Post by Frenchie on Jun 17, 2010 22:22:46 GMT 1
Duke of Connaught Military Hospital (Musgrave Park)
A Hospital at War: (An obituary for the last Military Hospital)
(This was written for the CO of the Duke Of Connaught Military Hospital Unit (DCU) for, Lt Col A E Philpot, to mark the closure the last Military Hospital, It was read by him at the Service Of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in St Georges Parish Church on the 28th of March which marked the closure.)
During a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving held in St Paul’s to mark the end of Operation Banner the Bishop Of London spoke of how the 300,000 Servicemen involved had held the forces of chaos at bay by keeping open the vital pass through which a more hopeful future for Ulster could enter. His analogy was widely accepted as a fitting depiction of Op Banner.
Now the cost of keeping those forces of chaos at bay was high, over 1000 Killed, 6116 had serious life changing injuries and thousands more suffered lesser injuries. Whilst the Security Forces strove to keep that all important pass open, the Army Medical Services and RAP Staff, often in conjunction with National Health Service A&E Departments, fixed those who were broken either physically or mentally whilst doing so. The Military Wing and latterly DCU played a major part in this. Skills honed by Field Surgical Teams in Dhofar, Aden and Borneo ensured that in the early days casualties were treated by highly skilled Battle Casualty experts. These skills were also passed on to their civilian colleagues and a decade later, following refinement, saved many lives at Ajax Bay and Port San Carlos. Embryonic Mobile Crash Teams and Team Medics, so well known today, were trialled and developed during this time.
Major Incidents such as Bloody Friday, Warrenpoint, The Drop in Well, The Enniskillen War Memorial, Ballygawley Coach Bombing, Mil Wing MPH itself, Omagh and Thiepval were handled professionally and calmly. Military and Civilians of all ranks and trades pitched in. The X Ray, Path Lab and Pharmacy in the Main Hospital never failed to provide support. Cook’s, clerks and the UDR Guard voluntarily undertook ancillary tasks. Visiting Padres, Scripture Readers, the late Gladys Blackburn MBE and the Red Cross workers gave succour to those injured. It wasn’t just Security Forces who were treated, injured terrorists and some civilians were also afforded the same dedication and professionalism.
The Next Of Kin (NOK) of many of those 6116 seriously injured Servicemen were administered by Mil Wing personnel through the DILFOR process. Many staff, including the UDR Guards, adopted individual NOK, inviting them to their homes for respite and comfort in their hour of need. The unit was pivotal in the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme through the dedication of its Medical Records Staff. They ensured that those seriously injured had the right medical evidence to support their criminal injuries claims. The efficient administration of Casualties held in Civilian Hospitals added another heavy burden to the Admin Officer and his small Staff. Throughout the blackest days of Op Banner an efficient, professional inpatient Disease and Non Battle Injury (DNBI) and outpatients service, covering all disciplines, operated for the large and transient Military Garrison.
Whilst the Military Staff lived in relative safety in the spartan conditions of the Echelon, the UDR Guards and the Civilian component had to endure targeting, threats and intimidation at their homes. This never, ever stopped them from turning up for duty.
As well as being a centre of Clinical excellence it was also haven of peace and rest for those on the Streets. It was commonplace to see several Saracen or Humber Pig Ambulances plus Escorts parked alongside the Unloading Bay whilst the Crews enjoyed a brief respite and a first class meal in the canteen. The Keller Bar was the place to socialise, all were welcomed and its popularity as a safe haven ultimately led to the Terrorist atrocity which destroyed it and took the lives of WO2 Phil Cross and Dvr Craig Pantry.
The Northern Ireland Veterans Association has doggedly vowed to ensure that the memory of Op Banner is never forgotten. I believe that the Army Medical Services as a whole should ensure that the work of the Mil Wing/ DCU is similarly remembered. Perhaps the Wilkinson Sword Of Peace may provide the vehicle for this.
Major (Retd) NT Nash MBE