AFTER EFFECTS OF GREAT WAR

Southland Times, Issue 23650, 27 October 1938, Page 13

AFTER EFFECTS OF GREAT WAR

BLINDED MEN UNDER CARE OF ST. DUNSTAN’S

“The number of blinded soldiers, sailors; and airmen under the care of St. Dunstan’s is still nearly 2000, and their wives and children bring the total number of beneficiaries up to more than 7000,” states the annual report of the St. Dunstan’s organization, London, for blinded soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

“Our records—which cover the whole Empire—show that by March 31, 1938, there had been nearly 2700 persons in the Empire who had been blinded as a result of the war. The death rate was very heavy at first, but has slowed down until it is now practically normal.

“Ninety-five per cent, were soldiers of the Home, Dominion, and Colonial forces; 3 per cent, were men from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, and Merchant Service; and 2 per cent, were from the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service.

“During the year 30 blinded soldiers died, but 41 new cases were admitted. The new cases were all the result of Great War disabilities. Fourteen were the result of gas, the pernicious effect of which has been delayed for more than 19 years. There are now 40 of these late gas cases in St. Dunstan’s and others are known to be coming. Thirty-eight were the result of mustard gas, one of chlorine gas, and one of lachrymal gas. “St. Dunstan’s door is ever open, but it was not expected that new cases would require help in such numbers at so late a date.”