Sapper William Cassels Buchanan

Sapper (Army).

According to war diaries of the Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital (15th Canadian Field Hospital) Sapper W. C. Buchanan passed away after suffering from a serious illness, never having been to the Front.

According to a newspaper report, he was injured in an accident as Salisbury Plain, and as a result had a leg amputated. Complications set in and after some time spent in hospital, he passed away. (Toronto Star, 20 Aug 1915, page 8) In fact, right leg was amputated Feb 26, 1915 due to sarcoma. On June 23, 1915 , found to be suffering from pulmonary sarcoma. Died 5:30am at July 31, 1915 at Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital, Salisbury, UK.

" Origin of disability - on or about 10 Oct 1914, aboard the R.M.S. Zealand

Whilst on parade for physical exercise, the patient slipped and fell on account of the wet decks; shortly afterwards was conscious of pain in knee, which persisted but was not sufficient to interfere with duty. Slipped and fell again while on parade at West Down South. From this on could not turn at the double without pain, and if pulling foot out of mud pain also felt. At end of November 1914 was on duty at Lark Hill erecting huts, when the scaffolding broke. Patient saved himself by jumping and after that, found it practically impossible to march and reported sick. Treated with alpln. Tr. Todine by Regl M.O. Did not improve and given permission to go to Salisbury where he consulted Dr. Kemp. As a result admitted to Salisbury Infirmary 13th Decr,, where a primary diagnosis of "arthritis" was made. At this time there was only a slight swelling. The conditions developed until a diagnosis of sarcoma was made, necessitating amputation.

26 Feb 1915 amp right leg due to sarcoma

23 Jun 1915 suffering from pulmonary sarcoma

26 Jun 1915 seriously ill

17 Jul 1915 dangerously ill

sinking rapidly

28 Jul 1915 dying

31 Jul 1915 died 5:30am"

From Personnel File, LAC (http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/cef/1001-2000/1232-60.pdf)