Liverpool Scottish, some interesting images

[Allan Thomson]

Chavasse, one of two RAMC double VC winners, both MOs, out of only three VC and Bar ever awarded. The Citations for these non-combatant officers are humbling.

His wearing of the glengarry was not unique, nor is it today. The MO of a non-Army Medical Services' regiment generally wears the bonnet/beret of the unit to which he/she is attached, not just Scottish regiments but also the likes of the Guards, Paras etc.

Thankyou Figheadair interested to hear your comments, I'd always been given the impression wearing the Glengarry was something he'd done to make the point that he was prepared to suffer in the hardships as the men he looked after (and because he preferred it to the conventional RAMC cap). But obviously that wasn't the case - was it something that was done butcould have been frowned upon or is that just a misconception based on the part of the legend?

Indeed Chavasse was one of my heroes from an early age and my father spoke of him and he said he grandfather had often spoken of him as well (said he had probably saved his life once). In addition to the Liverpool Scottish he is also claimed and held in high esteem by 208 field hospital which is based in Liverpool. An incredible man in many ways, recognising shell shock, how to treat it and making waves at high levels to improve the life of those troops he cared for (and others who were not under his direct responsibility). It's ambigious as to whether he never received promotion beyond Captain because of the way he stuck his nose out or because of his insistence with staying on the front. Also an accomplished athlete and Scholar, qualifying for the 1908 Olympic Games and getting a 1st from Oxford.

Incidentally but if I recollect correctly but I think when he was fatally wounded he was eventually able to crawl to Martin-Leake's aid post where he died?