A Woman Joins the Unit
Heroes Remember
A Woman Joins the Unit
Transcript
Description
Mr. Meiklejohn describes the feeling of the unit when the male head nurse was replaced by a woman, and recalls how she came to be accepted.
Dr. Robert Meiklejohn
Dr. Robert Meiklejohn was born in 1907, in Harriston, Ontario, and remained there throughout his youth, participating in cadets and the local militia. While attending medical school in England during the 1930s, Mr. Meiklejohn visited Germany. He returned from his visit certain war was imminent. Dr. Meiklejohn re-joined the militia upon his return to Canada, leading to quick enlistment upon Canada's declaration of war. Frustrated after almost a year of performing medical exams on troops, Dr. Meiklejohn transferred to the 16th Field Ambulance (whom he had been a militia member of) when it was activated, and was posted overseas. After arriving in England, Dr. Meiklejohn was posted to a newly created field surgical unit, a section of an advance surgical unit stationed within a few miles of the front lines, and posted to Italy. After losing their equipment when the ship was sunk during the journey, the unit was posted with British Forces for a few months before reuniting with Canadians. Following the Italian Campaign, Dr. Meiklejohn's unit was transferred to France to join Canadian troops heading into Holland. Dr. Meiklejohn finished his service in Holland bringing relief to the starving population. He returned to Canada soon after VE Day.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 1:56
- Person Interviewed:
- Dr. Robert Meiklejohn
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp / 4th Armoured Division
- Rank:
- Major
- Occupation:
- Physician
Related Videos
Childhood Memories of the First World War
Mr. Meiklejohn recalls childhood memories of the First World War, describing casualty lists, Armistice Day 1918, and meeting returning soldiers.
The Roles of an Army Doctor
Mr. Meiklejohn describes some of the various roles for doctors in the army, showing how the types of service varied greatly.
Field Surgical Unit
Mr. Meiklejohn recalls being assigned to a field surgical unit, describing their purpose and how the medical units were grouped.
Casualty Assessment
Mr. Meiklejohn describes how wounded men would arrive at the casualty clearing station, be assessed and treated or sent further behind the lines.
Stress of Being a Doctor Under Fire
Dr. Meiklejohn recalls the first time he was under fire, and a close call another unit had with a German 88 shell. He then describes an occasion when the youngest member of the unit did become quite unnerved.
Torpedoed (part 1 of 2)
Mr. Meiklejohn recalls when the ship he was on, the Santa Elena, was torpedoed and what went on in the moments after the ship was hit.
Torpedoed (part 2 of 2)
Mr. Meiklejohn continues his story, describing being picked out of the water by lifeboats and taken aboard the Monterrey - another ship from the convoy that had stopped to help. He also describes seeing the Santa Elena sink the next day, and explains why the Monterrey broke with normal procedure and stopped to offer aid.
Christmas at Ravenna
Mr. Meiklejohn recalls action at Ravenna during Christmas, describing how attacks took place by advancing through minefields, resulting in numerous amputations. He then describes the cruel irony of men fresh from having their legs amputated, receiving socks as Christmas presents.
Starvation Edema
Dr. Meiklejohn talks about the poor condition of the people in Holland at the time they were liberated.
- Date modified: