Treatment and convalescence
George Ramage, like so many wounded soldiers, had to have a series of operations to save his life. The first two took place at Le Treport in France.
Although Ramage's injury was a relatively minor compared to some, operations were carried out if there was any risk of blood poisoning, as antibiotics had as yet not been discovered.
On 22 June 1915 the Lance Corporal wrote in his diary:
'Wounded at Hooge, June 18th, 1915, i.e. centenary of Waterloo — appreciate the honour — Had bath on arrival at Le Treport. Operation at Le Treport 20/6/15 when left with thumb and forefinger — doctor remotely hinted I might loose more yet — the second finger was mortified like marble so it had to come off. Got injection morph two nights — sore hand, sore back, loss of blood.'
And on 29 June he wrote:
'Hand worse than ever — pus was discovered up all arm so second operation was necessary — septic poisoning — tubes go in at wound in hand and continue to an ugly gash in forearm — have not slept decently since came into hospital.'
