ORDER INV ESTITURE AT BRISTOL
THIRD FULL SCALE INVESTITURE IN ENGLAND OUTSIDE LONDON
"This is a very special occasion. It is only the third time a full-scale St. John Investiture has been held in England outside London. The fact that Bristol has been chosen for the purpose is a well-deserved tribute to the splendid work of St. John in the West of England."
These words uttered by the Lord Prior (Lord Wakehurst) at the Investiture held in the Victoria Rooms (University of Bristol) on Sunday, 2nd October, form the keynote of the celebrations on that day.
The ceremonies began at attendance at Matins at Bristol Cathedral, the Lord Prior, accompanied by Executive Officer.s and Members of ChapterGeneral, in their robes, went in procession from the .r orman Chapter House to the Chancel. The Lord Bishop of Malmesbury (Rt. Rev. I. S. Watkins) conducted and preached the service; the Rev. E. J. M. Eldridge (Assistant Chaplain of the Order and County Cadet Officer for Gloucester) read the prayers.
After the service, an informal luncheon was given by the Lord Prior and the St . J ohn Council for Gloucestershire.
Before the Investiture the Lord Prior inspected some 250 Brigade members, Ambulance, .r ursing, and Cadet, under the command of Corps Supt. Pullen.
The ceremonies inside the great hall began with a fanfare. Then the Colour Party of the Brigade passed down the middle aisle. The civic procession consisting of the Lord Mayor of Bristol (Alderman P. W. Cann) , in his scarlet robes and court dress, and the Lady Mayoress, accompanied by the Sheriff and Under-Sheriff and the Sword Bearer in his traditional costume, then followed.
Preced ed by the seventeenth-century processional Cross of the Order, carried by Capt. Docwra Rogers, th ere followed the procession of the St. J ohn Council of the County of Gloucester.
Headed by the Standard of 326
Order, carried by Corps Officer H. R. H. Page, the Lord Prior's procession entered the building. County Commissioners A. R. Towerzey and Dr. Hugh Powell, Asst. Commissioner H. J. Lewis, Sir Hawthorne Lewis, Mr. J. T. Batey, l\Iajor E. Keith Roach, Sir William Savory, 1\lr. A. G. E. Fudge, Colonel L. V. Thurston, Viscount Bledisloe, Colonel E. J. Trevor Gory, Colonel Sir James Sleeman (Chief Commissioner, Brigade Overseas), the Librarian (l\Iajor R. vVilliams), the Secretary -General (Brigadier VV. B. G. Barne), the Duke of Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort, and Lieut.-Col. Lord Hylton preceded the Sword of the Order (carried by Major-General J. E. T. Younger (Secretary of the Order). Then came the Lord Prior, attended by his personal assistant, Major K. O'B. Harding.
The Director of Cer emonies was Major P. M. Beachcroft, and the Assistant Director of Ceremonies was ?llajor A. Urquhart.
After prayers the Lord Prior gave an address, in the course of which he said the Order of St. John, which was started in I099, was the only descendant of the great medieval orders which still carried out the objects for which the original body was formed. Those being invested were not just receiving a reward, but were joining an ancient Christian Order of Chivalry, with a tradition of service which it expects its members to live up to.
The Lord Prior in the name of the Sovereign Head and on behalf of the Grand Prior (H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester) invested some I59 members of the Order with their insignia.
The recipients came from Gloucestershire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devonshire, Somerset, and Cornwall.
Atthe conclusion ofthe ceremony, and after prayers, the Recessional began.
After the processions had passed through the hall, those present were en t ertained to tea in the Lesser Hall the and in the Refectory.
THE HAPPY WARRIORS OF A WHEEL-CHAIR WORLD
A country mansion where there are no Institutional notices or forbidding regulations to daunt the eye, where a wheel-chair community by the exercise of its own public spirit and opinion, maintain order, and where a family character is preserved, contains a home founded by St. John and Red Cross. It is Lyme Green Hall, two miles from Macclesfield in eastern Cheshire, near to the borders of Derbyshire.
It is indeed a happy "home" in every sense of the word for ex-Servicemen suffering from paraplegia (spinal paralysis). Theirs is a war-time disability "vhich tends to cut them off from all social life and gainful occupation unless there is nursing care. Her e they find consolation and contentment in their future.
Lyme Green Hall, standing in 2 acres of grounds, is a mansion of distinction built in warm grey Macclesfield stone.
On entering the cosy hall there is a handsome low oak panelled screen on the right. On passing round into the flower-decked recess beyond, this screen is seen to be a magnificent and 'wellfilled bookcase which was a generous gift to the Settlement.
The whole atmosphere of this first Ieature of Lyme Green Hall conveys warmth of welcome and homely intimacy with dignity and charm. Beyond the hall the visitor passes into the dining-room, or into the
recreation room before reaching the clinic. This latter contains a six-bed ward and physiotherapy, sluice, and sterilising, together with a one-bed isolation room and a duty room.
The unmarried men reside in the Hall and a special lift takes the residents to their dormitories. The doors of the lift are so timed as to remain open for such period as will enable the patient to enter or leave the lift in a wheelchair.
IN THE BEGINNING
Lyme Green Hall and the adjoining parkland were bought by the Cheshire Joint County Committee of St. John and Red Cross in June, I945, and the Settlement was eventually constituted as a Trust.
The founder Trustees were Captain Percy Reay (St. John), the present Chairman of the Board of Governors, Viscountess Ashbrook (Red Cross), l\Iiss D. Kenworthy (Red Cross), and Major J. H. Mandelberg (St. John) .
The Govenlors of Lyme Green Hall n urn ber 2 I Seven of these are members of St. J olm, seven of the British Red Cross Society, and seven others are co-opted annually; and from this number a General Purposes Committee of nine members is elected annually.
The administrative Secretary is Mr. ,v. A Hobbins, and the Matron (1\liss D. R. A. Girling), is an attractive member of the younger generation and highly experienced in her profession.
She is the " mother" of the Home for whom all the residents have the greatest respect and affection. Matron has a staff consisting of a Sister and two assistant nurses. Supervision is in the hands of a Macclesfield practitioner, Dr. R. W. Harte, who is Divisional Surgeon to the local St. John Am bulance Brigade.
THE RESIDENTS
The residents, single or married (the latter having bungalows in the grounds), must be paraplegic exServicemen, or men of the Civil Defence Services who were rendered paraplegic as the result of enemy action during their service. There are, however, only ex-Service residents at present.
The residents must be capable of using a wheelchair and be able to undertake training in one of the three light industries carried on in the Settlement, namely clock repairing, boot and shoe mending, and woodwork.
The paraplegic provides medical and nursing problems which require constant care and watchfulness. Because of complete loss of power and sensation from the waist downwards he may be unaware that he has tained a knock until he observes a bruise. For this reason he takes great care when moving from bed to wheelchair or other vehicle or in the bath, because the slightest knock or pressure will give rise to a bruise. Unless this receives immediate attention the bruised area will, owing to the lack of blood circulation, develop into a pressure sore, and may mean many weeks in bed in the clinic for the sufferer.
In order to minimize the risks of undue pressure Dunlopillo mattresses cushions are used, and pressure pomts-the heels, ankles, hips, and sacrum-are massaged twice· daily. The men have to be turned over in bed every four hours to obviate pressure. Most of them wake up automatically for this purpose.
Diet is another matter which receives special consideration, and has to be caref.ully planned. Regular exercise, too, IS essential and for one hour a day these men take a course of ph ysiotherapy, the chief items of which are archery and netball.
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THE WORKSHOPS
At present twenty-five hours a week only are spent in the workshops; the hours being from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a break for luncheon. The training in each industry is carried out by fully qualified instructors.
·When I visited the workshops 1 found a very cheerful community of men, busily concentrated on their tasks. All of this work was new to them; before they joined the Army they had been engaged in such different occupations as those of laundrymen, miner, police officer, fitter, printer, bricklayer, French polisher, woollen mill worker, and so forth.
There are ram ps everyw here to facilitate travel by the wheelchair community to and from the magnificent new buildings in which all industries will be housed. The weather slates on the roof were taken from an old residence and thus the ne"v building in design melts into the general character.
SOCIAL LIFE
The social life of the Settlement includes attending boxing, football, and cricket matches, not to mention fishing, darts, and so on. The men are keen followers of the fortunes of l\Ianchester United, and have gone as far afield as Hull to see their favourites play. Usually they travel in their chairs in the guard's van of a train and are well looked after by the railway men. But men have also journeyed long distances by road; two or three this year went on a trip of 70 miles to attend a match!
Many of the men are members of Fur, Feather, Cribbage, and Darts Clubs, and of course they attend cinemas, theatres and concerts.
THE BUNGALOWS
The broad avenue where the married men live, provides a most attractive vista. Up to now eight bungalows have been completed and others are planned. A wide continuous lawn runs on either side from the entrance of the avenue to its end. The bungalows are not all alike in design but all have similar accommodation except that a few have three bedrooms instead of two. In addition to hall, sittingroom, well equipped kitchen, bathroom, and a chair garage with a
sliding door at both ends for motor chair and inside chair.
As in the case of the Hall itself, the bathroom has stout ropes to enable the men themselves to get in and out of the bath, taps at the side and a push bell within easy reach. Under the wash-basins throughout the Settlement, there is a low iron bar fixed on the floor which enables the wheelchair to come to a full stop on the floor, and when the chair brakes are applied to remain in a fixed position.
Behind the bungalows are separate gardens which the residents may tend themselves. Beyond the gardens are well-built poultry houses and wire enclosed pens so that each resident may keep a small number of fowls.
In addition there are huts in which some of the men keep rabbits, budgerigars, and boming pigeons.
At the far end of the verdant avenue and in keeping witb the design of attractive bungalows with their nice light blue doors, is a drying house. Here sheets and blankets may be mangled and then pIa ced on four large iron" borses ". These slide in and out of a heated cbamber with their load of sheets and blankets wbich are thoroughly dried in an hour, thus mucb heavy labour for a paraplegic's wife is lightened.
DELIGHTFUL GARDENS
The grounds and gardens of Lyme Green Hall are delightful, and the general setting is pastoral, for over the lawns with their low yew and beech
hedges and guarded by oak or beech trees , may be seen the green Pennine Range shouldering up to the sky. Under the dawn sun or the twilight the spectacle is one of ever-changing serenity and beauty.
Outside the south-east front of Lyme Green Hall with its two wings is a sunken garden, and above, a raised garden. These in July were a brilliant blaze of colour-the white plumes of spirce waving above the sprawling scarlet discs of geums; the gay nemesias and the columbines the pinks, blues, and yellows of the dripping purples of aubretia, and other foaming alpines.
The blue mists settling on the green rounded heights and the sweep of sparkling air and invigorating breezes b.ring a pleasance of solace and inspiratIon for these afflicted men.
EX-SERVICE PARAPLEGICS
There are just under 700 paraplegics in Britain, and Lyme Green Settlement is one of the solutions to the problems of assisting such men to overcome their disabilities and to give them a share in the arts of living. There is in course of construction in Hertfordshire a further St. John and Red Cross Settlement for paraplegics. Jevertheless, it would also seem the Lyme Green has room to develop in order to render to the fullest degree its magnificent contribution to this very moving human problem of the man cruelly immobilized by war.
VIEW FROM SOUTW· EAST
CELEBRATIONS IN MALTA
The Fortieth Anniversary Celebrations of the Malta District of the Brigade, held from 15 th to 23rd October, proved an outstanding success from every point of view. Not only did those taking part in the celebrations ha ve the unique experience to tread in the places sacred in the History of the Order, and to form part of the greatest assembly of members of the Brigade at Home ever to be together overseas, but the publicity given to the visit, and the interest aroused by the large contingent from the United Kingdom has given the Brigade in Malta a great stimulus, and nothing but good can result from the visit.
The Lord Prior of St. John, Lord Wakehurst, and Lady "\Vakehurst, the Chief Commissioner of the Brigade Overseas, Colonel Sir James Sleeman, and the Lady Superintendent-in-Chief of the Brigade Overseas, the Hon. Mrs. CoplandGriffiths, were present during the whole oj the ce l ebrations, in addition to the main contingent from Home. which consisted of 68 adult members, including the Surgeonin-Chief for vVales, Dr. Llewe llyn, the Chief Officers of Ambulance and ursing Cadets, Mr. Guthrie Moil' and Miss V. Cunard, Commissioners Major A. C. "\Vhite Knox, of London, and Dr. N. Jennings, of Hull, and 70 Cadets (29 Ambulance and 41 Nursing) under the care of Mr. H. J.
Harris and Mr. N. Newall, and Miss E. Trill and Mrs. Robinson. The Cadets and Escorting Officers left England on 13th October and the remainder of the adults on the 14th October all travelling by British European Airways' Vikings. The j ourneys both ways were uneventful and all returned safely to England without mishap.
It is not possible to give full details of all the ce l ebrations here, but the main functions were as follows :-
Sat'trday, 15th Octobe r.-Meeiing at the British Institute of all Adult Ofli.cers to meet Officers of the Malta District. Lord vVakehurst, Sir James Sleeman, and Mrs. Copland-Griffiths w ere present, with the Commissioner of the Malta District, Colonel J. V. Abela.
Reception by the Commissioner of the Malta District in th e Aubcrg de CasLille attended by many high ranlting Sen'ice Officers and leading Malta citizens, including the official delegate to th e celebraiions of the Sovereign Order, Chevalier Scicluna.
Sttnday, 16th October.- Recepiion of the Senior Lady Officers by th e Countess Mountbatten of Burma.
The laying of wreaths at the "\Var Memorial, Floriana, and the Great Siege YIonument, Valletta.
These were most impressive ceremonies, wreaths being laid on behalf of the Venerable Order, the Sovereign Orcler, the Brigade Overseas, the Brigade At Home, the Priory for 'Wales, the Pri ory in Canada, the lalta Di stric t by the Lord Prior, Chevalier Scicluna, Major A . C. \,iVhite Knox, Dr. E. Llewellyn and Dr. P. Brown, Miss M. Scorer, and Colonel J. V. Abela.
These ceremonies were followed by a Church Parade at St. John's Co. Cathedral, attended by the Earl and Countess MountbaUen, Lord "\Vakehurst, Lady vVakehurst, Sir James Sleeman, the Hon. Mrs Copland-Griffiths, ancl the visiting contmgent. On this occasion the Cadets received a round of applause from the crowd as they marched off after the Service.
Monday, 17th October.-The Cadets were entertained by the Earl of l\Iountbatten on H.M.S. Liverpool.
18th October.- Visit by all the Umted Kmgdom contingent and the Malta District representatives to the Island of Gozo. The party was taken by three naval vessels, H.M.S. Rif7 eman. H.M.S. Chameleon, and H.M.S. Pl1lck')!.
On Gozo a Parade was held in Victor"ia
S.ir Otto Lund (Deputy Chief Commisand Countess Mountbatten (Supermtendent-in-Chief) seeing off a party of Cadets from Northolt.
at which Warrants of Appointment and first aid .certificates were presented by the Lord Pnor to Officers and members of the newly-formed Brigade Units.
the evening a party was given to VIsltIng officers by His Excellency The Governor and Lacly Creasy at Sant'Anton Palace.
Cadets on board H.M.S. Liverpool. Wednesday, 19th October.-This day was observed in Malta as " Amethyst Day", and parties of our members paid visits to this famous ship and met the officers and crew.
Thursday, 20th October.-This day saw the Investiture at the Palace in Valletta where in historic surroundings and in the presence of His Excellency The Governor and Lady Creasy, the Lord Prior invested r ecipients with the Insignia of the Order and presented Service Medals to Members of the Brigade. He also presented the Vote of Thanks awarded by ChapterGeneral to the Association and Brigade in Malta in recognition of their outstanding achievements during the war. Among those invested were Colonel Abela, the Commissioner of the Malta District; Dr. Paul Boffa, the Prime Mini ter; and Surgeon Rear-Admiral Brownfield and Lady Campbell. Seated with His Excellency and Lady Creasy were Admiral Sir Arthur Power, Commander-in-Chi ef, Mediterranean, and Lady Power; His Honour Sir David Campbell, the Lieutenant-Governor; Mrs. P. Boffa; Vice-Admiral the Hon. Douglas Pennant and Mrs. Douglas Pennant; Air ViceMarshal C. R. Steele and Mrs. Steele; Rear-Admiral C. P. Clarke and Mrs. Clarke; Sir George Borg, Chief Justice, and Lady Borg.
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In the afternoon a reception was given by Chevali e r Scicluna, the delegate r epresentative of the Sovereign Order, at his beautiful h ome at Martin. This functi on was attended by His Excellency and Lad y Creasy, and the Earl and Countess Mountbatten.
The evening was devoted to the St. John Ball in the Palace of Valletta, the function again graced by the presence of His Excellency and Lady Creasy, and the Earl and Countess lVIountbatten, who witnessed the performance of the Traditional Court Dance "II Maltija" in eighteenth-century costumes.
Friday, 21 st Oclober.-The Lord Prior, Lady V/akehurst, and the Countess l\Iountbatten witnessed with visiting officers a display given by the Cadets of Malta and the Cadets of the United Kingdom. This was by a conference between officers of the Malta District and those of the Brigade at Home, in the Palace of Valletta, under the chairmanship of Sir Jam es Sleeman.
Sat/;trdav, 22nd October.-The general Parade and Insp ect ion in the Palace Square. In the ,;;,. presence of His Excellency the Governor, Lord "\Vakehurst inspected the Malta District, which mustered over 600 members on parade, and also the United Kingdom contingent which was under the command of l\Iajor A. C. "\Vhite Knox. New Colours. thf' gift of Mr. C.
The Lord Prior (Lord Vi,Takeh urst) on right chatting to Chevalier Scicluna and Sir James Sleeman.
Cassar Torreggiani, were presented to the Malta District by Lord Wakehurst, following which they were blessed by the Archbishop, His Grace Mgr. M. Gonzi.
Knox presented Major Abela with a giH of £ 100 from the London District of the Brigade for the Malta Headquarters Building Fund.
Sunday, 23rd October.-A Church Parade Service was held at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedra l, while other representatives attended the Pontifical Mass at St. J ohn's Co. Cathedral on the occasion of the Ju bilee of His Grace the l\Ietropolitan Arch bishop.
In the afternoon the celebrations officially ended with an "At Home" given by the Brigade in Malta to the visiting contingent at which Lord ''lakehurst made presentations on behalf of the visiting members as tokens of appreciation to Colonel Abela, 1\1rs. Gulia, and Dr. Cauchi-Inglott.
In addition to the abo,"e programme a separate programme of events was carried out by the Cadets, and many private parties and sight-seeing tours were also arranged.
All "isiting officers and members were impressed by the splendid way in which the celebrations had been organized by th ' Commissioner, Colonel]. V. Abela, and the Lady District Superintendent, }.Irs. K. Gulia, and it was a great inspiration to all that the Countess l\Iountbatten, in her capacity as Patroness of the :'.lalta District of the Brigade, attended so many of the functions and gave so much kindly hospitality to all.
A final word of appreciation must be extended to the Royal Xa \7 for all u[ticers and men extended the greatest kindness and assistance to our members on all occasions.
In the evening the St. John Dinner was held. This was a brilliant assembly of 200 guests, among whom were His Excellency and Lady Creasy, Lord and Lady vVakehurst, the Earl and Councess Mountbatten, His Honour Dr. P. Boffa, the Prime Minister; His Honour Sir George Borg, Chevalier Scicluna, highranking Naval, Military, and Air Force chiefs, and leading Malta citizens . At the conclusion of the rlinner Major White Wreath-laying ceremony in Malta 332
PRIORY OF CANADA
On the occasion of the disaster of the Noronic members of the Brigade in Canada carried out their most outstanding piece of first aid. The Priory Commissioner reports :-
The fire broke out at about 2.45 a.m. comp l ete ly destroying the ship. It was not until about 7 .30 a.m., when the fire had died down sufficiently for firemen to get aboard, that four bodies were noticed. Further search disclosed that casualties had been heavy.
This report was heard by Mr. F. \V. Blayney, Class Organizer at Provincial Headquarters, while driving to the office from his home in the country. He immediately offered the services of St. John to the Police and Fire Department. This was promptly accepted, and a call was put out over several local radio stations to all possible St. John Ambulance personnel to report at the Canada Steamship docks. \Vben Toronto Corps office opened they immediately phoned key personnel, who in turn telephoned others, with the result that almost immediately the ambulance and many men arrived at the scene, some in uniform and some not. They set to work at once helping carry the charred bodies off the ship and transporting them in the ambulance to the Horticultural Building, in Exhibition Park, which had been designated as a temporary morgue. At the same time, many passengers, crew, police, and firemen were given first aid for minor injuries. The St. John Ambulance was then asked by the City Coroner to take charge of the morgue, so at 11 a.m. no further help being required at the actual scene of the fire, the whole of the Brigade energies were ce ntred in the Horticultural Building. .r\ call went out to the ursing members,
who responded immediately in more than ample numbers . The building was divided into reception area, dispensary, first aid room, stenographic office, lunch counter, posts for representatives of several religions, exhibit room for articles recovered either on the bodies or in the ship, a 65-bed hospital, and the actual morgue itself. The latter was manned entirely by St. John men, who put up tables and placed one body on each, each body being numbered with a tag as received. They later assisted a larg e force of doctors, police, radiologists, and morti cians in their efforts to esta blish the identity of the victims.
The Iursing members manned the reception desk and three telephones, taking all particulars from bereaved relatives and then accompanying female relatives into the morgue, then in most cases reviving them in the first aid room or hospital after the inevitable collapse on seeing all that was l eft of those they sought. They also ran the lunch counter for the hundreds of workers of all kind on duty. The men did similar duties with male relatives, plus a hundred and one other jobs that seemed to crop up all day and night.
This complete staff was maintained 24 hours a day from 17th to 24th September, and on a gradually reducing basis thereafter. It was discontinued on the night of 28th September, as all bodies that could be identified by visual means had been done by that date.
All members behaved simply magnificently throughout this crisis, and this has been more than recognized in public statements by the Lieutenant-Governor, the mayors of Toronto, Detroit, and Cleveland, the Coroner, the Police and Fire Chiefs, Doctors, morticians, and everv paper in the Province. -
CASUALTIES UNION
The annual open competition in first aid were out of action, but military operating and diagnosis was held on 9th October, at on the area had walkie-talkie. the Duke of York's Headquarters, Chelsea, The diagnosis cases were varied, and London. Teams from industry, police, included poisonings, crushes, transport, St. J olm, British Red Cross and wounds. Society, and Ranger Guides competed. Devon 64 B.R.C.S. Detachment gained The teams were called upon to deal with first and team test competition, the runnersa parachutist who struck an empty up being "G" Division, 1\Ietropolitan factory building in falling, the parachute Police. V/imbledon and Merton Divisions, being caught up on the building. A man S.J.A.B., gained the Di Trophy. tried to break the pilot's fall, and was \Ving-Command er Sir John Hodsoll, found to be suffering from unconscious- Director-General of Civil Defence and a n ess, with the pilot, also unconscious and Vice-president of the Union, presented the with a wound on the forehead, con- Buxton Trophy, which was donated by cussion, and a broken collar-bone. Each President St. J. D. Buxton, to the team arrived by ambulance. Telephones winning team.
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V.A.D. RESERVE FOR THE NAVAL NURSING SERVICE
Extract from Parliamentary Debates (H ansard)-Hollse of Commons Official Report, Wednesday, 19th October, 1949.
Mr. Dugdale, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty:-
" I am glad to inform the House that arrangements have been made with the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and the British Red Cross Society to restart recruiting V.A.D.s to form a standing Reserve for the Naval Nursing Service. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the Admiralty's appreciation of the services which members of the V.A.D. have rendered to the Royal Navy during and since the last war."
These words preserve the V.A.D. tradition, and while closing negotiations which have lasted since 1945, they reopen the field of recruiting and training for the V.A.D. Reserve.
During two wars V.A.D. Units have served with H.M. Forces and many V.A.D. members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the British Red Cross Society have taken their General Training, serving as V.A.D. Nursing Members during the 1914-18 war, and as fully qualified nurses in the second world war. Others, who enrolled in or after 1939 are now members of the Nursing Services.
From 1923 onwards, members of the Brigade and the Society, who undertook the mobile obligation to serve as and where required in emergency, reported to Service Hospitals every third year, for one week's training.
After the outbreak of war in 1939 these were the first of the 15,000 V.A.D. members who served throughout the war, at home and overseas, with all branches of H.M. Forces, and they have, since the cessation of hostilities, been recruited with a two-year contract for service in hospitals of the Royal Navy.
Units of V.A.D. members are now in Hong Kong. in Malta, and in Trincomalee.
The General N ur.sing Council for England and Wales have recently agreed that V.A.D. members may, after a period of training in Base hospitals of the Royal Navy and pass the necessary "test ", qualify to present themselves as candidates for the Preliminary State Examination, Parts I and II. On completion of their contract with the Royal Navy, they may apply to Matrons in charge of Training Schools for selection as Student Nurses, to complete their general training. which should take 2 \ years.
The new terms differ in certain particulars from the pre-war set-up, but the overall pattern is the same.
New rates of pay are given below for members, both nursing and clerical, in the five ranks in which they have served throughout the war.
These rates will also be paid to members of the Reserve, during their periods of training and on mobilization in emergency.
The age-limits are 17 to 45 years.
Training periods are, as formerly, one week in three years.
Volunteers for the Reserve, both for nursing and clerical duties, who have Service experience will enrol at the rank they attained, while special arrangements have been made for those members who have been accepted for enrolment as Assistant Nurses. These members "\\rill enrol at the rank in which they last served and will subsequently be up-graded to Supervising V.A.D. member, a rank carrying rates of pay comparable to the Whitley Council scales for State Enrolled Assistant Nurses.
Members in both these categories will be welcomed and will form the nucleus of experienced members to whose service tribute has been made.
Another and equally important group are the new recruits, who will have the opportunity of serving, during their training, with the V.A.D. Units now employed in full-time service WIth the Royal avy.
These recruits must, like all candidates for Reserve Service, produce a satisfactory Medical Certificate.
Application for enrolment in the V.A.D. Reserve should be made to Divisions (1 ), candidates who are not already members' of the Brigade or the Society may obtain particulars from any Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade or may apply to the YA.D. Department, 7 Grosvenor Crescent, London, S."\V. 1, for details of the scheme and for the address of the nearest Division.
Rates of pay shown below will apply to :-
(a) V.A.D. members now serving in Naval establishments; and (b) in any future emergency, and for the proposed one week's training in the avy every three years.
Probationary V.A.D. member .
After 26 weeks' service V.A.D. member . Senior V.A.D. member Supervising V.A.D. member
This recognition of the work of V.A.D. members by the General Nursing Council is another tribute to the service which has made a name for cheerful and ungrudging devotion to duty. Head V.A.D.
EXHIBITION AT SOUTHPORT
Voluntary Organization is the basis of English life," said Lady Derby, at the opening of the St. John Exhibition and Fair, organized by the St. John Council for the County Palatine of Lancaster, and held in the Cambridge Hall, Southport, from 15th to 18th October.
"The St John Ambulance Brigade," added Lady Derby, "does know the real meaning to the word service, but I think a lot of people don't seem to realize that the people who work for the Order of St. John receive nothing at all for their services."
The Mayor of Southport (Councillor R. Johnson), who was accompanied by the Mayoress, welcomed Lady Derby, and paid tribute to the work of the Brigade. During the past few years there had been great changes and many things have passed from our control. Fortunately, however, the St. John Ambulance Brigade still stands on its own feet.
Mrs. Archie Camden (Staff Officer in charge of the Exhibition) gave particulars of the Exhibition, which was devised to give the Brigade more publicity. She paid tribute to the Corporation for providing the Cambridge Hall for the Exhibition, and to Mr. R R M. Porter, F.RC.S. (Chairman of the Exhibition and Fair), and Mrs. A. Ratcliffe, the Hon. Secretary. Thanks were expressed to Lady Derby and the Mayor by Major E. S. Burt Hamilton (Commissioner of the Brigade in Lancashire). Bouquets and buttonholes were presented to the opener, chairman, and Mayoress by Cadets Barber Allen and E. A. Ogden.
Each day there was an official opening.
On the second clay, when the Hon. H. A. Cozens-Hardy (Chairman of the St. John Council) read a letter from the Countess of Sefton, who was unable to open the proceedings, Colonel Roger Fleetwood Hesketh officiated, and the final clay was opened by Mrs. Peter Fleetwood Hesketh, with Mr. R. R. M. Porter as chairman.
Stalls were organized and sta ffed by members of Nursing Corps and Division in the seven Areas ofthe No.4 (Lancac;hire) District of the Brigade, also by Ambulance and Nursing Cadets.
Although final figures are not available, the net profit was not less than £1.420; and thus Southport now holds the record for the largest amount obtained in the provinces. The previous best was £1,350 at \Vorcester.
To further stress the importance of a knowledge of first aid, ambulance men were called from the hall to attend to a woman suffering from head injuries as the result of being knocked down by a hus in Lord Street.
CONFERENCE AT SCARBOROUGH
Some 386 officers of the Brigade from Northumberland, Durham, and North, East, and West Ridings of Yorkshire attended the Conference at Scarborough from 14th to 16th October. A dance given by the Corporation of Scarborough, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, did much to wield the Conference into a happy family gathering. The" high spot" of the dance, according to a special report, was the competition between the tt Geordies" and the" Tykes" in singing their own "national anthem ". A panel of judges could not agree as to the winning side, so Mrs. Girouard was asked to give the casting vote. Whilst the" Geordies " had sung the "Blaydon Races" with more volume, the" Tykes" had sung tt On Ilkla Moor baht 'at" with more gusto, so the result was a draw!
In opening the Conference on Saturday morning the Mayor paid tribute to the work of St. John, and in particular to that carried out by the local Divisions. As a keen motorist, he would like to see every motorist equipped with a first aid box bearing the familiar "\Vhite Cross.
Lady Dunbar-Nasmith (Deputy Superintendent-in-Chief) before commencing her inspiring address on "Brigade Recruitment ", read a message of greetings and best wishes from Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Superintendent-in-Chief. Lady Dunbar-Nasmith suggested many ways of publicizing the work of the Brigade. and of encouraging new recruits. Publicity was very important, and in each Division one person should be made responsible for contacting and bombarding the local press. The best recruiting agent of all was still the local Division, known and respected for the work it carried out. In conclusion.
Lady Dunbar-Nasmith asked that each member should recruit at least one new member during the next twelve months. At the next Conference of officers from Regions 1 and 2 she would ask all who had done so to raise their hands; she would expect to see a forest of hands.
The new set-up of the Civil Defence was thoroughly dealt with by Mr. A. Lund (Staff Instnlctor, C.D. School, Easingwold). The lecture was highly technical and much was said which is still on the secret list. He was followed by Mr. McVicar, representing the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council, whose talk enlarged upon how the Brigade could co-operate with the Local Authority in the training of first aid personnel.
One of the most important sessions of the Conference was the address by Mrs. Girouard (Assistant Sunerintendent-inChief), on the National Hospital Service Reserve and the part which the Brigade
335
is called upon to play in the recruitment and maintenance of this ({ third army".
The two-day programme was a varied one, including such items as ({ The Atom Bomb and its Effects on the Human Subject ", by Asst. Commissioner J. Pearson, and an instructive ta,lk, with demonstrations, on "New Methods of Artificial Respiration ", by County Surgeon F 'V. Hebblethwaite.
On Sunday morning a service in the Conference Hall was taken by the Rev. H. C. Elgood, the closing words of whose address could not fail to inspire and gladden the hearts of all men and women gathered there-" Let you light so Shine before all men ". Music was provided by the Scarborough To,Vll Silver Banel, and a collection taken for the Priory Church Rebuilding Fund amounted to £20
In summing up, County Commissioner Stanley Embleton said he felt he should not risk detracting in any way from the mental feast that had been enjoyed over the two days. The addresses had been of a very high order, and a very large amount of useful information had been imparted. The Conference would fail in its purpose if the inspiration and knowledge gained was not now translated into the work of the Brigade, through the various levels, down to the individual unit. 1\1r. Embleton expressed thanks to all who had so willingly belped in the arrangements for the Conference, especially County Officer G. C. Green and the local Divisions in Scarborough, who had been responsible for much of the detail which had contributed to the comfort of the delegates and the smooth running of the various sessions.
ABBEY SCHOOL FOR SPEAKERS
Many readers of the St. John Gazette have, in the past, been privileged to hear representatives of the Abbey School for addressing delegates at Brigade TralllIng Courses on tbe subject of meeting procedure and public speaking. Also many bave taken advantage of the trallllng courses which the School runs from time to time.
Tbe next Resident Week-end Trainin o Course will be held at High Hoddesdon, Herts, from 10th to 13th !='ebruary, 1950. Lectures with practice In Baslc Speech Technique, Intermediate Technique, and Cbairmanship and Meetmg Procedure are included in the programme
Applications should be 10rwarded to Abbey School for Speakers, 36 Victoria Street, London, S.vV. 1. The fee for the Course is £3 3s. (or £2 18s. if shared room); and c: bo.oking fee of 5s. should accompany applIcatIons.
336
PUBLIC AND PERSONAL HYGIENE
South Western.-15 Belgrave Road, Bristol, 8. (Bristol 3 7026.)
Southern.-Leopold House, Tilehurst Road, Reading. (Reading 60226.)
The following films (issued by the Central Ofnce of Information), have been approved to be used in connection with the Association's Course on Public Health and Hygiene :COl Title.
Serial No.
UK 292 Defeat Diphtheria
UK 408 Defeat Tuberculosis
UK 409 The ose Has It
UK 583 Subject Discussed
UK 836 Britain Can Make It, No. 16 .
UI( 743 Old Wives' Tales
UK 780 A Modern Guide to
DlI1' atiol1.
12
UK 557 Unwanted Guests 9
UK 558 Round Figures 8 min.
The Central Office of In1ormation provides free of charge a Mobile Unit which carries films, projector, and screen, and generator units for hall baving no electricity supply, and a driver-operator qualified to give a complete show without technical assistance. A suitable hall and an adequate audience must be provided by the hirer. The" adequate audience" is fifty or more people, and in order to assist getting the requisite number of persons to attend, the l\egional Office of the Central Office of In1ormation will supply posters to make the film show known. If the requisite number cannot be mustered an estimate of the number expected mllst be given when application is made.
Application for films must be made to the Regional Office 01 the Central Office 01 Information for the area in which the show is to take place. A choice of dates must be given, and an alternative choice of films if possible.
Regional Offices will not be able to arrange for a film to be shown on each lecture night of the Hygiene Course: and it is suggested that, in conjunction with the lecturer, the films sbould be shown as an introduction to the Course.
If the hirer has a sound projector (35 mm. or 16 mm.) the films may be borrowed from the Central Film Library, Imperial Institute, London, S.\V. 7, to which application should be made direct, except if the films are to be shown in the South-Western Region (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, vViltshire, Gloucestershire), when application should be made to 15 Belgrave Road, Bristol, 8.
The Regional Offices of the Central Office of Information are as follows :N01,tlie1'n.-Metrovick House Northumberland Road, Newcastle on'Tyne, 2. (Newcastle on Tyne 27351.)
E. and W. Ridin1{s.-7 Wetherby Road, Leeds. (Leeds 58241.)
Midland.-186 Corporation Street, Birmingham, 4. (Central 7 86 1 .) Eastern.-Block B., Government Buildings, Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge. (Cambridge 55461.)
North Western.-Virginia House, Great Ancoats Street, Manchester. (Central 7861.)
North Midland.-Sherwood Buildings, South Sherwood Street, Nottingham. ( ottingham 4622 1 .) London and South-East.-7 0 Victoria Street, London, S.W. 1 . (Victoria 4424.)
Northern lreland.-Press and Publicity Ofnce, Government of orthern Ireland, Stormont Castle, Belfast. (Belfast 63210.)
BRITISH ELECTRICITY AMBULANCE CENTRE
A St. John Ambulance Association Centre has been established with Headquarters in London.
This Centre will function in lines similar to the Rail wayan d Post Office Centres, and may therefore organize classes within the area of existing geographical Centres.
Communications to the Centre should be addressed to the First Aid Organizer, British Electricity Ambulance Centre, St. John Ambulance Association, British Electricity House, Great Portland Street, London, W. 1.
RAILWAY AMBULANCE NEWS
SOU TH E R N R EGION
B asingst o ke -A total of 981 years of first aid service was represented by the a\\'ards distributed to members of the Basing-stoke Class by 1'.1r. A. B. McLeod (Stores Supt.). Long Service Medals were presented by Air Vice Marshal A. E. Panter pledical Supt., of Rooksdown House). Over 500 people were present.
Do r king -During an outing by members of the Dorking Ambulance Class, l\Iiss Joan Sanders who, after a mem bership of the Class for eight years, and in the ladies first team for three years, has left the railway service to take up work in a Dr. Barnado's Home.
Fe lt ham.-l\Irs. E. S. Moore, who was accompanied by Mr. l\Ioore, presented awards to members of the Feltham Ambulance Class. 11r. A. Barrow (District Ambulance Secretary) presided.
Gui ldfo r d Class held its concert and annual presentation of awards in St. Saviours Hall, where the Mayor of Guildford presented over 50 awards. Mr. Bicknell, Class Secretary, was presented with a cigarette lighter in appreciation of the instruction given to members of the
Guildford Division of the Surrey Constabulary.
New h aven -Dr. B. A. R Pitt (Medical Officer, Brighton Station) presented the awards to members of the Newhaven Class at the annual dinner be l d recently. Mr. F. A. Trott (Regional Ambulance Secret ary) expressed thanks to all connected with the St. John Ambulance, stating that individuals "in this old game of ours" did not talk about citizenship-they practised it !
R eadi ng.-Palmer Hall was the venue for the presentation of awards to members of the Reading Class and also to 15 members of the Brigade. Mr. L. R Palin, a motorman, received from Alderman 'V. H. Bale his fortieth label. His son, Mr. I{enneth R Palin, received his first certificate. Mr. Leslie J. Barton (Divisiona l Supt.) presided, and received his twelfth label; his son being praised by Commissioner C. A Poole for his work during the disastrous fire in Hong Kong six months ago. Mr. Barton, junr., was with the RA.F. at the time, and off duty was training officer for the St. John Ambulance who were the first on the scene.
WE ST E R N R EG IO N
A b erb eeg .-A presentation of class Beesley (Chief Clerk to District Goods awards took place at a Smoking Concert Supt.). Mr. 1. 'Varner (Asst. Station held recently. Mr. vValter Davies, retired Master, Iewport) presided.
Station Master, presenting the awards.
Mr. VV. R. Stevens (Div. Traffic Supt.),
Mr. ] H. Colclough (Asst. Div. Loco Supt.), and Dr. R ' V. Scan l on (Class Lecturer) were among those present.
New port "A" Di s tr ict -:Mr. ,V. T. Lewis, Operating Dept., Iewport High Street, has been appointed District Ambulance Secretary.
Ea s t Us k Jun c tion. -The presentation Exe ter Di s t rict .-Mr. C. E. E. Powell of awards was carried out bv Mr. G. (Div. Supt.'s Office, Exeter) has been Penney (Asst. Div . Supt.) and Mr. R. K. appointed District Ambulance St;cretary. 337
NATIONAL HOSPITAL SERVICE RESERVE
His Majesty's Government have apprQved the in c.onnection with the Clvll Defence ServlcF, of a National Hospital Service Reserve under the l\linistry of Health. The recruitment, organization, and training of the Nursing Auxiliaries of this Reserve will be the responsibility of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the British Red Cross Society. Nursing Auxiliaries will be attached to either the Brigade or the Society wearing their respective uniforms.
Co-operation between the Ministry of Health, the Hospital Authorities, and the Voluntary Organizations will be secured through Regional ExC'cutive Committees (one for each Hospital Region). The St. John Ambulance Brigade has nominated two representatives to serve on each of these Committees.
Each County Commissioner of the Brigade has appointed an Officer to be responsible for co-ordination and training, and to be the link between the two Brigade representatives on the Regional Committee and his County.
The Reserve will be open to women between the ages of 17 and 59, who are not already employed in hospitals or similar institutions, or on the Reserve of any of the three fighting forces. (Men between the ages of 30 and 59 may be enrolled, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Labour.)
Volunteers will be required to pass a course of lectures in First Aid and Home Nursing, followed by an examination, and to undergo a period of practical experience in hospital. Either full time of 8 days60 hours-or if part time 100 hours taken within nine months
Brigade Headquarters has appointed County Officer Mrs. Hamilton- Wedderburn, S.R.N., as Staff Officer for the National Hospital Service Reserve, and all communications from County Representatives should be addressed to her. All communications from general members of the Brigade should be addressed to the County Office.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Advertisement, Suhscription, an d Sa l es Offices, in addition to the E d itoria l Office of The St John Gaze tt e is no w St. J ohn's Gate, London, E.C. 1.
338
OBITUARY
We regret to announce the death of t h e following :-
Ma jor R Seves tr e, M.D , of LeIceste r. He was an Officer of the Order.
Am h u la n ce S ister Mrs Ne lli e Humphr ey , who joined the Manningtree Nursing Division in 1940. During the whole period of the war she worked as an ambulance attendant for Civil Defence.
Am h u l ance O fficer Be tt y M ill s, of thE' Parr Division (St. Helens). She took an important part in the formation of the Division in 1941 and was an active member until her death.
Mrs. N. E. Higgins, who joined the Brigade in 1914, and was placed on the Reserve list in 1948 aftN 34 years' devoted and unselfish service in the No. 22 Harrow Nursing Division. One of her aims was for the Division to gain the PE'rrott Shield, and this was accomplished in 1947. In 1936 Mrs. Higgins was admitted a erving Sister of the Order. At the funeral the Brigade was represented by District Supt. Miss \Vorkman, District Officers \Vest and Shelley, and members of her old Division.
District OffIcer H. V. Shrosbrce, who was for many years in charge of the Harrow Ambulance Division, and officers of the Harrow Ambulance Division acted as pall bearers.
Staff Sergeant G. Sissons, of the Rotherham Corps. He gained his certificate in 1902 and assisted ,vjth the formation of the Brigade in 1903 and 1904, being a member of the Brigade in the various places in which he resided. He instructed many organizations in first aid, and assisted with the formation of the railway class in Doncaster. He hE'ld the Service Medal of the Order with three Bars.
Corporal Samuel Lester Emhling, who was a member of the Bourne Val1C'v Division since its inception, and until recently Divisional Treasurer.
Amb'ulance Officer Elliot, of the Stokenchurch Division, who was well known for his devotion to ambulance work.
THE HOSPITALL ERS ' CLUB
The first meeting of the Autumn session was held at the Bonnington Hotel, London, on 14th October, with the President, Mr. J. Stillwell, in the chair. The speaker was Mr. T. R. W. Mason, a Club member, who spoke on Food Poisoning. Mr. Mason, who is a food inspector, was weJl qualified to give such a talk, and members were very interested in the bacterial infection of food which the speaker so ably discussed.
The np.xt meeting of the Club will be on 2nd Decemher, and will take the form of a Christmas Party.
EFFECTS OF ATOMIC EXPLOSIONS ON THE HUMAN BODY
By D ONALD D . TO WLE, B .A ., M.B. , Ch .B .
Associate Member, Atomic Scientists Association and D ivisional Surgeon, S .J. A.B. (Extract of talk given at the Brigade Surgeons Conference, London.)
Mu ch has been wri t ten about the are referred to as Trauma (physical effects of atom bombs on the physical injuries) structure of a city. In this short article The shock wave had not the triplet us consider their effects on the hammer effect of the explosion of a human body. high-explosive bomb. This is partly
The two atomic bombs dropped on because it had lost some of its peak Japan were exploded 2,000 to 1,500 pressure before it reached the ground feet above ground-level. This was in be low, and partly because of the nature order to obtain the maximum effects of the exp losion itself. It is, however, from b last and If flash ". The explosion a tremendously strong pressure wave. itself was due to the nuclear disintegra- It lasts much longer than the usual tions of the atoms of a small percentage H.E. shock wave, and travels for a of a mass of uranium 235 or of plu- considerable distance before its destoni urn . This explosion resulted in the tructive power is lost. liberation of three main things :-
(a) An enormously powerful Shock Wave.
(b) An intensely bright flash which radiated symmetrically out,vards visible light, ultra violet light, infra-red rays, gamma rays, and X-rays.
(c) A tomic Particles, produced by the nuclear disintegrations and the subsequent reactions in the bomb cloud. These particles were neutrons, alpha particles, and beta particles.
Also produced at the time of the explosion were large quantities of radioactive fission products, which are the " waste" products of the nuclear explosion. There remains also the large percentage of the born b materials which is not fissioned. In an aerial explosion these latter products are of no great importance, since they rise up way from the explosion, but in a round level or underwater explosion they may be of serious consequence in producing lingering dangerous radioactivity . Thus we note that in an atomic explosion injury is produced by blast, flash burn, and radiations, singly or all together.
EFFECTS ON THE BODY
Direct blast effects, as were known during H.E. bombing in Europe, were remarkably absent. Among Japanese casualties very few eardrums were found to be perforated, about forty cases altogether in both cities. Blast effects to visceral organs such as lungs, liver, intestines, etc., were not found at all. Possibly many direct blast effects were not noticed because so many of the centrally placed casualties were burnt to death by the subsequent conflagration. Very severe forms of injury were not noticed among the survivors, possibly also for the same reason. For the first week following the explosion, no real medical survey groups worked methodically in the area, consequently much valuable information was lost for ever.
The number of people injured by flying debris and flying glass, by falling buildings, and by being themselves hurled about by blast was very great, and constituted 75 per cent of the total casualties.
Even at a distance of nearly three mi les, 14 per cent of the people suffered some physical injury. At bvO miles' BLAST EFFECTS distance severe injuries were found, Under this heading we shall con- due to flying debris. The fact must sider the effects directly or indirectly never be forgotten that the atomic due to the s h ock wave. All injuries b omb, fo r al l its snpposedly myste r ious d irectly or indirectly due to blast radiations, is primari ly a weapon of 339
destructive blast effect, and, as such, will result in physical injury to most casualties, caused by falling buildings, flying debris, glass, etc .
\tVith the atomic bomb, however, added to the direct and indirect effect of blast are the dreadful results of flash burn and radiation injury. Some may even escape blast in juries altogether, only to die l ater of radiation injury, with or without flash burn.
At Hiroshima and Nagasaki the various types of mechanical in juries produced were found to be approximately as follows :-
(r) Fractures r2 per cent.
(2) Contusions 54 per cent.
(3) Lacerations 34 per cent (a high proportion caused by flying glass)
For all casualties in the Japanese cities the distribution of in juries was as follows :-
(I) Trauma 70 per cent.
(2) Burns 65 per cent.
(3) Radiation injury 35 per cent.
As in bombing with ordinary high explosives, most cases showed multiple injuries
FLASH INJURIES
The explosion of an a tom bomb takes place in two phases.
The first phase is very short, and follows immediately on the chain reaction within the bomb. Disintegrating nuclear material instantaneously rises to an enormous temperature and pressure. The bomb case is vaporized and the original mass expands rapidly to a white hot sphere of incandescent stellar material, about 50 feet in diameter. This sphere is actually like sun material. Shortly after this stage it becomes several times brighter than the sun for a brief period. The temperature is some'where about 25,000,000 degrees Centigrade, and it radiates outwards vast quantities of radiations of almost all wavelengths. l\lost of the flash injuries were produced during this phase.
The second phase is due to this sphere rapidly enlarging until it IS several hundred feet in diameter. Radiations are still being given out, but with less intensity, and the temperature of the expanding mass falls This sphere continues to enlarge, formmg an incandescen t cloud; an
enormous amount of radio-activity is going on in this cloud, which rapidly ris es many thousands of feetintothe sky. During the initial flash all persons exposed directly to the rays sustained serious flash burns, varying in degree on the distance they were from the bomb. As the duration of the flash is very short, burns were produced instantaneously, but almost anything acted as a shield, and such burns were therefore sharply demarcated and contour burns were common. Only the side of the body turned towards the bomb was flashburned. Although the flash produced burns on the body surface instantaneously, the skin reactions did not ahva ys become a pparent at once. The redclening and blistering took some time to develop in cases not near the zero point. Burns were produced on the skin up to a distance of about miles. At this range they were not serious, and did not require much treatment. Under 2 miles the burns became more seriou , and redness and blisters appeared in about 10 hours. \Vithin 1.1- miles, r edness appeared in three hours, and blisters some time later. Individuals closer to the flash than this showed redness and blistering in about fiye minutes. Those directly under the bomb were charred black instantaneously, on the surface of the body turned towards the explosion.
Clothing gave some protection at I mile and beyond. Closer than this clothes did not protect at all and, in some cases, the clothes themselv es burst into flames and caused serious and fatal flame burns. \Ye must note that light, bright, and polished surfaces reflect most radiations, and clark, dull surfaces absorb radiations. Therefore, light clothing gave more protectio n than dark, and loose clothing more than clothing. In some figured matenals of two colours the ljaht 0 reflected the heat rays and remamed unscorched whilst the dark areas absorbed the heat rays and were scorched passing the heat on to the skin beneath, causing patterned burns.
Flash burns were due mainly to rays of the ultra-violet range, but infra-red rays (radiant heat) also played their part. In many cases, people exposed to the flash at certain distances (about 340
r l miles) developed an intense sunburn (brown pigmentation). This has been referred to as the "Mask of Hiroshima ", and often lasted for months. Closer than It miles the pigment cells of the skin were destroyed and no pigmentation developed. This peculiar effect could' and did take place without injury to the skin itself; except, of course, where flash burns were produced.
body, and the individual does not know that he is being seriously, and probably fatally injured. Thus, people in a shelter may consider they have escaped injury from blast and flash, but they may have been unknowingly and fatally drenched by a charge of gamma rays passing through the shelter.
Whereas almost anything (even a sheet of paper) sufficed to shield the skin from" heat" flash, and prevent
RADIATIO T INJURIES flash burns, the radiations can and do These were due to the penetration of penetrate deeply through almost all the body by some of the products of materials, and so produce severe and the nuclear disruptions. These injuries fatal injuries to people otherwise consist of dam.age caused by gamma protected from the bomb. Gamma rays 11ays and neutrons. For all intents and resemble X-rays, but they are of very purposes, gamma rays only need be short wavelength and can penetrate considered in high air explosions, as substances much more easily. The rays most neutrons are filtered off by the air can penetrate wood, stone, brick, over 1,000 yards. \Vh en these gamma clothing, etc. Naturally, they can be rays and neutrons pass into and prevented from penetration by sufthe body they do not produce ficiently great thickn esses of these any particular sensations within the materials.
(To be concluded in th e December, 1949, issue)
ST. JOHN COUNCILS IN THE COUNTIES
HIDIPSHIRE Sir 1Iaurice Hallett (Chairman) presided at the eleventh meeting of the Council, which " as held in the Castle, \\'inchester. . \Iter prayers, the Chairman said members would have heard with pleasure that His Grace the Duke of " Tellington had accepted the office of President of the Council in succession to the late Viscount Portal of Laverstoke. He hoped that he would be able to attend the next meeting.
A lon a aaenda included discussions on publicity, the work of the ASSOCIation, the teachinbg of first aid in industry, the expansion of the work of the in the County, and the work of the Joint Committee of the Qrder and BntIsh Red Cross 'Society.
LEICESTERSHIRE The ne" ly-appointed Lord Lieutenant of the County (The Rt. Hon. Lord Cromwell) has President of the Council. He hopes t o preside at the next meetmg, whlch \nll be held in Jan uary next.
LONDON TRANSPORT AMBULANCE CENTRE
The annual first aid competition for the leading the seven men's teams at their Probvn Shield was held on 5th October. first attempt. Another new team, ew The 'Shie ld, which was presented to the Cross Tram Depot, were rupners-up as Centre in 1917 by the late Lieut.-Colonel close second. Baker Street "A" was Probyn, is competed for by teams of 1st third. and 2nd year members. The prizes were presented by i\Irs. Eight teams took part in this year's Shephard, wife of 1\1r. T. T. Shephard, contest, the judges being Corps Officer Vice-President of the Centre, who was S. C. Deamer (team), Amb . Officer H. E. also present. Mr. Alex J. \Yebb (Centre Salisbury (individual), and Amb. Officer Chairman), Dr. A. (Assistant J. D. M. Mather (viva voce). . Medical Officer), and Mr. J. R. Carewood Chiswick Ladies team, the only ladl es (Divisional Superintendent, T. and T.) team entered, gained first place, and the were among those who witnessed the members are to be congratulated on compebtlOn. 341
BRITISH TRANSPORT COMMISSION POLICE NATIONAL FIRST AID COMPETITION
The first National Final Competition, held under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association, was held on Tuesday, 11th October, at Euston, where the finalists of the six Areas competed for the new Championship Shield presented by the Association, and for the Chiefs of Police Cup for the runners-up. Every finalist received an individual prize from the Association.
The competition was in two parts. Team test, judged by Dr. William Duncan, of Liverpool, and individual tests judged by Lieut.-Col. E. ]. Selby, of London. In the team test members were called upon to treat a night watchman, who had been attacked in the railway shed and placed in a refrigerator van. The patient was found to be suffering from faint breathing, with a weak and slow pulse, frostbite on left hand, complicated fracture of fifth and sixth ribs, contused laceration of scalp, with possible concussion, simple fracture right clavicle, with severe degree of shock. First aid material, telephone, hot and cold water, hot tea, etc., was obtained from the watchman's hut, which adjoined the shed.
The individual tests included artificial respiration to a man who had been pulled out of the canal, and had also a simple fracture of the ribs. Nos. 2 and 4 had to deal with a passenger who had been knocked down and sustained a cut left wrist (arterial bleeding) and a simple fracture of the right tibia and fibula. No.3 had to answer questions regarding foreign body in the eye and rupture.
There was a large gathering present at the prize presentation, over which the Earl of Lindsay (Prior of the Priory of Scotland) presided. He welcomed General Sir Daril Watson (a Memher of the Railway Executive) and other officials of British Transport Commission Police; and called upon the Director of Ambulance (Sir Bertram Ford) to announce the results, which were as follows :1st, Portsmouth (South Western Area), 255 marks; 2nd, Liverpool Street (London Area), 236\- ; 3rd, Manchester Road (Midland Area), 4th, Edmburgh. (Scottish Area), 214; 5th, Leeds (Northern Area). 212; 6th, Nottingham (East.ern Area), 212.
British Picture Corporation, Ltd., of Elstree, for again supplying and erecting the staged pieces; to the stewards for their great help, and to the patients who bad borne their trou bles so well.
Both doctors repl:ed, and expressed their pleasure at the work done.
Those who witnessed the competiton included Countess Lindsay, Brigadier W. B. G. Barne (Secretary-General), Sir Ernest Burdon (Receiver-General), Lady Dunbar Nasmith (Deputy Superintendent in-Chief, S.].A.B.), l\Tajor-Gcneral Salisbury Jones (Assistant Chief Commissioner) Mrs. B. Girouard (Assistant Superintendent-in-Chief), Mr. W. B. Richard (Chief Officer, Police, B.T.C.), Dr. H. Cavendish Fuller (Chief Medical Officer, Railway Executive), Mr. H. Adams Clarke (Chief Officer, Staff and Establishment, Railway Executive), also Officers of the British Railways and Chief Police Officers of the British Transport Commission
The Chairman also welcomed Countess Mountbatten of Burma (Superintendentin-Chief, Brigade At Home), who had found time to witness the work done.
Lady Mountbatten in a short speech expressed her pleasure at being present, and gave words of encouragement, not only to the competitors, but also to the members of the women staff.
MALTA G.C.
A Souveuir Booklet of the Brigade 40th Anniversary Celebrations is available at 2s. 6d. per copy. Order should be for. warded to District Secretary, 50 Parallel Street, SLIEMA, Malta, G.C.
Portsmouth, therefore, had the honour of gaining the Championship Shield in the initial competition, and of receiving the trophy fr?m Sir Dar!l Watson. Liverpool Street gamed the Chle£s of Police Cup. Sir Bertram Ford expressed thanks to Ambulance and Nursing Comthe judges and the medical profession as a petltlon. Teams with trophies, including whole for their continued valuable assist- the EllIS Cup and Hong Kong Shield ance, to Mrs. Maxwell and Associated won at the Brigade Finals.
342
No. I (PRINCE OF WALES'S) DISTRICT memory of the late Assistant Commissioner S. J. Warren, was dedicated. Willow Walk Division.-The annual prize distribution and presentation of awards was carried out by Mrs. Olstead, wife of Supt. G. Olstead, on 21st October.
Acton Nursing Division held their first annual compet.ition for the" Finch II Cup on 7th October. First aid and home nursing tests were included in the arrangements. Amb. Sister E. Thomas gained first place with Amb. Sister G. Phillips and Corpl. D. Norman as runners-up. LANCASHIRE DISTRICT
Mr. Gill presented the trophy to the It is with pleasure we announce that the Division in memory of Miss F. Finch, a Earl of Derby, an active member of the former Superintendent of t.he Division, St. John Council, has accepted the who was kIlled by enemy action in 1940. Presidency of the No. 4 Lancashire Harlesden Division held its annual social District. and presentation of awards, at which the Trimble Memorial Exhibition.-Miss Mayoress, who was accompanied by the June Anne Vaux and Miss Mollie Gibson, Mayor, presented the awards, which formerly Nursing Cadets of Todmorden, included Service Awards (Bars to Corps and now medical students, are the first Officer S. J. Green, S/Sergr.. A. V. Gibbons, recipients of the Trimble Memorial Supt. D. Hiscocks), the Wright Shield for Exhibition.
Home Jursing to CarpI. T. Treadwell, and District Conference.-At the invitation the Parsons cup for all-round efficiency of the Bolton Corps, who this year to Pte. A. \V. Kempson. celebrated their golden jubilee, the K.E.B. and Borough of Holborn Ambu. District Conference was held on 8th lance and Holborn Nursing Divisions now October in the Town Hall. Prior to the have a new first aid post on the list of meeting the Commissioner, his staff, duties to be covered. The Post, situate Bolton Corps Officers, and other guests at Falcon House, Old Gloucester Street, were entertained to luncheon by the W.C. 1, is on the recently built housing Mayor and Mayoress. estate of the Borough of Holborn, and The Mayor (Alderman T. Glaister) serves residents. The Rev. G. T. Taylor extended a welcome to tbe 600 delegates (Rector of St. Giles Parish Church) and expressed hi<; deep appreciation of the dedicated the post, which was declared magnificent work of the Brigade. open by the Mayor (Colonel J. H. Boras- The Commissioner, Major Burt Hamilton) on 20th October. Those present ton, presided, and before the minutes were included District Supt. Miss Workman, read the assembly stood in silence for Asst. Commissioner Capt. R. V. Steele, those who had passed to higher service and otber members of the District Staff, during the year. also members of the Borough Council. The chairman gave a most comprehenMalden and Coombe Nursing Division sive survey of Brigade activities and paid a \'isit to the Queen Victoria Hospital, projects, mentioning the new textbook, East Grinstead, the finest plastic surgery competition standards, chevrons, and staff centre in Europe. The Matron met the sergeants' rank badges, the proposed party, which included District Officer Miss Lancashire County Council Corps, the West and Area Cadet Officer Miss Ayres, draft Brigade regulations, and the Hospiand later, with the assistance of her tal Service Reserve, appealing for a good Assistant, conducted the members over response when recruiting opens. He the hospital. Dr. Jayes, the Hospital enumerated the outstanding events of the Surgeon, gave a short resume of the year, and to the forthcoming opening of modern equipment. At the next Divisional the new joint headquarters of the St. John Meeting Div. Surgeon de Launay, who was Council in Mount Street, Preston, on 30th one of the party, answered questions on November. He appealed for further the visit, and concluded the evening with contributions to the Priory Church a lecture on burns. Rebuilding Fund, and announced the Waudsworth and Southfield Division acceptance of the District Presidency by was pleased to welcome Mrs. Warren, the Earl of Derby. Before concluding with widow of the late Assistant Commissioner, thanks for the splendid work done, the on the occasion of the showing of the chairman chided those who failed to Division's own film. District Officer subIl!it their annual returns or neglected Stratton, Alderman Mrs. E. Goodrich, to pay their capitation fee to the District and members of neighbouring Divisions Fund. He instructed Superintendents to were also present. On 9th October Staff prune their rolls vigorously, rather than Sergt. Penfold had the honour of being a carry paper strength. "Let's have real member of the Standard Bearer Escort, strength," he added, "we are better when the Western Area Standard, in without dead wood."
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District Supt. Miss :.\IoOl-e prefacec.l ber remarks by conveying the best wishes of Countess Mountbatten . She spoke on items particularly connected with the nursing personnel, supported the appea l for the Hospital Servi ce Reserve, giving avail able details, and enumerated the Nursing Competitions for 1950 . District Cadet Officer Charlesworth spoke at length on Ambulance Cadet matters, giving a resume of all acti"0ties and a full report of the Oxford Conference.
for the cup given by FresidenL and VicePresidents of the Thornton Division was he l d on 22nd October, the judges being Dr. Houston (individua l ) and Amb. Officer Grimbledeston, who deputized for Dr. Cl aye, who was unable to attend. The cha irman of the Thornton-Cleveleys Council (Councillor Hampton) presented the awards to 1st, Fleetwood "13', 2nd, Fleetwood "A ", 3rcl, Thornton, anc.l 4th, Cleveleys.
N ORTH E R N IR E L AN D DISTRICT
District Cadet Officer Mrs. Nesbit took as her theme" Co-operation" which she developed in a very logical and concise There were 106 residential and twentymanner showing the inter-dependency of eight non-residential members at the nursing cadet units to nursing divisions, annual ,Veek-end Eesidential Training and indicating the various ways of mutual Course which was held at Protrush, Co. helpfu l ness. Antrim from 14th to 16th October. This New warrants of appointment were year, for the first time, the Course was presented to Assistant Commissioners, and open to Ambulance Officers, and several before the singing of the National Anthem, senior officers took advantage of the thanks were extended to the Bolton Corps opportunity to attend. and to the Commissioner for presiding. The course, which had for its theme Liver pool.-For many years before the " Looking Ahead ", was unc.ler the direcsecond world war the Lister Cup Competi- tion of District Superintendent Miss O. K. tion was one of the outstanding Brigade Neill. events in the city, but unfortunately the Capt. Terence O'Neill, .:\1.P., Parliatrophy, won by Liverpool Gas Company mentary Secretary to the Northern Division, at the last pre-war competition Ireland Ministry of Health and Local was destroyed by enemy action. Replaced Government, who IS also Assistant Comrecently by the unit, a cup closely missioner of the Brigade Cuunty .\.ntrim, resembling the original was put up for opened the course. He referred to the competition on 1st October and a second shortage of nurses in England, and warned trophy, the Simpson Individual Challenge that if the movement were to slacken in Bowl, presented by Asst. Commissioner Ulster thousand of hospital bed might Col. G. E. C. Simpson, added greatly to the be closed and the situation get out of interest of the contest which was held in hand. Capt. Neill welcomed the new St. George's Hall under the patronage of orthern Ireland District Superintendent the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress; (l\Iiss Oonagh K. Neill, and paid warm while the Chief Constable and Lieut.- tribute to her predecessor, Mrs. G. T Colonel A. J. :;\iacphail (County Associa- \iVallace. tion Director) were among the guests. The Miss London (Staff Officer to the Deputy judges were Dr. l\IcAfee (team) and Dr. Superintendent-in-Chief) conveyed greet,Vilson (individual); the prizes being ings from the Countess :;\Iountbatten distributed by the Earl of Derby. The (Superintendent-in-Chief). and followed result was: 1st and Lister Cup, Liverpool with a talk on the value of Training North; 2nd, Liverpool Gas Company. Courses and publicity. Asst. ComAmbulance Officer Clague gained the missioner (Secretary to the Surgeon-inSimpson Bowl. Chief) addressed the members on the F l eet w ood.-Supt. G. R Broughton, of Organization of Competitions. the Fleetwood Ambulance Division, has The course continued on Saturday received a letter of thanks from the Mayor and Sunday with addresses on a wide of Fleetwood for services rendered by variety of subjects, including" Training personnel in connection with the" switch- for Competitions ", by Asst. Commissioner on " of the illuminations. Milburn; "The 'Worth While Division," Cli t h eroe.-At the annual dinner of the by Miss Longden; "Bridging the Gap Ambulance and Nursing Divisions, at- of Pre- ursing Age-Group," by Miss tended by the Mayor and l\layoress, Asst. Boyce, S.R.N., Matron, Thone Hospital; Commissioner Major Mackenzie and Presi- "Geriatic Units," by Dr. G. F. Adams; dent W Thornber, a presentation of a "Brigade Members in Hospitals," by watch was made to Supt. Herbert Dr. R W. Duranc.l, Superintendent, DIxon, who resigned his appointment in Belfast City Hospital; and " Prevention July last. Mr. Dixon joined the Brigade and Treatment of Accidents in the Home," 1Il 1900 and has a l most comp l eted his by Dr. J. M. Hunter. A Brains Trust half-cent u ry of service. was conducted by Asst . Commissioner Thornton-Cl evel eys.-The competition Wilfred M. Brennen, F.RC.S., a n d 344
1r. H.. J. Fitzmaurice, Hon. Public Relations Officer.
A Church Parade, headed by the Portrush Pipe Band, was held in fine sunny weather, to the Church of Ireland, Portrush, the sermon being preached by the Rev. D. 13. E Perrin. On the same day (Sunday) the retiring Superintendent, frs. \Vallace, was presented by the I orthem Irelanc.l District with a radio and a picture depicting a Northern Ireland and headland scene. The picture is to be presented by Mrs. \Vallace to St. John House, London. Mrs. \\Tallace was the recipient of many appreciative and affectionate tributes from her former colleagues.
CO UN TY OF B U CKI NG H A M
Arne r ha rn.-The annual Dog Show and Fete, arranged by the four Local Divisions in aid of the Ambulance Station and Headquarter Func.l, was again a popular attraction and a financial success. TIle opening ceremony was performed by the Hon. 1\lrs. Charles Cavendish.
Hig h Wyco m he - "\t a meeting helc.l in October, :\Iajor 1\I. Beachcroft (Chairman of the St. John Council in the County of Buckingham), gave a most interesting lecture on the history and ,':ark of the Order to Brigade personnel and invited guests. The speaker "vas introduced by County Commissioner l\Iajor Darvil-Smith. \fter the address, three hlms were shown by Cadet Supt. K. A. Kathan.
Sto ke n chu rc h.-The successful Harvest Sale and \"hist Drive, arranged by the Ambulance and Tursing Divisions, resulted in £25 being raisec.l for Di"isional Funds.
COUNTY OF E SS E X
Ch el ms ford. - The l\Targaret Cup Competition, open to Ambulance and Nursing teams, was held on 12th October, the judges being A st. Commissioner Dr. J. T. "Whitleyand Iiss Trillwood. The Chelmsford i\ursing Division gained TI.Tst place with Roxwell Nursing Division as runnersup. Dr. \Vhitlcy presented the cup and congratulatecl the teams on their work. This is the fourth year in succession that Chelmsford Nursing Division has held the cup
CO U NTY OF HERTFORD
St. Alhan s -Over f 40 was raised by the Nursing Division at a Jumble Sale held during October.
W elw y n Ga rd e n Cit y -The sum of £ 134 was realized on the occasion of the annual Flag Day. The local press co-operated by inserting a letter from the Divisions in which it was pointed out that the Brigade still needed funds and that the National Health Act did not provide first aid
CO UNT Y OF KE NT
Sittin g bourn e -Members of the Sittingbourne and Milton Division recently met to pay honour to their 84-year-old treasurer, who retired after forty-seven years as Divisional Superintendent about six months ago. On their behalf Div. Surgeon Alex Chalmers presented to Mr. L. R. Dence a smoker's cabinet, a brooch for his wife, and a diamante brooch to Miss Dence. The occasion being a dinner, County Commissioner J. H. Day proposed the toast of the Division, to which Supt. Huxted replied. County Secretary B. T. Beaumont proposed" The late Superintendent", coupled with the names of Mrs. and Miss Dence. Under Mr. Dence the Division had at one time been the most efncient in the country, winning the Dewar Shield. He was a man with quiet unassuming and kindly ways, ready at all times to do his best far his fellow men. As an officer he had been resourceful and tactful in his leadership. In reply, l\Ir. Dence remarked on his enjoyable time as Th.e Division had been well up III competItions, winning the De"war Shield twice in succession. He had attended all the Royal weddings and funerals, except the coronation of King George VI.
CO UN TY OF NORFOLK
Sir Otto Lund, Deputy Chief Commissioner, fulfilled a number of engagements during the week-end, 30th September to 2nd October. On arrival at Norwich Thorpe Station on Friday evening, Sir Otto was received by County Commissioner Sir Thomas Cook, County President Lady Cook, County Secretary Mrs. J. H. Yull, and County Organizer Iajor P. C. Seekings. Continuing by road to Cromer, Sir Otto inspected a parade of local units in charge of Supt. F. H. Pearce and Cadet Supt. J. H. Tarling. Similar functions were held at Sherringham, Cley, and Holt;. each ?f which the Deputy Chief CommIssIOner paId tribute to the work being undertaken.
On Saturday morning the first visit was to East Dereham, and then on to Swaffham, \ Vatton, and Norwich, where he had lunch with Officers of the Brigade In the afternoon he called at County Headquarters, Castle Meadow, and the City Headquarters in Thorpe Road \\-itnessing the Regional Cadet Fmal Competitions in the Colman R.oad Schools. Sir Otto presented the prIzes at the conclusion of the competitions.
On Sunday morning the Deputy Chief Commissioner took the salute at a march past hel d i n Fakenham Market Place and subsequent ly inspected personne l on parade.
3 45
In the afternoon Sir Otto addressed a gathering of over 200 Brigade Officers at Sennowe Park. Sir Thomas Cook who presided, welcomed the large and representative gathering and expressed thanks to all concerned for their co-operation in the successful administration of the Brigade throughout the County. Those present included County President Lord Albemarle, County President Lady Cook, Coun.ty Supt. Dr. May Rutledge, Asst. Commissioners Dr. W. E. H. Bull, C. B. Andrews, Dr. A. G. Holman, Admiral A. H. Taylor, Brigadier M. Kent Lemon, County Secretary Mrs. J. H. Yull, County Cadet Officers H. C. Denny and Mrs. G. E. Portal, and County Organizer Major P. C. Seekings.
Sir Otto began by saying he had been struck by what he had seen of the work of the Brigade in Norfolk, and he knew he had on ly touched on the fringe of the people who were carrying on this high tradition in the cause of humanity. He had been struck by the number of headquarters and centres which Norfolk St. John possessed. I t made all the difference to have a secure base for operations. Sir Otto referred to Brigade numbers, the Cadet Competitions which he had seen, the draft Brigade Regulations, and the increased work being carried out by the Brigade. He had a special word of thanks to members of the medical profession. Sir Otto also spoke on Civil Defence, the Joint Committee of St. John and Red Cross; and in conclusion expressed thanks to Sir Thomas and Lady Cook for their hospitality to the delegate.
This was the :first visit to Norfolk by Sir Otto; and he was greatly impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the members. During his stay he presented many Service awards, including Medals and Bars.
<:OUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON
Whiting. aged 76. oldest member of the Division. presented Mrs. Harvey Reeves with a basket of fruit, and Student Joan Hedger gave her a bouquet. Mrs. Harvey Reeves gave a short history of the Division; and announced that Dr. Shaw had been promoted to a Cummander of the Order of St. ] ohn.
COUNTY OF NOTTINGHAM
Harworth Colliery Division was inspected on 16th October by District OJhcer H. L. Bosworth. The occasion was the first time the members paraded. in their new uniforms; and Service Medals were presented to several members.
COUNTY OF SURREY
Farnham Divisions were inspected recently by Asst. Commissioner Capt. P. H. Ellis. who was accompanied by County OHicer R. J. Gristock and County Sergt.-Major H. S. Smith. The members paraded under Supts. H. Mansey, l\Iiss VV. Ariss. and Cadet 01hcer Miss Collins.
. Whilst Capt. Ellis was inspecting Ambulance personnel, County Supt. Mrs. Lionel Heald inspected Nursing personnel, accompanied by County President Countess Lindsay who presented warrants of appointment and certificates.
Frimley and Camberley Division followed their inspection by Capt. P. E. Ellis, who was met by President Brigadier C. G. Long, Vice-President Major T. G. Martin, and Div. Surgeon Major-General C. M. Finny, by a dinner.
Cobham.-On 2nd October the new Headquarters of the Cobham Divisions were officially opened by Cuunty Councillor Mrs. ] ohn Hall in the presence of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Pownall, County Commissioner W. G. Pape, and members of the County Staff. The dedication service was conducted by the Rev. J. Armitage, assisted by the Rev. Latimer Hardaker. The address was given by the Rt. Rev. C. H. Golding-Bird, Assistant Bishop of Guildford and Sub-Prelate of the Order. After the service the Chief Commissioner addressed the parade and emphasized the importance of new recruits.
Northampton.-Welfare work could be carried out among old people by the Nursing Divisions of the Brigade, suggested County Commissioner Dr. Eric Shaw at the Golden Jubilee dinner of the Headquarter Nursing Division. Dr. Shaw was proposing the toast of the Division, and he read a letter from Lady DunbarNasmith (Deputy Supt.-in-Chief), congratulating the H eadquarters Division on attaining its Golden Jubilee. Div. COUNTY OF SUSSEX
Surgeon Joy Patrick responding, said Words of Praise.-The annual report of she was practically a "baby" between th.e Combined Sanitary the" long service" officers, three of whom Dlstnct of West Sussex contains the had over 120 years' service between them. following extract: "For many years Supt. Mrs. F. K. Hall proposed "Our has been fortunate in having Guests ", and praised Mrs. Harvey wlthm lts border some thirteen AmbuReeves-the guest of honour-for the lance Divisions and eleven Nursing .w?rk she had done in forming Divisions of the St. John Ambulance and mamtammg the H eadq uarters Divi- Brigade, and the County Council has sion during its earlier years. Mrs. Martha entrusted the Brigade with the whole of 346
the Ambulance Service in its area with the exception of one B.RC.S. station. The wisdom of this decision cannot be questioned-for it puts to good use the , spirit of Service' for which the volunteer members of the Brigade are renowned. Certainly no Ambulance Service operated by full-time paid workers could show the same degree of efficiency, whereas the cost would undoubtedly be considerably higher. "
COUNTY OF WARWICK
Coventry.-The fourth annual G.E.C. inter-works St. John Ambulance competitions were held at the General Electric Co. Telephone \Vorks, Coventry. Four ambulance and two nursing teams took part, the judges being Dr. T. H. Berrill' (women's team), and Dr. 1. McKenzie and County Officer A. E. Russell (men's team). Sister E. Fletcher and Corps Officer Miss E. :1\1. Silvester and County Officer J. H. Harris and Corps Supt. F. Hayes (individual tests).
At the tea which followed the guest of honour was the Hon. Mrs. Leslie Gamage (County Supt., Berkshire), who presented the Gamage Am bulance and Nursing Challenge Cups, and individual prizes to Coventry Ambulance and Coventry Nursing teams. Those present included Mr. R E. Robinson (Managing Director), 1\1r. E. F. Fuller (V.rorks Manager), County Commissioner 1\Iajor E. S. Phillips, County President the Hon. Mrs. Fitzroy ewdigate, and Asst. Commissioner G. Fowler.
The afternoon proceedings commenced with the opening of the new G.E.C. Coventry St. Jobn Divisions' Headquarters. This function was carried out by the Hon. 1\1rs. Leslie Gamage.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER
Redditch.-Over £120 was raised by the Redditch ursing Division as the result of an Autumn Sale, which was officially opened by Countess of Coventry, who was accompanied by her daughter, Lady Maria Coventry. Councillor H. R. Bird presided, being introduced by Supt. 1\Irs. R. VI. Hodges. Lady Coventry referred to tbe efficiency of the members of St. John, the same keenness being shown in the planning of the fair. A bouquet was presented to Lady Coventry by Jacqueline Harris.
PLYMOUTH, S.W. DEVON, AND E. CORNWALL
Plymouth, Tavistock, and Saltash Divisions successfully carried out the first aid arrangements for the visit of H.RH. Princess Elizabeth to the respective areas on 22nd October. Arrangement for the Officers' Dinner
347
to be held at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth, on 2nd December, are now well in hand and promises to be a huge success. \Vill Officers who have not yet replied to invitations please do so at once.
WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
Ardsley.-At the annual presentation of awards Pte. Waddington received the second Bar to the Service Medal. Sheffield.-The annual inspection of the Sheffield Corps was taken by County Commissioner H. L. Thornton and Lord Mayor Alderman Grace Tebutt and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Olive Barton. Some 400 members paraded on the Sheffield Speedway; and many demonstrations of :first aid, bedmaking, etc., was presented by the members. The Inspecting Officers expressed satisfaction of all activities; Mr. Thornton expressing the hope that Sheffield Corps, the largest in the West Riding, would reach its war-time strength again. After the presentation of Service awards, Corps Supt. \Vm. A. Browne thanked the visitors.
Brighouse Corps.-The Corps Band journeyed to Rochdale on the occasion of the Rochdale Drum and Bugle Contest, being placed to the National Champions, Stockport. Bandsman Fred Holt (Brighouse) gained a Silver Bugle for his rendering of the Last Post.
DIARY OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER
15. General Post Office National First Aid Competition, Central Hall, London.
16. Central Area, No.1 District, Annual Social, King Edward's Building, E.C.1.
24. Investiture, St. John's Gate, London.
25. Meeting of Chairmen of St. John Councils in the Counties, St. John's Gate, London.
26-27. Joint Committee and Ancillary Subjects Course, St. John House, London.
30. Official opening of St. J (lhn Council Headquarters, Preston, by the Lord Lieutenant, Earl Peel.
DECElIIBER
2. Hospitallers' Club Christmas Party, Bonnington Hotel, London.
3-4. Cadet Superintendents and Cadet Officers' \Veek-end Course, St. John House, Lcndon.
4. Investiture, Town Hall, Birmingham.
14. Christmas Party Dance, St. John House, London.
17. Cadet Christmas Party and presentation of Art Cups, St. John's Gate, London.
Headquarters' Priory House, 4 Cathedral Road, Cardiff.
GENERAL INTEREST
Prisonez:s Learn First Aid.-For many years offenders detained at H.M. Prison, Cardiff, have been afforded an opportunity of receiving instruction in first aid, and in the case of the male prisoners, qualifying for St. John Certificates, through the voluntary services of lectur ers and instructors who devote one evenipg a week to th is worthwhile work. The present Governor, Colonel W. H. Beak, has given every encouragement to the promotion of first aid classes introduced the practice of having the certificates presented to the successful examinees at a special assembly within the Prison instead of handing them to the men as formerly. It is extremely creditable to Dr. ]. E. T. Gulliford that he has continued his weekly attendance at the Prison in spite of the pressure on the time and services of general practitioners in present conditions, and Ambulance Officer T. L. Davment has acted as demonstrator with un'failing regularity over a long period. Professor]. M. Sinclair, Director of Ambulance, attended at the Prison on the 5th October to present the certificates gained this year In a few well chosen words he commended the recipients on their attendance at the classes, which is entirely voluntary on their part, and pointed out to them the advantages of continuing first aid training after their discharge. Colonel Beak expressed thanks to the Priory and particularly those who had enabled first aid to be studied in the Prison. Regular talks o n First Aid and Home Nursing are given to women prisoners. For various reasons examinations are Dot taken, but the practical instruction is none the less appreciated, and Mrs. C. E. Thomas (Lady Corps Secretary, Cardiff Nursing Corps) and
Miss 1. E. Woodward (Lady Divisional Superintendent, Cardiff Nursing Division) are unfailing in their attendance.
Brigade Breaks New Grouod. -The Ambulance Committee on the 25th October congratulated the Commissioners of Cardiff, ewport, and Swansea on the l ead given by them in cutting the first turfs in fertile fields for Brigade recruitment. In Cardiff a strong Division has been registered within the Fire Service, while in Swansea the first Mixed (Ambulance and Nursing) Division has been established among Post Office personnel, anc1 the Newport Corps has raised a Post Office Nursing Division, two Fire Service Divisions, and an industrial unit formed within the Tewport Standard Telephone and Cables, Ltd. It is of paramount importance that every opportunity-such as that offered by the present training of various categories of civil servants in first aid at Government expense-is explored for strengthening the ranks and bringing in new and younger members into the Brigade. The new Civil Defence plans provides considerable scope for official co-operation with the Local Authorities, who can at their discretion utilize the services of the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade and the British Red Cross Sodety in arranging for the instruction of Civil Defence volunteers in the first aid courses based on the new Home Office Manuals. Commissioners have been requested to approach the clerks of countv councils, either direct or through Priory -Headquarters, with a view the resources of the Brigade being taken mto account by the Local Authorities in their plans in respect of first aid training.
CENTRE REPORTS
GLAMORGAN Divisional President Mr. P. H. Ford, and Over 400 members of the Brigade in the Divisional Vice-President Mr. H. J. Caerphilly County Area assembled at the Widdowson. The Hon. John Bruce Playi!lg-fields, Bargoed, on 1st October, recalled the services carried out during the were lllspected by the H on. J ohn H Bruce war years and turning to the future (Commissioner for Wales) and the Hon. with the responsibility Mrs. J. H. Bruce (Assistant Lady Superin- for bnngmg m new recruits. He presented tendent. for Wales). Supporting the a warrant of appointment to County Inspectmg Officers were Ass istant Com- R. J Carter. and referring to the missioner W. J. Skyrme, to whose services serVlces of County Officer C. H. Kitto, as th.e Commissioner for Wales paid high a member of the First Aid in Mines tnbute, Lady County Miss E. A Committee, which had been working for Gravenor, County CouncIllor F. Loveday, some considerable time on the revision of 348
First Aid in Coal Mines, Mr. Bruce said that the new textbook would be ready next year. The Hon. Mrs. Bruce, in addressing the nursing memb e rs, made reference to the part to be played by the Brigade in connection with the Royal National Eisteddfod, at Caerphilly, in 1950
MONTGOMERYSHTRE
A story of a labour of love was told at Machynlleth when a new St. John Ambulance Division Headquart ers was opened by Miss F. Owen on 22nd Octob er. The Headquarters, which includes a main hall, committee rooms, and a garage for the ambulance, is built on a site given by Mr. C. D. Fenwick, and was erected largely by the voluntary services of members of the 1achynlJeth Division, which reduced the cost by over £ 1,000 to £ 1,500.
Dr. J. C. Ashton presided over the ceremony, and the dedication of the hall was conducted by the Rev. Llewellyn Hughes, assisted by the Rev. F. W. Thomas. The value of the voluntary spirit was stressed by the Hon. John H. Bruce (Principal Secretary and Commissioner for \Val es) and the ne ed of its preservation in an age of Sta!e. control. He said the work and the spmt of the Order of St. John showed that the common man and woman had become heirs to the knightly mantles of disinterested service. Mr. Bruce paid tribute to I ontgomeryshire as the only County in England and Wales to run its ambulance service under the National Health Service Act on a purely voluntary basis. Dr. Iv or James, the County ThIedical Officer of Health said the Divi sion had made a magnificent effo rt in carry in g through its ambitious scheme.
The Divisional Superintendent, Mr. W. E. Neale, under whose supervision the building scheme was carried through, said the Divis i onal ambulance had covered 50,000 miles, includin g 9,000 miles during the first year of the new scheme.
The Hon. Mrs J. H. Bruce, presenting awards to the women members, stressed the important part w:omen were playing in the ambulance services and congratulated the Division on its proposed formation of a women's nursing section.
Following greetings by Councillor Thomas Vaughan, Chairman of Machynlleth Urban Council, who was accompanied by the Town Clerk, Mr. E. P. Humphr eys, a presentation was made on behalf of the Division by the Vice-President, Councillor I orwerth Rowlands, to Mr. C. F. Andrews, who had given his services free in connection with the erection of the new head'lilarter--.
RHONDDA
Over the week-end of 1st October, 29 members of the Rhondda Ambulance and ursing Divisions paid the second visit to Harrow, London, under the auspices of the "Fellowship of Hearth and Mine Scheme" (Rhondda and H arrow). The party, which included Mr. \Vinter, the Rhondda Secr etary of the scheme, arrived at Harrow at 7 a.m., when members of the Harrow Divisions met them at the Ambulance Hall. They were taken on a conducted tour of the famous Harr ow Pu blic School.
In the afternoon an Ambulance Competition was held at the Ambulance Hall between teams representing Rhondda and Harrow nurses. Th e contest was keen and very int eresting, but the Rhondda team were obviously very tired after their allnight journey, and although putting up a fine performance were no match for the Harrow ladies. The trophy-a bronz e statuette of Florence Nightingale-was presented to the winning team by the Chairman of the Harrow Council, who also extended a Civic Welcome to the Rhondda party. Other speakers were District Shrosbee and Div. Supt. Dan gate, whIlst Cadet Supt. Gwyn Morris replied on behalf of the Rhondda party.
Some members of the Powysland Corps on parade at the Rally held at Caersws 349
The party were entertained at tea and then were taken, as guests of the Harrow Divisions, to a performance of the opera, Hansel and Gret el, at the Harr ow Coliseum. Each m em ber of the party spent Sunday morning according to his or her own inclinations before the party reassembled at London for the return journey. Everyone was enthusiastically promising to make the next visit to Harrow, which 'wi ll probably take place next May, when it will be the turn of the men to compete. Rhondda has now paid Harr ow two such visits, whilst Harrow has visited the Rhondda on two occasions. Between the two areas has grown a fine spirit of friendship which has benefited both areas in many ways.
