"Yankee Doctors"

[PhilipG]

The USA entered the Great War on the side of the Allies in April 1917.  Its capability at that time militarily was poor, but it decided to send to the UK over 1500 US Army doctors.  Very much to their surprise they found themselves serving in the RAMC, in many cases as battalion medical officers.  The British practice of  having medical officers near the front line had led to heavy losses since 1914.  After a quick training in British Army medical practice, for example at the Chichester War Hospital, the men took up their new duties.    The Manchesters were to benefit from this new system, for 1st Lieut. H.P.Sawyer US Army, joined the 18th Bn. for duty in 1917, to be followed in due course by 1st Lieut. D.Davies US Army.

It is a very long time since I studied the 16th Bn. in detail, but my memory tells me that "a Yankee Doctor" was mentioned in a taped interview with a survivor of the 21st March 1918 attack when the RAP was reported as being in "Brown Quarry".  I wonder if I am right in that respect?  PhilipG.

[Robert Bonner]

Philip.
I don't know about the 16th Bn but the 8th certainly had an American MO in October 1917.  He was Captain Harry C Gaister of the American Army.  There is an excellent photo of him in the museums Image Archive.

[PhilipG]

Robert.

Thank you. How one's memory can play tricks!  PhilipG.

[mack]

capt francis statham fletcher was the 16th batts MO,he was replaced by Lt george,francis palmer heathcote at suzanne on 14th may 1916,later promoted to capt on 9th december 1916,capt heathcote was born on 30-12-1890 at grahamstown south africa,in the detailed obituary that i put togethor from various sources,it says that he was captured in may 1918,but i think the original source was a error,fairly sure he was on the hill.

philip.
do you want a full profile of capt heathcote

mack

[PhilipG]

Mack,

Thanks as always for your help. There is no need, please, to keep the profile.
If there had been an American in the 16th Bn., he would have had a compatriot in action fighting nearby, namely, 1st Lieut.Michael Cahill US Army, attached 2/4th Oxfords.
It would have been an illustration of the practical help the US was giving us in those very difficult times.
How I wish I could have sight of the War Diary of the 16th Bn. and clear up the question of whether or not my memory is failing!  Best regards, PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

To finish off "my tribute" to US Army doctors serving with the British Army in the difficult times near St.Quentin, I would quote the name of 1st Lieut. US Army, Bernard J.Gallagher, who was serving as MO with the 2/5th Glosters  at Holnon Wood on 21st/22nd March 1918.  Holnon Wood is about 5Kms. north west of the 16th Mcrs' Redoubt at Manchester Hiill and about the same distance to the north of Chateau de Pommery, where the 17th Mcrs were in action on those dates, in a position then known as Goodman Redoubt.   Whilst Sawyer & Davies (mentioned above in the previous post) in the 18th Bn. were possibly in training  under a RAMC officer, in the case of Gallagher this was not the case, as with the death in action of Captain Robson RAMC, he became the battalion's sole Medical Officer.

(I wonder in respect of my, perhaps erroneous, recollection of a US doctor serving with the 16th Bn. if that particular US Army officer was only under training as with Sawyer & Davies?).

Gallagher's Aid Post was in fact in the front of Holnon Wood alongside the N29 just in the Front Battle Zone.  He tells of the stream of defeated men from the 2/4th Oxfords (Enghien Redoubt) on their way to the rear and passing his post. He noticed, too, the attack by Lt.Col.Dimmer V.C., who in a morale-boosting gesture led the 2/4th Royal Berks. into action whilst riding his horse, but at the same time offering a perfect target which resulted in his death.

Gallagher was reported missing in action, but later he was found to be a POW.   After the war he received notification from GHQ American Expeditionary Forces, that he had been awarded the Military Cross by the British Government.  The citation reads "For meritorious services rendered the allied cause".  The document was signed by the Chief of Staff by command of General Pershing.  PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

Mack,
Regarding the War Diary for the 16th Manchesters.  In this connection I have been telephoning around the UK, including Tameside (Ashton u Lyne) and others and I understand that a firm of book-sellers is presently undertaking a re-print of this particular document and a copy will be available "sometime in the Spring of next year."      I shall look forward to seeing the re-print, which I understand will be in colour where appropriate.  Regards,  PhilipG.

[sphinx]

Philip,

The 16th (S)Bn war diary has no entries from 21.3.1918 to 31.3.1918.

Appendix III, written by the temporary CO, 2nd Lt. W.G. Britlebank MC  gives an account of the fighting from the 21st.

The RAP doesnt get mentioned nor does any M.O. of any nationality.

The war diary continues as normal from 5.4.1918.

regards

[PhilipG]

sphinx,
Very many thanks for that info. and for the trouble you have taken on my behalf.  In all the circumstances, one cannot be surprised at the lack of entry in the War Diary for those difficult 10 days, the same seems to have obtained in respect of the War Diaries of other battalions occupying the redoubts.  Speaking to the Principal of the firm today, the forthcoming exercise appears to be extensive as it is intended to cover all units.  A great opportunity for the intrepid researcher. Thanks again, Philip.

[mack]

Lt j.w fredette U.S.A red cross arrived at one of 90th brigades field ambulances on 10-11-1918,from the 17th manchesters.

mack

[PhilipG]

Mack,

Thank you.  Philip.

[charlie]

The 12th Bn also had an American MO. To quote from the Bn history:

"Capt Murdoch was relieved by Capt Tillers of the USA Medical Corps and in his turn was relieved in June 1918 by Capt J Scott"

Charlie

[PhilipG]

Charlie,

Thank you.  The "Yankee Doctors" and those from the "Deep South" must have had a shock when they reached the front.   I do hope the British Army was suitably grateful.  PhilipG.

[mack]

Lt w.a brewer joined 5th manchesters on 5th april 1918

mack