David Watt in the Army Hospital

Category

Library Item

Item no

27767

Title

David Watt in the Back Row (to right of the nurse) in the Army Hospital

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1916

Type

Photograph

In 1914 when WWI broke out, David tried to volunteer, but his enlistment required the permission of his Master Mr. Irvine, which Mr. Irvine would not grant. This likely saved David's life, as nearly all the volunteers from 1914 did not survive the war.

In 1915, when David turned 18, his apprenticeship ended and he joined the Army. However, while being vaccinated, David and two others were given the vaccines with a dirty needle. One man died, another was discharged, and David was sent to Flora Stevenson, which now functioned as a military hospital, to convalesce. When David was recovered, he was moved to West London, but damaged a nerve in his right arm, the permanent effect of which became an illegible script.

In 1916, David's unit was sent to France, but when the unit was eventually disbanded, David needed to select another service assessment. His love of horses guided him toward joining the Mounted Military Police, which he served until August 1919.

Image from the David Ritchie Watt Family Album.

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Clothing and dress > Garments > Uniforms

Healthcare and welfare > Healthcare and welfare facilities > Hospitals

People > Adults > Groups

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

People > Health and safety > Nurses

People > Military activities > Soldiers