The short-sighted Medic
Item
Title
The short-sighted Medic
Who?
William Thomas Stanley
Item(s)
A collection of documents and pictures, including: Army Discharge Papers - dated 21 January 1920, a cutting from the Sunday Pictorial showing T.S. River Clyde run aground at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, a photograph of the Ottoman Military General Head Quarters in Constantinople, a full figure photograph of Pte W.T. Stanley in RAMC uniform and a postcard showing the dress uniform of the RAMC at the time of the Great War.
Story
William Thomas Stanley was the father-in-law of Ann, who provided these details. Before the war he lived in Arthur St, in the Blakenhall district of Wolverhampton. He was a pupil at St. Luke's School and worked for Royal London Insurance in their offices in Lichfield St. In 1914 he tried to enlist but failed the medical examination due to being short-sighted.
Having memorised the eye-test board he managed to obtain a place in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served at Gallipoli and, probably, Salonika. During the Second World War William served as a volunteer fire-watcher. After his marriage to Winifred the couple lived at 59 Alexander Rd, Penn. However, his wife died within a week of his retirement. His second wife was named Lilian Pearson. He was a sidesman at St. Luke's Church in Wolverhampton until his death in 1980.
Having memorised the eye-test board he managed to obtain a place in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served at Gallipoli and, probably, Salonika. During the Second World War William served as a volunteer fire-watcher. After his marriage to Winifred the couple lived at 59 Alexander Rd, Penn. However, his wife died within a week of his retirement. His second wife was named Lilian Pearson. He was a sidesman at St. Luke's Church in Wolverhampton until his death in 1980.
When?
1914-18
Where?
Gallipoli
Contributor
Ann Stanley
Collection Day
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton. 9 March 2019.
Other Media
This item was submitted on July 16, 2019