681OBITUARY.

Obituary.LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. F. HARRISON, C.M.G.

IF the death of Colonel Harrison had occurred nine

months ago his loss would have been a national disaster.As it is, worn out by unremitting toil of the last three and ahalf years, he has died in the moment of the victory in thewinning of which he played so great a part. Only a fewpeopie, and the public not at all, have any idea of theimmense debt that the country owes to Harrison. They havedimly apprehended the fact that very soon after the intro-duction of gas warfare the British established a preeminencein methods of defence which has been retained up to the end.In this work of gas defence Harrison was the guiding brain ;not only were the methods employed for the greater part hisinvention, but the enormous organisation necessary tor theirutilisation by our troops was due to his business capacity andbrain power. It is impossible to reckon the thousands of liveswhich have been saved by his work ; without this we mightmore than once have met with.disaster urder the influence ofthe new chemical poisons continually being introduced by ourenemies. During practically the whole of this time Harrisonwas compelled to work in a subordinate position. Not till aweek before his death, in the fitth ear of the war, had hebeen appointed Controller of Gas Services. If this hadhappened only a year ago we should not have remained hope-lessly behind the Germans in our gas offensive, and underHarrison’s direction we might have achieved as notable asuccess in the offensive use of gas as we have throughoutenjoyed in the defence against gas.Harrison was a man of acute brain, and with a wide know-

ledge of his subject, endowed with the spirit of an investigator,.he would have made a name for himself in pure chemistryhad he elected to apply himself to research. Previous to thewar, however,’he had been engaged in work as an analyticalchemist and was chiefly known to the public as theauthor of two works on ’’Secret Remedies" which hadbeen published by the British Medical Association. His

training, however, had made him peculiarly fitted for thetask to which he was called in the nation’s hour of trial. Hehad acquired technical skill, methodical habits of work, agreat knowledge of chemical material, and a wide acquaint-ance with chemical processes and with sources of supply.Although endowed with indomitable resolution, he wasmodest and unassuming in manner, so that he was able toget things done without giving offence to those whosedeficiencies he had to supplement. This characteristic ofhis was invaluable to him in his dealings with the War Office.When met by the obstructions of slackness and incom-

petence in other departments he slowly gained his way bysteady, quiet persistence. Hindered again and again in theorganisation of his department, and in obtaining the neces-sary personnel as well as the proper rank for them whichwould have enabled him to delegate part of his arduousduties, he got the essential work done by himself doing hework of two men. It is hardly to be wondered at that,when the stroke came in the form of an attack of influenza,it found his reserve forces exhausted and that the worn-outmachine succumbed.Throughout his work Harrison was actuated by the purest

patriotism, and there was never any trace of self-seeking ordesire for honours. As soon as he recognised that the warwas going to last some years he threw up his private workand enlisted as a private in May, 1915. With the formationof the Chemical Corps he was made a corporal in this corps.Almost immediately afterwards-in July, 1915-he was givena commission and appointed to work with a number of otherchemists in the R.A.M. College. Here his first duty was toassist in the experiments being made at that time onthe improvement of the gas helmet. In Septemberhe was appointed to act as head of the chemical depart-ment, and 12 months later was made officer in chargeof the Anti-gas Department. When he came to theR.A.M. College the gas helmet had been recently intro-duced. Harrison, while working on the improvement of thishelmet and at securing some standard of excellence in itsmanufacture, was continually striving to obtain a means ofprotection, not only against phosgene, chlorine, and similargases, but also against all posl-ible poisonous gas. The firstresult of his endeavours was the production of the large box

respirator, often spoken of as -Harrison’s Tower," whichwas intended only for the use of the special Chemical Corps.The increasing concentration in the phosgene used by theenemy and the introduction of new poisonous gases madeit evident that an equally complete protection would have tobe provided for all the troops, and experiments carried outby Harrison and under his guidance finally led to the

adoption of the present type of box respirator. Havingsettled upon the type, it was necessary to ensure themanufacture, not only of the chemicals, but also ofthe multifarious parts of each respirator on an enormousscale. The chemical protection involved first the workingout of a method for making permanganate granules’.Then it was necessary to discover the best methodsof preparing charcoal, the absorptive powers of whichmay be altered 20 times according to the method ofpreparation. At first these substances were made by privatefirms, but their resources not proving adequate to theenormously increasing demands Harrison organised largefactories where the process of manufacture was carried outunder his direction. Every one of the parts had to beperfect, since any defect might lead to the loss of life of thesoldier. Some idea of the magnitude of the task may begleaned from the fact that, in addition to 15,000 workpeopledirectly under the Anti-gas Department, there were 120.000engaged in the manufacture of box respirators. The per-fectton of the organisation and the foresight employed canbe gauged from the fact that at no time did Harrison fail torespond to any increased demand, however unexpected.When the Americans failed to turn out, as they had expected,sufficient box respirators in time to equip their troopsHarrison was able to supply all deficiencies. In the springof this year there was much anxiety lest the Italian Armyshould be knocked out by a gas attack similar to that whichinitiated the disastfr at Caporetto. A sudden resolutionwas adopted to equip the Italian Army with the Britishrespirator, and within one month Harrison furnished theArmy with a million of these respirators.

Harrison had the satisfaction of the consciouqness ofwork well done. Though he was the driving brain and forceof the whole organisation of gas defence, he had onlyreceived the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and shared thehonour of a C. M.G. with a host of mediocrities. And yet hispart in gaining our complete victory has been not inferiorto that of any general in the field It is to be feared that,because he worked out of sight and because he was not aprofessional soldier, his great services may be forgotten.They will, however, always rank high in the memory of hisfriends and fellow workers, and in the proud remembranceof his children.

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E. H. STARLING.

MEREDITH TOWNSEND, M.R.C S., L.S A.,I..LTE MASTER OF THE APOTHECARIES’ SOCIETY.

WE regret to announce the death, from pneumonia follow-ing influenza. of Mr. Meredith Townsend, late Master of theApothecaries’ Society of London, which occurred on Nov. 5th, at Barnes, in the house of Dr. M. Milton Townsend, his son.Mr. Meredith Townsend was born in 1847, the son of Dr.Henry Meredith Townsend, who practised in Cldpham. Heentered the medical school of St. Thomas’s Hospital onleaving school, and qualified as M R.C.S.Eng., L S.A., in1868. Going immediately into practice in the south-west ofLondon, he was for no less than 50 years medical officer tothe Kensington guardians. He resided for many years inUpper Phillimore-place, and for 35 years he was surgeonto the F Division of the Metropolitan Police and publicvaccinator for Kensington. In 1914-15 he was Master ofthe Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, and at the time ofhis death represented that corporation on the GeneralMedical Council. He was also a very active member of theexecutive committee of the Belgian Doctors’ and Pharmacists’

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Relief Fund, and through his energy the Apothecaries’Society allowed their premises to become a depot for

surgical instruments which were distiibuted among theBelgian medical men.

Mr. Townsend only retired formally from medical practicea few weeks before his death. His widow and ten children,four sons and six danghters, all survive him.

Dr. 0. Veraguth bas been appointed Director ofthe Clinic for Physical Therapeutics in Zurich with the titleof professor.

682 THE WAR AND AFTER.

The War and After.THE CASUALTY LIST.

THE following medical officers appear among the casualtiesannounced since our last issue :-

Died of Wounds.Capt. J. J. Tough, R.A.M.C., qualified at Edinburgh in 1910.

He held appointments at the Sick Children’s Hospitaland at the Royal Infirmary. Edinburgh, and prior tojoining the R.A.M.C. was in practice at Acerington.

Lieut. D. W. Sinclair, R.A.M.C..attached R. Soots.Capt. H. Dunlop, Canadian A.M.C.

Previously Reported Wounded, now Reported Died ofWounds.

Capt. N. H. Little, Canadian A.M.C.Capt. H. P. Whitworth, R.A.M.C., attached Scottish Bor-

derers, was a student at Guy’s Hospital, London, andqualified in 1914.

Died.

Major D. Burrows, R.A.M.C., qualified at Glasgow in 1902., Prior to joining the R.A.M.C. he was in practice in,

Sierra Leone, where he was provincial medical officer.He died at the War Hospital, Chester.

Lieut.-Col. J. T. McEntire, R.A.M.C., qualified at Dublin in,

1903 and joined the R.A.M.C. shortly afterwards.Capt. L. T. McClintock, R.A.M.C., qualified at Edinburgh in

1901 and held an appointment at the Salop Infirmary.At the time of joining the R.A.M.C. he was in practiceat Loddon, Norfolk, where he was medical officer to theRed Cross Hospital and to the workhouse, and was alsopublic vaccinator for the district.

Capt. C. H. V. Smith, Canadian A.M.C.Wounded.

Capt. E. Rogerson, R.A.M.C., attached K.R. Rifles.Col. H. N. Dunn, C.M.G., D.S.O., R.A.M.C.Capt. T. L. Bomford, I.M.S.

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Capt. L. H. Fraser, Canadian A.M.C.Capt. J. Rowland, R.A.M.C.Capt. A. R. Hagerman, Canadian A.M.C.Capt. M. W. Thomas, Canadian A.M.C.Surg. D. L. Baxter, R.N.Capt. W. G. Shakespeare, R.A.M.C.Capt. E. T. Curran, Canadian A.M.C.

CASUALTIES AMONG THE SONS OF MEDICAL MEN.The following adittional casualties among the sons of

medical men are reported :-Lieut. J. E. Stephen, The Buffs, attached Indian Infantry,

killed in action, only son of Temp. Lieut.-Col. G. N.Stephen, R.A.M.C., of the staff of the British MedicalJournal.

Lieut. H. A. Edridge-Green, R.W.F., attached R.A.F., died,

at Dover, only son of Dr. F. W. Edridge-Green, ofWillesden, London, N.W.

Lieut.-Col. A. Thorp, D.S.O., R.A., killed in action, eldestsurviving son of the late Dr. C. W. T horp, of Todmorden,Laces.

Acting Major E. H. S. Chapman, Indian Cavalry, died abroadof influenza, only son of Dr. H. F. Chapman, of Richmond,Surrey.

Capt. C. B. Girvin, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, died in camp inYorkshire, only son of Col. J. Girvin, A.M.S.

Second Lieut. S. C. L. Guilding, R.F.A., died abroad ofinfluenza, only son of Dr. L. M. Guilding, of Reading. I

Lieut. W. Adam, Yeomanry, attached Machine Gun Corps, Idied from influenza, following on wounds received in ’,action, third son of the late Dr. J. Adam. ’

Second Lieut. T. H. Hammond, M.G.C., killed in action,only son of the late Dr. T. Hammond, H.M. PrisonService, Liverpool.

Lieut. H. T. P. Moore, M.C., R.F.A., killed in action, onlyson of Lieut.-Col. E. J. Moore, C.B., R.A.M.C., ofBlackheath. London.

Capt. H. P. D. Helm, R.A.F., late Border Regiment, eldestson of Dr. R. D. Helm.

Lieut. L. T. D. Stables, Northamptonshire Regiment, killedin action, second son of Dr. W. W. G. Stables, of UpperNorwood, London, S.E.

REPATRIATED MEDICAL OFFICERS.The following members of the R.A.M.C.. who were

prisoners in Germany, have now reached England :-Capt. W. Arnott; Capt. W. T. Ascough, M.C. ; Capt. A. G. Bisset,

M.C. ; Capt. T. Blackwood; Lieut. A. Boyle; Capt. H. Crassweller ;

Capt. 0. R. Crowther ; Capt. S. J. Darke, M.O.; Capt. W. F. Dunlop ;Capt. J. G. Elder; Capt. M. S. Esler: Capt. C. W. Pewter. M.C.;Capt. D. Gillespie; Capt. L. S. H. Glanville; Lieut.-Col. A. 0. fl.Grav; Capt. P. H. Green; Capt. E tf. Griffin, D.S.O., M.C.: Capt.R M. Handfield Jones, M. J. ; Capr. W. G. Harnett; Capt. G. (’’. P.Heathcote, rd.C. ; Capt. A. C. Hepburn; Capt. R. W. HodgsonJones; Capt. C. E. P. HU3b.md; Capt. W. J. Isbister, M.O.;(’ap-.. G. L. Jones ; Lieut. J. W. Jones; Lient.-Col. H. B.Kelly, D.S.O.; Major J. Kennedy; Major J. S. MConnachle, M.C.;Lieut. A. M. McCormick; Capt. J. M. Mackenzie, M C., Capt,. 0.Macnair; Capt. El. C. Martin; Ca.pt. W. T. P. Meade-King ; Capt.C. A. Meaden; Capt. C Mearns ; Lieut. 0 Le F. Milburn; Col. A.Mitne-Tnompson, C.M.G.. M.C.; Capt. J. C. Muir; Capt. F. C.Nich)lts, M C. ; Capt. W. 0 B,iacL; Liut. F. B. O’Dowd; Capt.R. W. Person. M.C.; Lieut. E. S. Phillips; Capt. S. V. P. Pill;Lieut. F J. Power; Capt. W. A. Rees; Lieut. D. Robertson ; Capt.J. Ro,s, M.C.; Lteut. W. H. Rowden; Coat. A. B. Simpson; Capt.F. P. Smith ; Capt,. R. M. Soames; Capt. J. Sullivan; Capt. J. Tate;Capt. F. R. Tickle; Capt. G. T,)rrence, M.C.; Capt, W. Warburton;Capt. D. A. Wilson ; Capt. C. Witts, M.C.

THE HONOURS LIST.The following awards to medical officers are announced.

All are members of the R.A.M.C. unless otherwise stated :-

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order.Capt. (acting Lieut.-Col.) GEORGE PRICCHARD TAYLOR, D.S.O..

M.C.-For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in arrangingfor clearing the wounded in the forward area during an attack. Hepersonally reconnoitred the whole area and arranged r,31ay posts forthe beareri. freely exposing himslf in the front line to heavy firewhile searching for wounded. Throughout the operations the wounded,thanks to his splendid zeal and devotion to duty, were cleared withremarkable rapidity.

Distinguished Service Order.Major FREDERICK NEILL LL MESSURIER, Australian A.M.C.-

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was continuouslyin the front tine during both stagei of an tttaak, assisting in coltectingand arranging for the prompt disposal of the wounded to the rear. Hebehaved splendidly, and by his untiring efforts and a complete dis-regard of his own safety he greatly assisted the brigade throughout.

Lieut.-Col. ARTaUft MITCHELL WIMON. Australian A.M.C.-For conspicuous gatlatttry and devotion to duty during an attack whilein charge ot bearer divisions. He followed close on the heels of theinfantry into captured villages, escablishing bearer-posts, and effectedthe evacuation of the wounded with remarkable rapidity. He workedsplendidly throughout, and by his untiring devotion to duty saved anumber of lives.

Second Bar to the Military Cross.Capt. JAMES ALWIN COLVILLE SCOrT, M.C.-For conspicuous

gallantry and devotion to duty. He attended to a very large numberof wounded in the open, under heavy fire from machine-guns andartillery, and it was largely owing to his skilful arrangements thit thecasualties were rapidly evacuated. Later on, while performing theseduties, he was severely wounded by shell fire. Throughout the wholeof the operations his courage and his example of self-sacrifice wereworthy of high praise.

Bar to the Jlilitary Cross.Capt. FRANK WILLIAM FAY, M.C., Australian A..M.C.-For con.

’ spi"uous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He was incharge ot motor ambulances, and before moving them forward hereconnoitred the roads at considerable risk in his car. He remained onduty continuously f )r four days, exploring each route and opening up

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new tracks for each successive advance. By his untiring zeal and devo-; lion to duty he enabled the evacuation of the wounded of two divisions’ to be smoothly continued.

Temp. Capt. ARTtiUR WILMOT RAYMOND. M.C.-For con-

spicu.’us gallantry and devocion to duty. Hearing that a number 01’ wounded men were on an exposed ridge in front, he went, forward with

his stretcher par y, and, in spite of heavy machine-gun fire, dressedand evacuated them all. This incident was typical ot his spirit, for

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throughout operations he displayed magnificent courage.Capt. ALEXANDER FRAZER WILSON. M.C.-For conspicuous

gallantry an,t devotion to duty. He attended to the wounde of a[ party which was caught in a sudden barrage of enemy high-explosive,

and gas saells, working in the open under heavy tire. He succeeded indressing thetr wounds and evaeLLa6iiig them to hospital. His coolness

t and disregard of his own safety were worthy of great praise.

lliditary Cross.f Temp. Capt. LEO BLAKE.-During operations in connexion with a

counter-attack he displayed great cou’age and skill in attending to thewouided at all hours of ’ he day And night.

’ Temp. Ctpt. FERGUON FITTON CARR-HARRIS, D.S.O.-For’

consptcuous g .llautry and devotion to duty during an attack. Heattended the wounded under heavy fire and organised bearer parties.

, It was due to his fi te example un,-jer most difficult conditions that at large number of wounded were evaeu ted from No Man’s Land."

Temp.Ca.pt. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK.—He dressei the woundedconrinually by day and by night, although his aid-post had no cover

c except small banks and he was constantly under heavy sheil fire. Htscheerful devotion to duty was a splendid example to att.Temp. Capt. PEROY SSLWYN CLARKE.-For conspicuous

t gallantry and devotion to duty. After an unsuccessful attack hewent out into No M4n’s Lan,1" " and attended to many wounded, beingexposed to heavy shell and macaine-gun fire the whole time. His

r courage and coolness were a fine example to the stretcher-bearersworking under him, and encouraged them in their difficult anddangerous task.

Capt. ELMER JOHN DICKINSON, Canadian A.M.C.-For con-

spicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attended to the wounded,both our own and -those of our Allies, in a first aid post close to the

g enemy lines under heavy fire and aircraft attacks. On two occasionsenemy aircraft flying very low fired into the post, breaking themedicine bottles and causing casualties. He behaved with great cool-

, ness and courage, inspiring the men around him and keeping up the; spirits of the wounded by his example.