Interview with Colin Gordon

Describes family background (child of second marriage), education, study for law degree, School Cadets, enlistment, territorials, interest in medical career, casualty lists. Joined the New Zealand Medical Corps No. 2 Stationary Hospital and sailed in 1915 with 5th Reinforcement.

The hospital unit took over the Egyptian Army's Pont de Koubbeh Hospital in Cairo's Abbassia district, treating sick and wounded from Gallipoli. Worked as an orderly. The unit moved to United Kingdom in 1916 and took over the hospital Lady Hardinge had built for Indian troops as well as two hotels. This operation was the No. 1 General Hospital at Brockenhurst. Was sent to France as a stretcher bearer and was wounded on his second day in the (1916) Battle of the Somme, arm saved by the Oakins Solution. Also worked in the Quartermaster's store issuing uniforms to men leaving hospital. He arrived home in 1919 determined to put whole experience behind him. Comments on muddle of army life. Gives very full accounts of the actions and work in which he was involved.

Venue - Auckland

Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton

Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyack

Venue - Mr Gordon's home at 23 Combes Road, Remuera, Auckland

Accompanying material - Copy of 'Life of a hospital orderly in Cairo and England - 1915 - 1916', by Colin Gordon, 13 August, 1984 (OHA-0473/3), 31 p.

Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 4.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB 473/1-2 (transcript in two parts).

Black and white photograph of Colin Gordon, 1988

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-002289 - OHLC-002293