The following notes are taken from Mott’s clinical notes of two other men treated at Morden Hall who had lost their power of speech
Private F-H- aged 20 blown into air in trench, does not remember falling. Mutism and inability to exhale forcibly, whistle or cough – chest x ray showed his diaphragm hardly moved. Sudden recovery of speech 8 months later. Wrote what he wanted to say in brief. Admitted June 1st 1915 – went to MH Sept 1st 1915 where he had his adenoids removed under anaesthetic. Recovered his speech in a punt when it turned over and he shouted out – though he did shout in his sleep (but he didn’t remember his dreams).
Private L-R – aged 21 – witnessing death of his comrades – terrifying experiences in dreams, nervous predisposition, recovery after 6 months. Admitted 4th London Hospital June 20th 1915 (having been at Boulogne for 2 weeks). Lying in bed on back with continuous jerky movements of head and arms, esp left, mouth slightly open and utters groans. Can understand what is said and answers in a whisper. Continually says ‘you won’t get me back’ – asked about dreams says ‘guns’ – terror at seeing a uniform or flash of a lamp. Improved by 24th June. Carrying a sandbag – explosion – climbed out of hole to find his friends all dead around him – first sight of any bad injury. He keeps seeing it again with bright lights and hears bursting shells or men shouting – esp in his dreams. Pain in right side of head and back. Doesn’t know date but knows it is morning. Says he always felt sick at the sight of blood.