Ralph Haysom – Army papers
Attestation
Ralph Hayson, Seaforth Highlrs. Res 5 Sutherland Place, London. British: yes. Age: 19 y 5 m. Trade: French Polisher. Married: No. Oath taken: Dracott Camp, 22 Mar 1915.
Enlistment & Service
Ralph Hayson, 19 y 5 m. Next of kin: Mrs Hayson, 5 Sutherland Place, london, mother. Service: Home 22.3.15 to 8.7.15 - 109 days; E F France 9.7.15 to 11.9.16 - 1 y 65 d; Home 12.9.16 to 7.5.17 - 238 days; total 2 y 47 d.
Casualty Form—Active Service
Regt: 8 Seaforth Highrs. Regimental No: 7874. Rank: Private. Name: Ralph Hayson. Enlisted: 22/3/15 for duration.
[Partial transcription: some abbreviations not understood]: Folkestone 8-7-15. Rouen 29.9.15, 30.9.15, Etaples 2.10.15, rejoined Bn, Field, 15.X.15, leave UK 5.2.16 to 12.2.16, wounded in action 8.9.16, GSW scalp, Field, 8.9.16, 10 Gen Hos, adm GSW scalp, Rouen 9.9.16, Inval to UK ex 10 Gen Hos "GSW scalp", Rouen 11.9.16.
Medical Report on an Invalid
Great Northern Central Hospital, Holloway Rd, N.
December 14, 1916
Unit: 8th Seaforth Highlanders. Regimental No: 7874. Rank: Pte. Name: Ralph Hayson. Age: 21. Enlisted: March 22, 1915 at Swindon. Former Trade: French polisher. Disability: Shell shock. Date of origin of disability: Sep 7, 1916. Place: High Wood, France. Essential facts: Shell explosion causing slight wound of scalp. very dazed at time & vomited afterwards. Persistent headaches since made worse by exertion. Giddiness; feels faint & sick at times. Backache. Palpitations. Opinion: Shell shock, neurasthenia, caused by active service. Present condition: nervous, tremor of hands, reflexes ++, tachycardia; occasional cardiac irregularity, perspires freely, vision normal, no hypermetropia, fundus normal. Disability caused: in action. No Court of Inquiry. No operation performed. Recommendation: permanently unfit. 2nd London Gen Hospl, 8 Jan 1917.
Opinion of Medical Board
Disability result of: active service. Condition: shelllshock. Intemperance: no. Misconduct: no. Disability not permanent. Probable minimum duration: 2 years. Capacity lessened for earning full livelihood: total at present; will quickly diminish. Board recommendation: discharge as permanently unfit. 2nd London Gen Hospl, 16 Apr 1917.
Proceedings on Discharge
No: 5/7874. Rank: Pte. Haysom, Ralph. Corps: Seaforth Highlanders. Depot: Fort George. Discharge: 7-5-17 at Perth. Age 21 y 198 d. Ht 5ft 8in. Complexion florid. Eyes grey. Hair brown. Trade: French Polisher. Intended res: 5 Sutherland Place, Pimlico, London SW. Marks: small scar back of head. Discharged in consequence of being no longer physically fit for War Service, para 392 (xvi) KR. Military character: very good. Character awarded in accordance with King's Regulations: a sober & well conducted man. Campaigns, Medals and Decorations: Expedy Force France. Statement of service: engagement to 7.5.17, 2 y 47 d. Discharge confirmed: 7.5.17 Perth.