Project Title: No 1 Australian Stationary Hospital
Desired Project Outcome: Unknown
Current Status: Research
Correct as at: 20 May 2020
Planned year of release: TBA

Amongst the fighting men of the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) that left in late 1914 for Europe were some of Australia’s most dedicated and talented medical professionals. These men and women who held successful positions in the civilian workplace prior to the war, answered the call to arms and ventured off into a perceived world of excitement and adventure. Some of these men and women belonged to the No 1 Australian Stationary Hospital (1ASH). Their perceptions were quickly adjusted to the reality as they would see first-hand the sick and wounded men returning from the front. Horrendous and unspeakable wounds, debilitating illnesses and the ever present ghastly diseases would confront the staff of the No 1 Australian Stationary Hospital every day.

They would also get a further taste of war when the hospital deployed to Gallipoli in the second half of 1915. Forever treating casualty numbers greater than expected, the Doctors and staff, most of them sick throughout the campaign, worked long and arduous hours sometimes to the detriment of their own health to care for the Australian Soldier.

The project aims to tell the story of the doctors, nurses and soldiers of the No 1 Australian Stationary Hospital between 1914 to 1916. The author, who relatives was the first commanding officer, already had access to a number of war diaries, documents and unpublished photos. This is a personal project that still requires further information from relatives in order to take it to the next stage.