History’s in the Writing
No other country have ever before such a distance to carry their grievously wounded, and taking into consideration the fact that the ship had to load up with necessary foods and supplies for such long voyages at their home port, only taking coal, water, fresh fruit and vegetables at the various port of call, it was meritorious service of devotion on behalf of our Australian wounded, and in keeping with the world deeds performed on the Western front, in Egypt and Palestine.
‘How these brave soldiers longed to see their beloved homeland again. The ‘Karoola’ brought home the wounded, the grievously ill, the blind, the mentally ill, and the limbless. For some the long trip home from the battlefield had taken many months, and despite the loving care for their physical, mental and spiritual welfare from a dedicated staff of Surgeons, Nursing Sisters, and trained Medical Orderlies, some died at sea and were committed to the deep.’
‘Our poor old Gnr Swanson , my favourite patient died 7.15pm. Tumor of bladder.Absolutely the bravest an I met to bear up with suffering. Amor finally perforated bowers. A fine big fellow, blacksmith by trade from NSW. His manliness gained the respect of other patients.’
‘Ptve Ryan a mental patient expired at 4.30am. Post Mortem held by Mitch and Capt Southwood. Patient struggled very violently with staff on night duty just previously. Same things night before. Buried at sea. The deceased patient suffered awful mental agony in that he suffered excruciating pain in hell for ‘millions and millions of years’ as he himself said. Burning all over and prayed for water, fearful to hear his wanderings and imaginations all of which I believe he actually mentally suffered.’
‘Poor old Pvte Daniels pretty low, and to expected to last very long. Four sons at front. Were all together – two killed he stayed on with remainder until obliged to leave.’
Note from Official Record AWM
The Pathological Laboratory was another department which did excellent work, and for the long voyage it is absolutely essential on a Hospital Ship. The occurrence of cases of cerebrospinal-spinal meningitis, malignant tertian malaria, diphtheria etc., where the early diagnosis and the early segregation of patients is so important in itself, justifies this department. The scepticism from certain quarters as to the necessity of this department on a Hospital Ship is hard to explain, as on a long voyage where the patients are cut off from all contact with land for weeks at a time, and serious operations and serious medical problems have to be faced, every aid that the Medical man in charge can have is only what is due to men being returned to their home after being on service for their country.
‘How rumours are flying again today. We learnt that the ASSAYE and the DUNLUCE CASTLE have been busy bringing sick and starving refugees from Beirut, Assyrian Coast just north of Damascus. Naval order says we are to do likewise and sail at noon tomorrow. No break here, one would have thought it better to have taken food to them. Many died on the other ships, some 20-25 each, deaths take place even while they lie in harbour. Maria and dysentery is playing havoc also with troops up there. One Australian squadron out of 500 strong have only 50 left. Terrible news from Cape Town today. 500 dying daily from this new fever, called Spanish Fever and 1/5 of these Europeans. Seems to be traversing the whole Southern Empire.’
‘We have a lot of jolly bad cases, and one sees more of them, now things have settled a bit. Several lads with both legs amputated, but they are a very cheery and quite independent , refusing help, getting up the stairs by swinging up the hand-rails three steps at a time, and ‘hobbling’ over the door steps in a way, one would think would hurt them. To wash, climb right on top of wash stands and put their stumps either side of basin, manage in first class sale. Wonderful chaps our Australians.’
‘Have not come so far north on two previous occasions. Fairly cold and wintry. And very strong from port, casing slight list of ship. New patients from Egypt delighted with food on board. One a S/Sgt of Vet Corp came from Mesopotamia through Palestine when forces joined hands about the time we were at Syria. Tells of the hundreds of beautiful horses shot up the line, to save expense of bringing them down or sending to England. Turkish ponies, Arabs, and donkey bring enormous prices by conducted sales at Gaza and other places to desert Bedouins’.
‘Duty in D1 ward til 9.30pm and hear of the terrible accident which happened to one of our poor, unfortunate patients in the city last night. This poor boy had been bed ridden for 7 months owing to spinal injury. Was brought aboard in England as a stretcher case, but good food, good attention and sea air had worked wonders in him, he made such rapid strides, that he was able to get up and gradually got about until on arrival here, felt so well was allowed leave on shore. Last night struck by an electric tram, and mutilated horribly. Removed to Wynberg Military Hospital. Doctors there absolutely hold no hope for his recovery. What news for his poor mother when so near home, and already news by wireless has been notified re his return.’