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COPY. AUSTRALIAN NAVAL AND MILITARY EXPEDITION.
AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.
H.M.A.S. "BERRIMA"
6th September 1914
The Brigadier.
A. N. & M. Expedition
I have to report that the equipment of detachment of A.A.M.C. attached to Infantry on S.S. "KANOWNA" was totally inadequate.
After Captain Kay, who was in charge of A.A.M.C Unit on S.S. "KANOWNA" reported himself of September 5th, I instructed Captain Maguire to report on the equipment and I attach a copy of his report. After seeing his report, I directed that Captain Kay be supplied with a few things urgently required and that his unit be fully equipped if it became detached for duty.
On September 6th 1914, I examined Captain Fernley, A.A.M.C., and found him suffering from hernia; he had be operated upon for hernia about seventeen months ago and only got return after violent exertion whilst on duty at Thursday Island.
Notwithstanding the fact that he was complaining of great pain, he agreed to still continue on light duty until it was convenient for him to return to Queensland for operative treatment. In my opinion, he should not have passed for active service.
(sgd) NEVILLE R. HOWSE, Lieut- Colonel,
P.M.O, A. N. & M. Expedition