Alfred Stafford WW1 - Photograph of 21st American Hospital Paignton Devon and paperwork of pensions appeal tribunal

Alfred Stafford First Row Second Left wearing Cap - 21 American Hospital Paignton Devon 1918

Restored Alfred Stafford 2nd Left with Cap - 21 American Hospital Paignton Devon 1918

I was very emtional when I first read these documents as I knew nothing about what happened to my Grandpa during WW1. There were tears, but, my tears turned to hostility at the way my Grandpa was treated by the 'Establishment'. Their cruel insensitivity and crassness knew no bounds. Note throughout the report he is addressed as "the man". A man, who was one of millions who went into hell and by a qwirk of fate came back, and this was the thanks they got. Shame on them all.

Dr Perring was our family doctor, and for years cared for us all. He must have had a huge social conscience to work amongst pitmen and their families. I am sure Alfred was eternally grateful to him for accompanying and testifying on his behalf at this iron-fisted and oppressive hearing.

In 2018 Mick Hardy gave me the following information - your grandfather was admitted to the 34th Casualty Clearing Station on 3rd July,1916 (Battle of the Somme) with gunshot wounds to his right arm.  He was transferred to Sick Convoy on the 5th July 1916 (sent back for treatment).  317, 4th Batallion Northumberland - Fusiliers B Company.