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Wounded Sailors, China (Arrangements)

Volume 466: debated on Tuesday 21 June 1949

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asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he has now received reports from Hong Kong giving details of arrangements made to meet the wounded from His Majesty's ships "Amethyst," "London," "Consort" and "Black Swan" on their arrival in Hong Kong whether the British Red Cross and Young Men's Christian Association authorities were informed of the time of their arrival; and whether they or any other welfare organisations were present when the men were landed.

Arrangements for meeting and transporting the wounded, who reached Hong Kong in the United States Hospital Ship "Repose" on Sunday, 1st May, were made by the Royal Naval Hospital. A medical officer and two sick berth chief petty officers boarded the "Repose" before she docked to discuss the arrangements with the ship's medical officer. Six ambulances, including one lent by the Army, with three medical officers, nursing staff and equipment, and two buses for the less seriously wounded, were waiting on the dock side. As adequate facilities were available from Service sources, it was not necessary to ask for help from any of the Welfare Societies, and they were not therefore advised of the expected time of arrival of the wounded.