Veterinary Hospital No. 13 Veterinary Corps, U.S. Army. Advance Section American Expeditionary Forces. Commercy (Meuse) France November, 1918 - April, 1919
Paris: printed by Herbert Clarke, 338 rue Saint-Honoré, 1919. Slim pamphlet of 30 pages, original printed colour wrappers. Perfect uncirculated copy. Field veterinary hospitals were a vital part of the American Expeditionary Forces deployed in France during the First World War. Despite advances in mechanisation, including truck and rail transport to the front-lines, the role of horses remained central to Army operations. A summary of this unit is given in the first chapter: 'the 13th Veterinary Hospital was organised at Veterinary Training School, Camp Lee, Virginia, on August 23rd, 1918. It was composed of men from the 2nd Provincial Company, Veterinary School, mainly. Captain Leslie E. Smith was made the Commanding Officer. Captain Leo F. Conti was made Adjutant. 1st Lieutenant Eugene L. Hannon was appointed Supply Officer and 2nd Lieutenant Lloyd J. Goodman, were each put in charge of a platoon of men, to whom they gave training in military drill and the care and management of sick and wounded animals.'
The purpose of this particular publication was the provision of names and personal details of all men who served in the field hospital, both as a memento and future reference for those who enlisted. As such the rank, full name, home town and state of all the men is provided (and in some instances even the residential address is given). This ranges from officers, Lieutenants and Sergeants, through to farriers and privates. Accordingly, the booklet is divided into five sections: 1st Platoon Surgical ward; 2nd Platoon Receiving ward; 3rd Platoon Convalescent ward; 4th Platoon Evacuation Ward; and also the Medical Detachment. Item #2357
Price (AUD): $250.00