Reginald Giddings’ military records are some of the few to survive - albeit somewhat damaged around the edges and by water. Many such records were destroyed in bombing in World War 2.
His records allow us to piece together a very detailed record of his service, as far as the condition of these antiquated documents (and the deciphering of the handwriting!) will allow |
Background information 1 Describe key features of RAMC and hospital records? Firstly they will record injuries and illnesses suffered by soldiers at the Front, listing individual cases and revealing frequency conditions, if records are used in larger numbers together, such as trench foot, trench fever and shellshock. Secondly, they record the treatment provided by different stages of the evacuation route, eg removal of shrapnel, amputations and transfusion. |
2a How useful are RAMC and hospital records for an enquiry into injuries, illness and treatment on the Western Front?
RAMC and hospital records are never exaggerated, as they are only written for medical purposes, not to for the purpose of persuasion or entertainment, They provide insight into the injuries and illnesses experienced on the Western Front and the Treatment provided by the RAMC. If used in comparison with one another, they can reveal the differences in the cases treated by and the treatment offered by different care providers on of the evacuation route. Furthermore, if records are taken for one stage of the route, from across the war, changes across the War in the injuries, illnesses and treatment across can be seen.
However RAMC and hospital records do have their limitations, If only one set of records are used, they will provide insight into the work of that stage of the chain of evacuation only- so records from a regimental aid post would reveal the work of stretcher bearers and the bandaging and triage done by the Regimental Medical Officer, but not the surgical work such as brain and facial reconstruction carried out in England or the Base Hospitals. n some cases they are affected by changes in attitude over time; shell shock was not recorded at first, due to a lack of understanding, and then as NYD (Not yet Diagnosed) , due to cultural attitudes. This means that the codes used can be difficult to decipher.
RAMC and hospital records are never exaggerated, as they are only written for medical purposes, not to for the purpose of persuasion or entertainment, They provide insight into the injuries and illnesses experienced on the Western Front and the Treatment provided by the RAMC. If used in comparison with one another, they can reveal the differences in the cases treated by and the treatment offered by different care providers on of the evacuation route. Furthermore, if records are taken for one stage of the route, from across the war, changes across the War in the injuries, illnesses and treatment across can be seen.
However RAMC and hospital records do have their limitations, If only one set of records are used, they will provide insight into the work of that stage of the chain of evacuation only- so records from a regimental aid post would reveal the work of stretcher bearers and the bandaging and triage done by the Regimental Medical Officer, but not the surgical work such as brain and facial reconstruction carried out in England or the Base Hospitals. n some cases they are affected by changes in attitude over time; shell shock was not recorded at first, due to a lack of understanding, and then as NYD (Not yet Diagnosed) , due to cultural attitudes. This means that the codes used can be difficult to decipher.