CAPT. WALTER WHITFORD.
The personnel in each of these Hospitals were transferred to the M.H.C.C., and, with the exception of a few minor transfers, carried on in the same efficient manner that had characterized them from the organization of the M.H.C.C. By constructing and taking over other large buildings, the M.H.C.C. soon made adequate arrangements for dealing with the large number of soldiers returning from Overseas. Pier 2 having been taken over by the Militia Department for a Clearing Hospital, it was transferred to the M.H.C.C., February 15, 1917. Necessary alterations delayed the opening of this Hospital until April 1, 1917. Its worth as a Hospital was well demonstrated both while under the command of the M.H.C.C. and later under the command of the Clearing Services.
Pine Hill Presbyterian Theological College, Halifax, was taken over by the M.H.C.C. as a Convalescent Hospital on March 1, 1917, and Capt. M. S. Hunt was placed in charge, with Major Philip Weatherbe, Senior Medical Officer, and Capt. John Cameron, Resident Medical Officer. Capt. Dexter McCurdy was also a member of the Medical Staff but was transferred on Overseas service in August, 1918. This Hospital, situated as it was, on the shores of the Northwest Arm, Halifax, proved a great boon to the returned convalescent soldiers. Its location adjoining Point Pleasant Park was an ideal one for the care and comfort of convalescent soldiers. There was an abundance of pure air, shady trees, and pleasant walks, and though quite removed from Halifax City and its noisy traffic, it was still sufficiently near to permit men able to walk to get a tram car running into the city, where they could enjoy a few hours with friends at a theatre or elsewhere. At the rear of the Home the waters of the Northwest Arm gave the men ample opportunity for boating, bathing and various other water sports, of which they took full advantage during the summer months. It is the unanimous opinion of the returned soldiers that Pine Hill was the Ideal Convalescent Hospital in Nova Scotia.
In May, 1917, the Moxham Convalescent Hospital at Sydney, C.B., was opened, with Major F. O’Neil in command. Major O’Neil who had been in command of the Ross Convalescent Home from December, 1916, was an efficient officer and discharged his duties in a very satisfactory manner.
During the latter part of July, 1916, an arrangement was made with Dr. F. A. Miller, of the Kentville Sanitarium, to deal with tuberculosis patients; for a great number of the men returning from Overseas were pronounced tubercular. Within a very few days Kentville Sanitarium was full of patients, and although from time to time large additions were built to the Sanitarium, it was always taxed to its utmost capacity. In fact during the summer of 1917, many hospital tents were erected on the Sanitarium grounds, for the accommodation of tubercular patients, and when autumn with its cold winds became too severe, many patients had to be sent to their own homes, to be treated until room was available at the Sanitarium, when they were recalled. Great credit is due to Dr. Miller for the splendid manner in which he dealt with the patients under his control. Capt. A. G. Forster, a returned officer, was in charge of Administration and Discipline of the Kentville Sanitarium and was a conscientious, hard-working officer.
On July 1, 1917, “B” Unit had on its strength 1,886 officers and other ranks all receiving medical treatment. About 50 per cent. of this number were out-patients, with home leave. These men were recalled to the Hospital from time to time as their physical condition demanded.
About this time New Brunswick became a separate Military District, and it was decided to organize a separate M.H.C.C. Unit for New Brunswick. This was accordingly done, and the transfer of men and documents was completed in July, 1917.
In the early spring of 1917 construction work was begun on a Convalescent Hospital at Camp Hill, Halifax, and by October 1, 1917, the building was completed sufficiently to receive patients. This hospital was fitted up with all modern medical appliances and proved a Godsend to the people of Halifax, when on December 6, 1917, the city was shocked by the terrific explosion.
At the opening of Camp Hill Hospital, Lieutenant Blackwood was placed in charge by the M.H.C.C. and Major (now Lieut.-Col.) C. Morris was Senior Medical Officer. An efficient Staff was soon organized which carried on until the Hospital was transferred to the A.M.C. on December 6, 1917. Immediately after the explosion all patients able to walk were given home leave and the Hospital and Staff complete was turned over to the Medical Relief Commission for the purpose of dealing with the sufferers of the explosion.
The writer of this article has visited Casualty Clearing Hospitals in Flanders on “Clearing Day” but never has he seen such human suffering as he saw at Camp Hill Hospital when he walked into the Hospital at 4 p.m. on December 6, 1917. The Hospital at Pier 2, also the offices of the M.H.C.C. were destroyed by the explosion. The Hospital was quickly rebuilt, but the offices were removed to Leith House, Hollis Street, Halifax, and these offices were retained until the Unit was disbanded.