HC Deb 09 June 1898 vol 58 cc1155-6
GENERAL RUSSELL (Cheltenham)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the medical department attached to the British brigade at the battle of Atbara was insufficiently provided with chloroform or anæsthetics for the performance of operations on the battle-field; and, if so, what was the cause of such an omission; and whether a court of inquiry will be ordered to inquire into the circumstances?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. W. ST. JOHN BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

No, Sir. The field medical equipment of each regimental unit, bearer company, and field hospital of the British brigade was fully equipped with chloroform and anæsthetics, in accordance with the regulations, and there was an ample reserve at Wady Halfa. There is no reason to suppose that there was any deficiency at the battle of Atbara.

GENERAL RUSSELL

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether there was no light ambulance attached to the cavalry in Egypt, and whether the only way of carrying the wounded after the cavalry reconnaissance before the battle of Atbara was by tying them on to gun limbers; and, if so, whether steps will be taken in future to have more attention paid to the medical arrangements?

MR. BRODRICK

No British cavalry were employed in the reconnaisance referred to. The medical arrangements for the cavalry who were present rested with the Sirdar.

GENERAL RUSSELL

But is it the fact that the wounded were tied on to the gun limbers?

MR. BRODRICK

Any Question as to the Egyptian Army should be addressed to my right honourable friend the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

GENERAL RUSSELL

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the litters for the conveyance of wounded after the battle of Atbara were unprovided with sunshades such as are always attached to litters in hot climates; and, if so, if he will state the cause of this omission; and whether any steps have been taken to ensure proper litters being provided for the wounded in future?

MR. BRODRICK

The stretchers hitherto provided for the British Army have not been fitted with covers. A supply of stretchers with folding hoods is, as I have already stated in the House, on its way to Egypt. The wounded at the battle of Atbara were carefully placed in the shade, and only removed after dark.