World war I veteran. Joined the NZ Medical Corps No 2 Stationery Hospital and sailed in 1915 with the 5th Reinforcement for Egypt. Worked as an orderly at the Pont de Koubbeh Hospital in Cairo treating the casualties from Gallipoli. The unit moved to England in 1916 to take over at the No. 1 General Hospital at Brockenhurst. Sent to France as a stretcher bearer and wounded on his second day at the Battle of the Somme (1916). His arm was saved from amputation and subsequently he worked in the Quartermaster's stores. He returned home in 1919 and worked as an accountant. Army No. 3/673.
Gordon, Colin MacFarlane, 1895-1991
There are 4 related items to this topic
Other
Gordon, Colin MacFarlane, 1895-1991 : Diaries
Date: 1915-1919
By: Gordon, Colin MacFarlane, 1895-1991
Reference: MS-0853-0854
Description: Reflect war-time experiences in Egypt, England and France. Gordon sailed from Wellington in the `Maunganui' in 1915 and performed medical duties, doing general ward work, and working in Field Ambulance and as sick-berth steward Quantity: 2 volume(s). Physical Description: Typescripts (27 cm; blue boards)
Audio
Interview with Colin Gordon
Date: 21 Sept 1988 - 21 Sep 1988
From: World War I Oral History Archive
By: Gordon, Colin MacFarlane, 1895-1991
Reference: OHInt-0006/31
Description: 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
Audio
Gordon, Colin :Negative of portrait of soldier
By: Boyack, Nicholas John, 1961-; Gordon, Colin MacFarlane, 1895-1991
Reference: PAColl-1247
Description: Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).
Manuscript
Gordon, Colin MacFarlane b 1895 : Life of a hospital orderly in Cairo and England
Date: 1915-1916
By: Gordon, Colin MacFarlane, 1895-1991
Reference: MS-Papers-2514
Description: The reminiscences describe Gordon's war-time experiences Gordon left New Zealand in June 1915 aboard the `Maunganui' and served as a hospital orderly in Egypt and England. He was wounded shortly after arriving in France in 1916 and spent the remainder of the war serving in England. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescript (photocopy) Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mr C M Gordon, Auckland, 1984