242023 2/Lt. George Allen Pitts British Army 1/4th Btn. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry from:Horton-in-Ribblesdale George Allen, my granddad, arrived with a new commission in the 1/4th Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, at Tincourt, Peronne on 27th March 1917. The Battalion fought through the towns of Roisel and Ronssoy before arriving at Duncan Post on a crest above the Hindenburg Line. On 24th April 1917, granddad reported sick with pains in legs and general malaise.
He entered 2nd Southern General Hospital circa 15th May 1917 diagnosed with PUO (Pyrexia of Unknown Origin - fever and fits), later trench fever. His board of 3rd August 1917 recommended transfer to the Southmead section of this hospital and later recorded 'Still running temperature at night. Still complaining of pains in legs, general malaise and a feeling of nausea in the morning. He is tremulous & greatly debilitated and is not yet fit to leave hospital. He sleeps badly, runs an evening temperature 99.8 & 99.4 degrees the last two nights. Gets easily tired. He vomits occasionally after food & is still tremulous. Degree of disability 70%.'
He was transferred to Furness Auxiliary Hospital, Harrogate where neurasthenia was diagnosed. Granddad reported having three nervous attacks before enlistment, so he was discharged in 1918 with his Silver War Badge.
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