The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Mersa Matruh, Egypt. c. 1941-01. VFX263 Sister Dorothy Vines' sleeping arrangements in the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS) in the "Dug Out". Note the feminine touches of the floral covers on the bed and tables. Her veil and uniform hang on the wall at the rear. Based about a half mile from the hospital the "Dug Out" comprised three tunnels built by the British as a regimental aid post but never used. All had concrete walls and converged in an area 25 feet below ground level. The area contained a 500 gallon water tank, a kitchen with store, an operating theatre and three wards which took stretchers slung on the walls. Air was supplied by vents.
Mersa Matruh, Egypt. c. 1941-01. Field baths and the water tank in the bathing area of the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS) in the "Dug Out". Based about a half mile from the hospital this
Mersa Matruh, Egypt. c. 1941-01. VFX62909 Sister M.F. Lindsay and Privates Gambrel (left) and McAuliffe of the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS) take a break outside the front entrance to th
Mersa Matruh, Egypt. c. 1941-01. The right hand side of the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS) Mess in the "Dug Out". Note the old wardrobe and the comfortable look of the mess. Based about a
Mersa Matruh, Egypt. c. 1941-01. The dining table and other mess items belonging to the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS) in the Mess of their quarters, known familiarly as the "Dug Out". Ba
2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS), showing the interior of the Mess section in the "Dug Out". Based about a half mile from the hospital this "Dug Out" comprised three tunnels built by the Br
Mersa Matruh, Egypt. c. 1941-01. The kitchen of the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (2/1st CCS) in the "Dug Out". Note the shelves full of kettles and cooking utensils, and the improvised ventilation
