Medical Officers in Etretat 1915/16

This photograph shows Medical Staff and perhaps other officers in Etretat in 1915 or 1916.  A number of the names are those of people whom Edie mentions in her diary.

We originally (September 2011) thought this might have been taken outside the Officers Mess at Villa Le Maupas. Now (December 2012), although we do not have conclusive information, we think it is very likely that this was taken at la Villa les Roses in Etretat which was used to accommodate male British medical staff during the period prior to the arrival of the Americans in June 1917. This idea is certainly supported by the second photograph below, taken in front of La Villa les Roses. This second photo (© Alain Millet) shows the villa as it is in the 21^st century.

Click on image to enlarge and then again to enlarge further. Many of the names are clear to see.

Some of the names are clear to read but others are uncertain.  Here's what we think they are:

Front row seated Left to Right:
Illes (or Illers);   Martyn;   Major Nicholson;   Col. Moore;   ?;   E ? Scott;   E Billing

Name on Left:
R F Scott (or R J Scott)

Top row Left to Right:
Rev Frossard; Capt Pitcher; Capt Robinson (? Robertson); Lieu (?) Fraser; Lieu (?) McLaughan (?);  Chaplin; F Woodcock C.F. (?Woodlock); Capt Weeks; H Gibbins Ward (?); Capt Davison; Lieu Reynolds

See the names index for dates on which she is mentioned in Edie's diaries. The names in bold above tally with names mentioned by Edie.

The photograph above was kindly supplied by one of the great nieces of Edie's good friend and colleague, Kate Maxey.  See her page here.

Now here is the 21st century photo of La Villa les Roses (© Alain Millet). We reckon the brickwork and the metalwork in front of the ground floor windows, alongside other details, provide convincing proof that the portrait of the medical officers was indeed taken in front of La Villa les Roses. Click on image to enlarge and then again to enlarge further.

For a much more detailed page on Etretat and all its buildings see http://www.edithappleton.co.uk/Etretat/Alain_Millet.asp.

If you are a descendant or have more information about these medical colleagues of Edie's we would like to hear from you.  Please use the Visitor's Book.
 

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