On 22nd April Irish Doctors in the First World War, a book by Patrick Casey, Kevin Cullen and ex-RCSI Council member Joe Duignan, will be launched in the College.
'This unique book records the experiences of Irish doctors who joined the British armed forces and describes their journey from the relative calm, of a pre-war medical career to the horrors of the First World War.'
- Irish Academic Press
Numerous staff and students from RCSI made the trip over to Europe to use their medical skills and training in saving those who were fighting on the front line in WW1. During and after the WW1 the College continuously compiled the names of these doctors through despatches, newspaper reports, contact with families etc and created the RCSI Roll of Honour 1914-1918. This honours list was produced to remember and celebrate the compassion, medical skill and unselfish nature of those staff and students, some of whom were not to return home.
In the RCSI Heritage Collections the drafts of this list can be consulted and researched. These drafts show the meticulous research and attention to detail that was needed to gather all the correct information relating to each individual. Below can be seen how the information was gathered, corrected, pinned in and added to as the list progressed.
To coincide with the book launch WW1 memorabilia and historic material is on display through 123 Stephens Green. They include medals received by George Jameson Johnston for for his outstanding medical work during the war, a Lee Enfield .303 rifle, an 18 pounder artillery shell and a surgical field set with the inscription 'Operation Instruments 1916' on the lid.
- Researched and written by Meadhbh Murphy
'This unique book records the experiences of Irish doctors who joined the British armed forces and describes their journey from the relative calm, of a pre-war medical career to the horrors of the First World War.'
- Irish Academic Press
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| WW1 material on display in the College |
Numerous staff and students from RCSI made the trip over to Europe to use their medical skills and training in saving those who were fighting on the front line in WW1. During and after the WW1 the College continuously compiled the names of these doctors through despatches, newspaper reports, contact with families etc and created the RCSI Roll of Honour 1914-1918. This honours list was produced to remember and celebrate the compassion, medical skill and unselfish nature of those staff and students, some of whom were not to return home.
In the RCSI Heritage Collections the drafts of this list can be consulted and researched. These drafts show the meticulous research and attention to detail that was needed to gather all the correct information relating to each individual. Below can be seen how the information was gathered, corrected, pinned in and added to as the list progressed.
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| Extracts from despatches used to add vital information to the honours list |
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| Hand written information relating to individuals |
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| Additional hand written information |
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| Corrections and pieces of paper pinned into this draft of the list |
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| One of the first designs for the cover |
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| Nearing the final design for the cover |
To coincide with the book launch WW1 memorabilia and historic material is on display through 123 Stephens Green. They include medals received by George Jameson Johnston for for his outstanding medical work during the war, a Lee Enfield .303 rifle, an 18 pounder artillery shell and a surgical field set with the inscription 'Operation Instruments 1916' on the lid.
- Researched and written by Meadhbh Murphy