed the graves of Major General Malcolm Smith Mercer, LtCol William Renwick Marshall (15th Battalion), LtCol Arthur William Tanner (10th Field Ambulance) and also Major George Edward Vansittart (4th Brigade, CFA). Mercer, commanding the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, also the highest ranking Canadian soldier to die in the Great War.
Loss of NS Isabella Dora Strathy
News received NS Isabella Dora Strathy seriously ill with pleurisy at No 10 Stationary Hospital on 20 August 1916. The commanding officer notes her absence and probably loss on the last day of the month causes every member of the unit much grief. Also noted the disappointment of being in the position of treating predominantly Imperial, rather than Canadian troops at their latest location.
The OC of No 2 CCS visited Sister Strathy on 1 September 1916 at No 10 Stationary Hospital, St Omer. He found her bright, but very much disgusted with herself, running a slight temperature. On 15 September, NS Strathy invalided to England, on the same day Private Andrew Blane Donaldson Anderson 14, one of the original members of the unit, returned later after invalided to Boulogne with Nephritis. Finally, the unit completes it’s first year in France on 16 September 1916.
Nissen Huts
No 2 CCS began to erect their first two Nissen huts on 16 October 1916. Four days later, Australian troops in the area head for the Somme.
Honors
The OC forwarded the following recommendations for Honors on 24 October 1916.
- Hon Capt & QM G S Strathy – Mention in Despatches
- Nursing Sister Harriet Graham – Mention in Despatches
- Sgt Maj Francis Henry Leleu – Meritorious Service Medal
- L/Sgt Alexander John Fortescue – Meritorious Service Medal
![Medical staff [L Bruce Robertson at centre back], February 1917 No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Medical-staff-L-Bruce-Robertson-at-centre-back-February-1917.jpg?resize=750%2C533&ssl=1)
In September 1917, Ontario Military Hospital renamed as No. 16 Canadian General Hospital and later honoured by a visit from their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary on May 29, 1919.
On 13 April 1918, heavy fighting in the region of Bailleul, Meteren and Ploegstreet (Ploegsteert). No 2 CCS closed later on the next day at 0930 am, and nursing sisters sent with their baggage to No 13 CCS at Arneke.
Esquelbecq (France) – April 15, 1918
No.2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station arrived in Esquelbecq, France on 15 April 1918. During the next ten days, the unit occupied in moving equipment from Remy Siding to the new site and in setting up and equipping the new camp, in total, 10 railway truck loads moved.
While the new camp contains all the essentials the unit feels it is about to work under a great handicap. Heretofore, the unit never operated as a tented CCS, having worked either in huts or buildings. Personnel discouraged at the prospect of treating abdominal and also chest wounds in dark and cold tents.
On 18 April 1918, the nursing sisters rejoined the unit and quartered in at billets in the village. With attacks on Kemmel Hill in progress, the CCS also advised to admit patients on a moments notice.
Rittmeister Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen
On 21 April 1918, over 100 miles south of Esquelbecq at Vaux-sur-Somme, Rittmeister Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen killed in action. His first, of four burials, occurs the following day at Bertangles Communal Cemetery.
Again, Canadians are not fighting in the sector, as admissions for 27 April 1918 reveal. Nineteen British Officers, one New Zealand, 241 British Other Ranks, one Australian, one New Zealand, and also two Belgian civilians admitted. Of the 4,081 Officers, troops and civilians treated during the latter half of April at No 2 CCS, 9 Officers and 120 Other Ranks died.
![Wounded being lifted from the C.C.S. trucks to the Ambulance Train, [ca. 1914-1918] No 2 Casualty Clearing Station](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Wounded-being-lifted-from-the-C.C.S.-trucks-to-the-Ambulance-Train-ca.-1914-1918.jpg?resize=750%2C579&ssl=1)
The Black Sheep of No 2 CCS
On 3 May 1918, Private William Harland Campbell 50522 struck-off-strength having proceeded to report to Cadet Distribution Depot for the purpose of obtaining a commission in the RAF. The commanding officer not sorry to see Pte Campbell leave the unit. AWOL in October and December of 1915, disobeying orders in September of 1916 and also March of 1917. In addition, as Post Orderly, also in March 1917, William neglected to collect mail from the Officers Quarters.
Nursing Sister Katherine Reid taken on strength from No 2 Canadian General Hospital on 5 May 1918. Then on 18 May, Nursing Sister Lillian Pidgeon also taken on strength. Finally of the nearly 3,000 admission during the month of May, 2 Officers and 91 Other Ranks died at No 2 CCS.
Surgeon William Seaman Bainbridge (U.S.N.)
United States Navy Surgeon William Seaman Bainbridge visited No 2 CCS on 3 June 1918. Bainbridge also the co-founder of the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) located in Liège. Then on 9 June 1918, His Majesty the King graciously pleased to award the Royal Red Cross decoration to Nursing Sister Lillian Pidgeon in recognition of her invaluable service in France and Flanders.
Nursing Sister L M Sweet (Territorial Force Nursing Service) proceeded to report as Acting Principal Matron at St Omer on 21 June 1918.
Charlotte Lilian Anne Robinson (T.F.N.S.)
Youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Alfred Murray Robinson, born at Shanghai, and educated at Ravenswood (private school), Kent, at the High School, Oxford, and also trained at St. George’s hospital, London. She joined Queen Alexandria’s Imperial Military Nursing Service in October 1912, and later promoted to the rank of Sister on 21 October, 1917.
She went to France on 13 August 1914 with No. 2 General Hospital, and served there in various hospitals and also Casualty Clearing Stations with the 5th and 2nd Armies. The Military Medal presented to her in the field (at Blenderques) on 26 June 1918, by General Sir Herbert Plumer, then in command of the 2nd Army.
For conspicuous devotion to duty and courage when a stationary hospital was struck by four bombs from an enemy aeroplane and one wing was practically cut in two, many patients being buried in the debris. Sister Robinson at very great personal risk went in amongst the ruins to assist in recovering the patients, quite regardless of danger, her one thought being the rescue of the patients. She displayed magnificent coolness and resource.
(The London Gazette, No. 30820, page 8999, of 30 July, 1918)
Dominion Day 1918
The unit celebrates Dominion Day with a Sports Meeting on 1 July 1918, and on the 8th the 2nd Canadian CCS ‘Beavers’ Concert Party gave a concert at Esquelbecq to troops of 8th Canadian Railway Troops. At the end of the month, unit strength of 11 Officers, 14 NCOs, 85 Other Ranks and also 18 Nursing Sisters.
Return to Remy Siding (Flanders) – September 16, 1918
No.2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station arrived in Remy Siding, Flanders on 16 September 1918.
TBD.
Mouvaux (France) – October 22, 1918
Arrived in Mouvaux, Nord department, France on 22 October 1918.
TBD.
Leuze (Flanders) – November 16, 1918
Arrived in Leuze, Hainaut, Belgium on 16 November 1918.
TBD.
Huy (Flanders) – December 5, 1918
Arrived in Huy, Walloon, Belgium on December 1918.
TBD.
Bonn (Germany) – December 21, 1918 (Closed February 7, 1919)
Arrived in Bonn, Germany on 21 December 1918.
One Canadian death recorded on 7 February 1919, also the same day the unit ceased operations. Likely Private Arthur Alsept 195974 of the 21st Battalion buried in Brussels Town Cemetery. Arthur admitted to No 1 CCS on 12 December 1918, and later transferred to No 2 CCS on 27 January 1919. Arthur’s cause of death pneumonia. His wife Louisa Isabel Alsept residing in Peterboro, Ontario.
Reached St Omer at 9 am on 14 February 1919, Etaples the following day. On the 17th and 18th, 1 OR admitted to hospital with Influenza.
Arrived in Boulogne at 6 pm on 26 February 1919, by the 28th the unit back at Shorncliffe.
Demobilization
Dental inspection of the unit at Shorncliffe on 1 March 1919, also followed by the medical inspection on the third. The entire unit on leave from 10 to17 March 1919.
Received advice from OC of CAMC No 2 CCS estimated to proceed aboard No 44 S/S BELGIC on 16 April 1919, later proceeding from Liverpool, as planned at midnight on 16 April. Demobilized at Toronto in April 1919, and later disbanded by General Order 211 of 15 November 1920. In conclusion, with No.3 Casualty Clearing Station, published “The CCS Review” in January and March 1918.