SOLDIER’S LOSS OF BOTH HANDS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24093, 1 November 1943, Page 3

SOLDIER’S LOSS OF BOTH HANDS

SUCCESSFUL USE OP APPLIANCES From Our Own Correspondent • SYDNEY,: October 20. In spite of the loss of both bands, an Australian soldier, Sapper James Skinner, aged 23, is determined to Jjecome a quaiifled civil engineer. He was blown up while malting a trap for i enemy tanks at an outpost in Tobruk Sent back to Australia in October, 1941, he returned ;to his; mother’s home in Brisbane' to, convalesce. Then: he went to the Repatriation' Department which directed‘him'to an artificial limb factory. •■, ■*/ ’■■■' • > .. He conferred with experts,, teUing them What he wanted, and suggesting how some of the difficulties might be overcome. Remarkable results were achieved. On Skinner’s arms were fitted lightcohical casings, at the'ends of •which were attached universal joints. A variety of appliance? were made, each to meet a specific need. After a lot of practice and perseverance, Skinner can now write, shave himself, comb his hair* clean his teeth, use a knife and fork, and work a typewriter. His meed of "gadgets” will increase as he progresses in his career, but he .is confident that his problems will be' solved. He. has retumed to his old school in Brisbane to take two subjects in which he needs .to pass to matriculate for. the University.