page 162

V
Development

The engineers commenced work on the erection of prefabricated huts about the middle of November, and eight huts were completed in time for occupation on the 25th, when five more girls joined us to take over duties which had previously been carried out by men. Needless to say, the new girls were welcomed by the men at our social functions, as another five girls meant that the rationing system could be relaxed sufficiently to allow of the attendance of an additional 10 men at each dance.

Two committees were set up early in December, one to make the necessary plans for our Christmas dinner, and the other to organise a dance for the Moindah area to follow the races which had been planned for New Year's Day. A tentative menu was approved, and, with the assistance of the quartermaster and canteen officer, extras were begged, borrowed or 'acquired.' We had to make provision for a representative attendance at our dance from all units in the area; this seemed reasonable enough, as we had a monopoly of an excellent dance floor, orchestra, and, last but most important of all, the girls.

At this time of the year we were beginning to feel just how hot a New Caledonian mid-summer day can be, and temperatures over the three-figure mark were being registered in the shade. The cool stream that flowed through the camp provided the most effective means of refreshing oneself at the close of a hard day's work, and it was customary for officers, sisters, Waacs and men to retire to their respective swimming pools before mess each evening to indulge in a quick dip.

One of our Christmas surprises was the arrival of a further 18 Waacs, giving us a total of 33 in all. The weather for Christmas Day was glorious, and, thanks to the efforts of Margaret Bunting, Kay Beveridge, and Sergeant-Major Win Yardley and their assistants, the table bore a festive appearance that could scarcely have been challenged anywhere in New Zealand, even in the piping days of peace. For this occasion the Waacs dined with the men, being judiciously spaced to ensure the best 'coverage.' In accordance with the customary army page 163tradition, the officers, clad in white coats, aprons and chefs' hats, served the meal. Turkey, green peas, roast potatoes and kumeras, followed by fruit salad and ice cream, made an excellent meal, which was a credit to Sergeant McNamara and his capable cooks. Later in the afternoon all those who were musically inclined adjourned to the hospital wards and as there were no patients seriously ill, Christmas celebrations continued to the accompaniment of Captain Wood's violin, Warrie Pile's saxaphone, and George Bullen's accordion. An informal dance in the evening concluded a happy day for all and compensated in a small measure for the absence from home and loved ones.

On New Year's Eve we provided a concert party to perform at a combined function at the Bourail Club. Side shows, a dance, concert and films were amongst the attractions. Our part in the programme ended at half-past nine, and then we were free to join in the other festivities until after midnight. A Con Depot sheet was found at the top of the Bourail Camp flagpole the next morning, but we disclaimed any knowledge of the crime—after all, we would scarcely have used our own sheet!

All who could be spared from camp attended the New Year's Day meeting of the Moindah Racing Club. We entered several horses, notably 'Indiscretion, by Waac out of Bounds,' 'Fitness, by Soldier out of Kalavere,' 'Convalescent, by Patient out of Sorts.' New Year's night dance was a great success, and approximately 250 people attended. We had invited sisters and Waacs from other units, and, with those of our own staff, there were 75 present. The New Year had had an auspicious beginning, and we were all feeling the benefit from our relaxation. The commanding officer called a meeting of staff officers on the morning of 3 January, and plans were formulated for our future work—it was almost like a series of New Year resolutions. Lieutenant-Colonel Wood was his usual vigorous self, and little did we think that this would be the last occasion that he would preside at our conferences. The following day he took ill, and on Friday, the 7th, his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to Boguen Hospital, where he passed away on the following Thursday, 13 January, 1944. He was buried the next day at the NZEFIP cemetery, and a memorial service, attended by General Barrowclough, was held at Kalavere the following Sunday morning.

page 164

We were stunned by our loss. 'Timber,' as he was affectionately known to his intimates, had endeared himself to all, and to quote from a memorial number of Relax:—'… His dynamic, personality and genial presence has been the guiding hand of our unit, and to him must go the credit for a success which is of social as well as military importance…. His remarkable vision and clear conception of all that was required, combined with outstanding organising ability, quickly moulded the unit into an active body, capable of taking its place wherever circumstances might dictate…. He was a man who not only enjoyed living, but lived for others that they might enjoy it too. His personality, his thoughts, his hopes, will continue to be expressed in the work of the unit…. Such a spirit can never die.'

Our new commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel F. O. Bennett, NZMC, came to us from the 22nd Field Ambulance, and he brought with him a first-hand knowledge of conditions in the forward area. He assumed command at a time when we were developing into a very large unit; our patients were increasing in number each week, the hospital was growing, camp construction was proceeding apace, and many decisions had to be made concerning the erection of prefabricated buildings. Five days after his arrival we were instructed to take over the 50-bed hospital at Boguen, which had been staffed by 4th NZ General Hospital up to this time, and, until facilities would be available at Kalavere, we were to maintain Boguen with a detachment from our own unit. Despite all those factors Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett quickly adapted himself to his new responsibilities and participated in as many of the camp activities as his duties permitted. He was keenly interested in occupational therapy, and this department benefited from his personal knowledge and conception of the possibilities that could be developed from this relatively new branch of therapy.

Our unit was responsible for medical services extending over a wide area, from the engineers' camp, seven miles south, to Nepoui, about 30 miles north, and Captain W. F. McConnell made bi-weekly visits to conduct sick parades at each camp en route. We were also called upon to give medical and dental treatment to civilians, and a number of French, Javanese, Tonkinese, and native Kanakas were hospitalised. Language differences were a problem, but even those of us who had not had page 165the advantages of a secondary school education in French managed to pick up sufficient to cope with emergencies.

An unfortunate accident occurred at the end of January when Marcel Hartnett lost her life in a motor accident. Marcel was extremely popular and a very willing worker in all unit activities, and her cheerful presence was missed in the orderly room.

Captain Beresford, our dentist, was transferred to Noumea about the middle of February, and Captain H. G. Simpson replaced him. We were all sorry to see the former go; he had accompanied us from New Zealand, and was a willing conspirator at all times. It is recorded that a patient, writing home, told his correspondent that he had had dental treatment that day, and, to quote his own words, 'The dentist approached me with a manner that would have cost me 10 guineas in civilian life.'

Captain F. N. Sharpe was medical officer in charge of the Boguen Hospital detachment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett paid bi-weekly visits. Our own hospital buildings were now beginning to take shape, and the main block of two 60-bed wards, together with the main theatre block, were nearing completion. A tribute must be paid to the engineers for the thoroughness with which they went about their job. Undoubtedly we cursed the noise and dust of the bulldozers and growled about the muddy roads after rain, but this inconvenience was only temporary, and, despite many changes in the original plan, they worked against time to have the hospital ready for occupation on Tuesday, 7 March, 1944.

The title of our unit was now officially changed to '2nd NZ Convalescent Depot and Kalavere Hospital,' and Boguen Hospital was closed, enabling our staff to return. Charge-Sister W. M. Gunn assumed the duties of matron, and Sisters L. M. Jenkins, E. A. Turner, J. A. Popple, H. Campbell, J. Middleton, V. H. Bray, and N. Hickey joined Sisters McKellar and Joan Horrocks, who had been with us some time. Captain Sharpe became surgeon, and Lieutenant G. L. Wolland hospital registrar. In effect Kalavere Hospital was now a small general hospital in everything but name. One 60-bed ward of two wings was devoted to medical cases, another to surgical, while a 16-bed ward intended for women was nearing completion. A week after opening we had 70 patients, and this figure steadily increased to the three-figure mark by the end of March. Sister page 166McKellar, who had been joined by Sister Jean Menzies, moved into the new physiotherapy department in the main theatre block, and this was equipped with electrotherapy apparatus, weight-lifting devices, a roller training bicycle, wall bars, and six massage tables. In the same block Sergeant H. M. Guy was in charge of a modern X-ray plant, and Staff-Sergeant H. R. Thomson, assisted by Private Helen Dahl, staffed the laboratory. Sister Heather Campbell and Sergeant Marion Ramsay were appointed to the theatre, which would have been a credit to any modern hospital. Four more VADs arrived on 13 March, 1944, and our female nursing staff now numbered 11 sisters and 15 VADs.

Our occupational therapy department had shown a steady expansion since the beginning of the year. Myrtle Cronk commenced work in the arts and crafts hut, and, with her cheerful disposition, soon became a favourite with the convalescents; in fact, 'Moyt,' as the boys called her, exercised more authority than any 'stripes ' could have bestowed upon her. Two new branches were now added to the department. The first was an auto-engineering class, with Sergeant Miles as instructor. A motor vehicle had been 'written off' for this purpose, and two classes were taken each week for instruction on the petrol engine. The second innovation was the household services section, which arose from a suggestion by Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, and was designed to meet the case of a man who lacked interest in handicraft. In this section a man was taught by Inspector Frank Peak how to mend an electric light fuse, replace a worn washer on a tap, and the rudiments of glass cutting, soldering, plastering, glueing, and simple joinery—in fact, all the useful tasks that may fall to any householders. It was dubbed 'The Young Husbands' Club 'and proved very popular. Those who remember the metal workshop will recall the conscientious guidance of Ron Ashby as instructor. Ron was a very willing worker, with a strongly developed mechanical sense which enabled him to locate faults in anything from a refrigerator to a power generator. None the less enthusiastic were his successors, Alan Bowes and 'Lofty' Beard.

A ball was held on the evening of Friday, 24 March, 1944, to mark the first anniversary of the unit. The function was held in the new mess block, which was nearing completion but not yet in occupation. Captain Beresford, a welcome visitor from page 167Noumea, capably filled the role of master of ceremonies. The function was preceded by formal mess for officers and sisters, and, by pure coincidence, the orchestra which was practising nearby played a prolonged chord at the precise moment that the loyal toast was proposed. There was an embarrassing pause for a few seconds before it was known whether the National Anthem was to be played or not, and when the orchestra broke into ragtime the decorum of the gathering was somewhat shaken. A display of work from the occupational therapy department was organised in conjunction with the ball, and the exhibits included a wide range of articles from each branch of the handicrafts section. The display created a very favourable impression and reflected credit on the skill of patients and instructors alike. We farewelled our adjutant, Captain Mackie, a few days before the ball. He had been with the depot since its inception and we were sorry to see him go. He was replaced by Lieutenant Cato, formerly duty officer.

The improvisation of tents and open cookhouse was discarded in April, when we occupied our new block containing separate messes for officers, sisters, Waacs, sergeants, staff other ranks, convalescents and attached personnel. This was civilisation indeed, and the facilities were excellent. The improvements might have been classed as unnecessary luxuries by some, but as a useful contribution to the rehabilitation of the unfit there was absolute justification. We moved into the new administrative block later in the month, and this housed all administrative offices under one roof. This completed the erection of prefabricated buildings, with the exception of two more hospital wards, a gymnasium, and the Waacs' recreation room.