Coutts, Donald Dunbar (Major, b.1890 - d.1975)

Collection relating to the First World War service of Major Donald Dunbar Coutts, DSO, VD, 6 Field Ambulance AAMC and 24 Battalion, France. Collection consists of a typescript diary kept by Coutts between 23 November 1916 and 15 November 1919 when he returned to Australia. It covers the voyage on HMAT Horarato to Plymouth, his posting to Denham prior to movement to France, tourist activities in England and Paris, descriptions of towns along the Somme after battles (Armentieres, Menin Road, Millencourt, Villers Bretonneux, Ribemont, Walcourt), account of the action at Mont St Quentin and the Battles at Amiens and Buire, navigation on the front line, effects of gas, methods for treating trench feet, and mentions the Armistice. He also describes the sensation of having his hat knocked off by a shell on 31 March 1918. The typescript contains additional contextual material, including photographs, notes, souvenirs, battalion orders, instructions, maps, war diary reports, a citation for his DSO, articles from the "Red Diamond", autographed menus, Christmas cards and biographical information related to the award of his MBE. The typescript was compiled by Coutt's daughter, Marjorie Cliff.

Coutts returned to Australia and served as Surgeon Commander with Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve in Australia between 1927-1953.

• Manuscript relating to Donald Dunbar Coutts 1916-1920