Sir Arthur Thomas Sloggett in 1917 Pic National Portrait Gallery, London on Wikimedia
In May 2021, Alan Hawkins wrote suggesting that Arthur Thomas Sloggett was worthy of a plaque on his home
In the latest in a series on significant Torquay figures, Ian introduces us to Sir Arthur Thomas Sloggett...
In May 2021, Alan Hawkins wrote suggesting that Arthur Thomas Sloggett was worthy of a plaque on his home having researched his deeds at Tremabyn in Cleveland Road, Paignton. The house in recent years had been converted into apartments.
Sir Arthur was born at Stoke Damarel in 1857 and educated at King's College London before entering the Army as a surgeon in 1881. He was medical officer for British troops at the Dongola Expedition in 1896 before being promoted to surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel and receiving the Egyptian Medal (with clasps) via the Osmanieh Order.
Having then served on the Nile expedition and South African War he became part of the Orange Free State and Cape Colony operation on the Transvaal before achieving more awards, including the British CMG and a CB in 1920 and nominated the King's Honorary Surgeon by 1911. Finally, he was appointed Director General of the Army Medical Service in June 1914. With the start of the First World War medical officer Sloggett travelled to France to serve as Director General of Medical Services in General Headquarters. He would by 1918 have been mentioned no less than seven times in despatches and received an array of medals and honours, including the KCB in 1915, the French Legion of Honour and Grand Officer award and an Order of King Leopold of Belgium. He finally achieved a KCMG and KCVO.
We know the busiest section of his life was while acting as the Head of Medical Services in a leading role with the British Army when at war. During five months he slowly merged the military surgeons with civilian doctors into what he called 'a coherent single service'.
It seems he had a real talent for selecting the best person for any job and once appointed allowed them to work without any interference. He was seen as 'a peacemaker' and always worked harmoniously alongside the Red Cross Society and the Order of St John while ensuring they were subject to minimal 'red tape' - the curse of institutions today when trying to progress.
During the First World War he was responsible for numerous medical improvements while in France serving as Director General of Medical Services. He introduced new arrangements for head injuries and abdominal wounds before finding ways to treat fractures and even 'um wounds'.
He also allowed research facilities to operate in the field as having suffered wounds at Khartoum in the Nile Expedition he was very aware of the importance of progress in medical wounds. His own wounds had been recorded as 'dangerous' and perhaps both he and we were lucky he had survived.
Sir Arthur, being tall, was elegant and resplendent dressed in his tunic with many ribbons and awards. When in France he lived in a well appointed French chateau which was appropriate as he loathed squalor. Therefore he never neglected the men on the front line and it was said that after leaving the British Expeditionary Force the officers and men remembered him with 'affectionate regard'. All knew he was a man who had ensured they were better housed and medically cared for, rarely experienced in previous years.
With the war over Sir Arthur became a director of numerous companies, including Bovril and General Accident Insurance, before he married Helen Boyson (daughter of Mr J R Boyson - former Solicitor-General of Madras) in 1881. They produced a son and two daughters and in retirement came to reside at Tremabyn house in Cleveland Road, Paignton - a site which today still enjoys fabulous views over Paignton harbour and Torbay. Their house was eventually demolished to make way for apartments.
As Knight Commander of Britain and holder of many honours Sir Arthur died suddenly on November 27, 1929 in London and today few in Torbay will remember him or his amazing history until now.
IAN'S COMMENT An amazing untold story found by Mr Hawkins when finding the house deeds. I also record my thanks to the Royal College of Surgeons for much of this biography.
NEXT WEEK Herbert Whitley
l A full copy of Jim Parker's article. Military Hero, can be obtained by sending two second class stamps and a SAE to: Office 4 at No.1 Palace Avenue Paignton TQ3 3HA.
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.