Title: War Surgery and Medicine

Author: Stout, T. Duncan M.

Publication details: Historical Publications Branch, 1954, Wellington

Part of: The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945

This text is the subject of: ‘Something of Them Is Here Recorded’: Official History in New Zealand

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Boarding Criteria

Grade I: ‘Ulcer like’ or nervous dyspeptics who showed marked improvement after hospital treatment, with or without a period at a convalescent depot.

Grade IA (temporary grading only): Radiologically negative dyspeptics who required prolonged treatment but who were likely to be fit within three months.

Grade II: The usual grading for base duties overseas. It included ‘ulcer like’ or nervous dyspeptics who made only slight improvement after hospital treatment, with or without a period at a convalescent depot; and men who, after one admission to hospital, were again evacuated from their units. It also included ulcer cases amongst men whose rank or occupation enabled them to look after themselves.

Grade III (returned to New Zealand): ‘Ulcer like’ or nervous dyspeptics with persistent symptoms, who had had repeated hospitalisation, and who were incapable of base duties. Some of these men would improve in New Zealand and be able to remain in the home forces.

Grade IV (returned to New Zealand): Haematemesis. Malaena. Perforation. Previously operated-upon stomach or duodenum. Radiologically proven ulceration in men who had no special position or suitable occupation. Such men were regraded as being unfit for military service.

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As a result of his investigations Riley strongly recommended that the indefinite and nervous dyspepsias should be retained in their units and treated by the RMO. In his opinion (and this was strongly supported by Colonel Boyd, Consultant Physician 2 NZEF) hospitalisation aggravated the position.