The Tale of a Field Hospital

by Frederick Treves

This book was written during the Boer War by Sir Frederick Treves (Surgeon Extraordinary to H.M. the Queen; Surgeon-in-Ordinary to H.R.H. the Duke of York; Consulting Surgeon to the London Hospital; Late Consulting Surgeon with H.M. Troops in South Africa),

"some account is given of a field hospital which followed for three months the Ladysmith Relief Column, from the time, in fact, that that column left Frere until it entered the long-beleaguered town. The fragmentary record is based upon notes written day by day on the spot."

Genres: History

166 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1886

About the author

Sir Frederick Treves, Bt, GCVO, CH, CB, LL.D, FRCS

Reviews

[Wayne Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an interest in Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson (1864-1941), an Australian poet and adventurer. He was a war correspondent in 1899, during the second Boer War. I have, therefore, developed an interest, during my readings, of the Boer War. Recently, I played Frederick Treves in a professional stage production of THE ELEPHANT MAN. Hence, I was surprised and delighted to discover that Frederick Treves was also in South Africa during the Boer War and wrote this detailed account of the time that he was attached to a Field Hospital.

OK - Take into account my serious interest in the Boer War and my attachment to the historical figure of Frederick Treves. You might choose to 'mellow' my account with this consideration. HOWEVER, I was enthralled with the reading of this book. The detail of conducting a war (and tending to the wounded and dying) over a hundred years ago, when an Ambulance was a cart drawn by mules, was not only interesting historically but was, moreover, beautifully and sensitively written.

Treves spends time describing the terrain and the environments that the 'mobile' Field Hospital found itself in. He also goes to lengths to describe the character of the British soldier, his condition during the war and, in particular, his reactions during the crisis of being wounded and attending the Field Hospital.

I would have to say that the most sensitive coverage (and my favourite Chapter) applies to a funeral service for a small number of officers and men who had died at the hospital. Frederick Treves' references to the onlookers are particularly insightful.

This book is a gem. It was very much by chance that I happened across it and I consider that to be a very happy accident. A Highly Recommended read.

[☆ Verne ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 | Extremely outdated language for certain things, but I suppose that's to be expected from a book by a white guy written that long ago (although obviously not okay). Other than that it flowed pretty well and was easy to read. I'm normally not too crazy about this genre/topic of book, but I found it to be pretty interesting. Overall it was a nice, enjoyable read.