From the News

Memory Vanished at Sound of Riveting - Shell Shocked Soldier, 44th Battalion CEF

Toronto Star

Pte. John Richard (Jack) Smellie was one of three brothers who served at the front during the first World War. The family was based in Russell, Manitoba. Pte. Smellie and his brother, Pte. Robert Charles Smellie, both enlisted with the 44th Battalion C.E.F. Pte. Albert George Smellie (later Captain) enlisted with the 32nd Battalion C.E.F.

At the time this article was published there were reports appearing in newspapers and other publications that suggested that there were newly developed treatments for shell shock that worked quickly and effectively. Although this type of report often focused mainly on the cases where the treatment had worked, there wasn't always as much attention paid to the cases that relapsed.

See - Striking Cures in Canadian Hospitals / Mental Suggestion Restores Speech, Hearing and Taste to Soldier - published 23 December 1916

Dated: February 2, 1917

MEMORY VANISHED AT SOUND OF RIVETING

Jack Smellie Wounded and Shocked at Ypres, Thrice Loses Identity.

Pte. Jack Smellie, the Canadian soldier who was found in New York City suffering from loss of speech and memory, is a nephew of Mr. Robert S. Smellie, of 25 Dupont street, Toronto. Three times within a year has Pte. Smellie been a victim of amnesia as a result of shell shock received in the trenches. He is now on his way to Trinidad, where it is hoped that the complete change and rest will result in a complete recovery.

At the outbreak of war, George, Jack, and Robert, three sons of Mr. Parker Smellie, of Russell, Man., enlisted for active service. The three were wounded together at Ypres in June. Jack, with three companions was imprisoned under a fallen trench by a bursting shell. Two of the men with him died immediately and the remaining man was thrown across Smellie's chest, pinning him down. They remained in this position for six hours, unable to move, and then his pal died.

The sole survivor of the little party, Smellie lay for 34 hours until he was discovered and released by a "listening patrol." His wounds in the thigh and shell shock caused a complete loss of speech and memory. His mind was gone and when he came to he found himself in a padded cell in a London hospital. He had been in the institution for five weeks before recovering his memory. One arm was paralyzed and he was the first patient treated by hypnotism, which resulted in regaining the use of his arm.

During convalescence he was visited by the King and Queen and Queen Alexandra, who were much interested in the treatment. After three months' treatment he was discharged from the army. He was returned to Canada, and shortly after reaching New York suffered a relapse upon hearing the noise of a steel riveting gun. He arrived in Toronto on his way home in December, in an utterly collapsed condition.

After arriving home in Russell at Christmas he received an offer as overseer of a plantation in Trinidad by a gentleman who became interested in him on the voyage from England. On his way to the steamer in New York, Smellie again lost his speech and memory at the explosion of a tire on the motor in which he was riding. He was taken to the Brooklyn Hospital, where he is now confined. The two brothers have now returned to France.

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie