A SERGEANT DISPENSER

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2518, 20 July 1915, Page 6

A SERGEANT DISPENSER

IN CHARGE OF A TRANSPORT. Sergeant Reginald Fear, son of Mr. F. J. W. Fear, of Willis' Street, ,who went away with tho Main Expeditionary Force, was at the latest acting as medical officer in charge of a big transport in tho. Mediterranean, for which post ho had the knowledge of a dispenser only, having been employed hero m the United Friendly Societies' Dispensary. Writing to his parents, Sergeant Fear says:— _ , "I have seen some sights during the last few days that would set anyone wondering at tho power of England and the Allies. Since leaving A- —-.there have been quite a number of pneumonia cases on board the boats, ours included, and as a result orders have been issued that all men must wear their overcoats immediately after tea. The cause of tho trouble is the sudden change of temperature. ' One of the troopships was attacked by a Turkish torpedo boat yesterday, and although it fired three torpedoes at it sbo managed to escape being hit. Tho torpedo-boat was flying the . Russian 'flag—moro treachery! .When the torpedo-boat fired at the troopship the clticor commanding gave the • order, "Every man for himself!" About 130 jumped overboard, .expecting the ship to be blown up, and as a result 40 or moro wore drowned or killed, the remainder being rescued by other boats and warships, which immediately, camo to her assistance. "I have been ordered to transfer (temporarily) to a transport as actingmedical officer in charge. There is a shortage of medical officers for the time being, and they cannot spare a medical officer for this ship, as tlioy are required more urgently for boats with a larger number of men on hoard. So I am to go over in charge of tho medical department. I don't know how many men there are to assist me. . . I don't thinlr it altogether fitting that I should tako ovor so many different responsible positions as I have dono since leaving New Zealand on a sergeant's rank ana pay, do you? However, I don't mind, as it is % great experience, and it's war time, you know. I suppose I am to consider myself honoured 1 in being given such responsible duties. I guess its the first instanoe on -record of such a step being takon. "There will be an ample supply oi doctors very shortly, and in that case I will not be on the ship for long, as I ' am still on the Headquarters strengths and will only be away on loan; "We are just about used to our war menu.of ship's biscuit and bully beef. All hands are looking forward to tomorrow, when we are told we will get bread. This will be very welcome. It is a big contract to bake for all, as there aro 2700 of us,' without counting the crew."- '