Historical information

This field stretcher was the property of Dr. William Roy Angus. It was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments, and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (both of Nhill, Victoria), as well as Dr Angus’ belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926, plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969.

W R Angus served with the Australian Department of Defence as a Surgeon Captain during World War II from 1942 to 1945, in Ballarat, Victoria, and Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence, he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material used for making dentures.

Significance

The stretcher is an example of portable medical and emergency equipment used by the military and emergency services in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is significant for its connection to Dr W R Abgus, who practised medicine in the community, the Australian Army and the Flying Doctor service from the 1920s to 1960s. He was also Warrnambool's last Port Medical Officer.

Physical description

Medical Field Stretcher: cream coloured canvas with wooden poles through side hems and a leather strap with buckle to keep parts together when folded or rolled up. This stretcher is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.