Census Records | Vital Records | Family Trees & Communities | Immigration Records | Military Records Directories & Member Lists | Family & Local Histories | Newspapers & Periodicals | Court, Land & Probate | Finding Aids

Veterinary Hospital No 15 in WW 1

Veterinary Unit No 15 at Camp Lee, Virginia, September 1918. This picture has been donated to the website of Veterinary Hospital No 15 by Ginny Lakin. This picture was found in Ginny’s Aunt, Isabel R. (Lakin) Rubin estate, I cannot thank Ginny enough for her kindness it donating this picture to us. This is a wonderful picture of VC No 15 of their last day at Camp Lee all packed up before heading to France. This is one of the units that I have not been able to find their location in France and I am hoping some relative who had a family member in this unit will be able to help us find out more about Veterinary Hospital No 15.

Note: This picture gives us a pretty good idea of how the unit and each man was equipped before going overseas. I am sure this was typical for all the VC Hospital units leaving Camp Lee

A close up of the Officers of Veterinary Hospital No 15

Horseshoer Thomas Beals Veterinary Hosp No 15 AEF

Thomas Beals red dot.

The above picture is of my Grandfather Horseshoer Thomas Beals Veterinary Hosp No 15 AEF

Thomas Beals initialy served in the 159th Depot Brigade, a replacement training unit at Camp Zachary Taylor prior to transfering to Vet. Hosp. 15.

Horseshoer Jesse "Thomas" Beals
Enlisted: June 26, 1918- Basket Station, McLean County, KY.
Unit: Veterinary Hosp. No.15
Overseas Duty: October 28, 1918 - July 13, 1919
Discharged: July 23, 1919 - Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, KY.

Born: June 29, 1894 - Bowling Green, Warren County, Ky.
Died: January 10, 1951 - Suffied Township Rural, Portage County, Ohio
Burial: January 13, 1951 - Mt. Peace Cemetery, Hartville, Stark County, Ohio

Veterinary Hospital No. 15
Location: Gievres, Loir Et Chere, France
Commanding - Captain Eugene Ferron - APO 713

The above is a photo of the Memorial Brick at the Walk of Honor at the Liberty Memorial (National WWI Museum) in Kansas City, Mo. for grandfather Thomas Beals

Above is the Certificate that comes with the brick

Hi Greg

I see you have not located Veterinary Hospital No 15 in your research. My grandfather Thomas Beals was a Horseshoer in Veterinary Hospital No 15 in France during WW1. Here is a brief History of the unit:

Veterinary Hospital No. 15 was organized August 17, 1918 at Camp Lee, Va. The organization broke camp & marched to City Point, Va on October 27. They moved on to Norfolk, Va & embarked for Europe aboard the U.S.S. Antigone. They arrived at Pontanezen Barracks, Brest, France on November 9, 1918. The unit left the barracks on November 16, 1918 and arrived at Gievres, Loir et Chere on November 17, 1918. They were attached to Veterinary Hosp. 11. Their histories are similar.

I hope this helps

Gene Beals

My grandfather’s WW1 registration cards

This is the Station List of Veterinary Hospital No 15 after it arrived in France.

HISTORY OF VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO.15

Posted by Gene Beals grandson of Thomas Beals Horseshoer VC No 15 AEF

HEADQUARTERS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL No 15

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES APO 7

April 13, 1919

Veterinary Hospital No. 15 was organized at Camp Lee, Va., on August 17, 1918, consisting of seven(7) Officers and three-hundred (300) Enlisted men of the Veterinary Corps and one (1) Officer and eleven (11) Enlisted men of the Medical Corps.

Upon organization, me were detailed as acting non commissioned officers. September 1st men were promoted to grades in accordance with the table of organization No. 331-Series D, December 31st, 1917, which consisted of one Sergeant 1st Class, six Sergeants, twelve Corporals, four Cook, twenty Farriers, ten Horseshoers, three Saddlers, eight Wagoners and Seventy-nine Privates 1st Class. The duties of the various grades as follows: The Sergeant 1st Class in charge of Office and routine work of the Company, one Supply Sergeant, the other Sergeants in charge of wards and assisting in general. One Corporal in charge of the Mess, one detailed in the office, the others assisting in wards and in Company duties. No important changes were made. For service required, there was sufficient non commissioned officers and men. Dallas W. Shaffer, 2nd Lieutenant Commanding Officer was promoted to the grade of 1st Lieutenant September 11, 1918, to Captain September 17th, 1918 and to Major October 16, 1918. Transferred to 33rd Division December 19th, 1918.

Eugene Ferron, 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Lee, assisted with lectures, drills etc. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant September 11th, 1918 to Captain September 27th, 1918. Upon the departure of Major Shaffer became Commanding Officer.

Paul H. Burnett, 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Lee, appointed Adjutant and Quartermaster, promoted to 1st Lieutenant October 18th, 1918, and Captain February 27th, 1919.

Percy L. Ellis, 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Lee, Supply Officer, promoted to 1st Lieutenant September 11th, 1918. Since arrival in France in charge of Surgical Ward.

Anthony V. Jandernoa, 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Lee assisted with company, drills, lectures etc., promoted to 1st Lieutenant October 22nd, 1918. January 1st, 1919 ordered with one hundred (100) men to Veterinary Hospital No. 9 at St. Nazaire for temporary duty. February 18th, 1919 was transferred with his men to Sougy for temporary duty with Veterinary Hospital No. 18.

Joseph L. Mosley, 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Lee assisted with Company, since arrival in France, appointed Mess Officer and in charge of ward of hospital.

David M. Greene, 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Lee assisted with Company, since arrival in France, in charge of ward of hospital. The officers have adopted themselves to conditions promptly and have rendered efficient service.

Activities in U.S.A.: From August 17th to October 27th, the time was spent in Veterinary and Military Training. This consisted of lectures by the different officers on various subjects, and in drills, marches etc.

Arrived at Brest, France November 9th, 1918. Remained at Pontanezen Barracks, doing various kinds of fatigue duty and drill until November 16th. Ordered toGievres, Loir et Chere arriving the 17th. Since that date have been attached for duty to Veterinary Hospital No.11, the duties of both officers and men have been general duties connected with running a Veterinary Hospital: As to description of country, weather and employment of personnel, refer to history of Veterinary Hospital No.11, as a very complete history is being submitted.

Quartering of Personnel: The Officers and men have been quartered in wooden barracks, heated by stoves and lighted by candles and lanterns, with simple ventilation. Fire precautions were arranged for by having Pyrene extinguishers handy, and buckets filled with water. Lately a chemical fire-wagon has been added – A Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief appointed.

Mess: One of the barrack buildings was converted into a Mess-hall, garrison ranges secured, tables etc., airy, well ventilated and lighted mess-hall. The cooking is done by men who were cooks before coming into the Army, and though the variety is rather limited, the food is wholesome and well, prepared. The Officers of both Hospitals mess together in a mess-hall separate from the men.

Water is supplied by auto water wagons from a well. Examinations are made from time to time by the Medical Officer. Bath-houses have been constructed with shower baths, which afford ample hot water for all men.

Sewage and Waste: This is covered in report of Veterinary Hospital No. 11. No provisions have been made for venereal cases as there has been no need for same.

Canteen: The Y.M.C.A. shortly after our arrival put in a Canteen, which was very much needed and appreciated by both the officers and the men. Later they put up a Theater. And have had occasional entertainers put on a show, and once or twice a week a picture show. Since the arrival of the Chaplain there has been a small library started, which is to be enlarged as fast as possible, and a chapel and divine services are being held.

Athletics: Now that the weather is more settled, baseball teams have been organized, basketball, volleyball, tennis etc. Habits of Men: To date there has been no case of venereal disease reported. Inspection are regularly made and lectures on venereal diseases have been given by the Medical Officer, A prophylactic station is maintained at the Camp Infirmary.

Medical Attendance: The Medical Department consisting of one 1st Lieutenant and eleven men work in connection with that of Veterinary Hospital No. 11, and together maintain the Camp Infirmary. Results of psychological examinations not known.

Clothing and Equipment: Have been promptly supplied when needed.

Training: Other than drill, time has been devoted mostly to treatment of hospital cases and stable management. Lately a Chaplain has been assigned to this Camp. He is at present time working up various classes in different lines of study.

Disciplinary: One Summary Court Case to date, no conscientious objectors, alien enemies, deserters or men AWOL, disciplinary section has been handled by Commanding Officer, and for minor offenses, company punishment and confinement to Camp, results of which have been satisfactory.

Other Data: It might be of interest to mention that after this Hospital was organized at Camp Lee, and awaiting orders to proceed overseas, that in the month of October, Spanish Influenza broke out in Camp, and this Company was forced to transfer men to units ordered overseas, receiving in return men sick in the Hospital at the time, of which there was a total of seventeen (17) deaths.

The total strength of the Organization to date is six (6) Veterinary Officers and one (1) Medical Officer, Two Hundred eighty-four (284) enlisted men of the Veterinary Corps and nine (9) enlisted men of the Medical Corps. Two privates transferred to S.O.S. Hospital at Brest upon arrival, three privates and 1 horseshoer re-classified, one saddler, one farrier, four privates 1st class and four privates discharged on account of dependents. One Sergeant 1st Class and one private of the Medical Department discharged on account of dependents. As to the hospital, it’s administration, location, progress, nature of work undertaken, results obtained etc., refer to report of Veterinary Hospital No. 11 to which this organization has been attached since arrival in France.

Eugene Ferron
Captain VC USA
Commanding

The above envelope is from my grandfather to his girlfriend and future wife. My grandmother as well.

My grandfather's Dog Tags during WW1

Above is a document showing he was stricken with the Spanish Influenza while at Camp Lee on October 7, 1918. He was lucky to survive this deadly epidemic

Note: I would like to thank Gene for finally solving the mystery on the location of Veterinary Hospital No 15. Gene has a few military websites that are worth checking out, here are the links;

Click on the below links:
Sons of Spanish American War Veterans
And
Veteran Markers: U.S. Veterans of Collinsville, Madison Co.,IL

Private William Aaron English VC No 15 A.E.F.

The above in a picture of my Grandfather William Aaron English VC No 15 A.E.F.

Greg,

Great site. I too am still searching for the location of Vet Hosp 15. This is a picture of the patch worn by my grandfather while in the 15th.

John English

Major JOHN A. SUMMERVILLE VC No 11, VC No 15

Major JOHN A. SUMMERVILLE: Pennsylvania; Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant October 2,1917; 1st Lieutenant July 14, 1918; Captain September 30, 1918; Major November 13, 1918; Discharged August 11, 1919; Duty was at; Camp Greenleaf, Ga; Veterinary Training School, Camp Lee, Va., May 2, 1918; Veterinary Hospital No 11; A.E.F., July 26, 1918 Note: according to William Aaron English discharge papers Major JOHN A. SUMMERVILLE was Commanding Veterinary Hospital No 15. Because VC No 15 was attached VC No 11 further information is needed.

Click on the below links:

Veterinary Corps in WW1

Leonard Murphy in WW1