Introduction:
Thames Hospital has had several special staff members who have served for extended periods. During the 2018 Reunion, older staff remembered some of their 'favourites'. A name that was mentioned was Dr Archer - Kenneth Richard Archer served as Thames Hospital Medical Superintendent 1948 to 1956.
In our book True Tales of Thames Hospital, two past staff members made recalled working with Dr Ken Archer. Mrs Billie Fisher remembered Dr Archer delivering lectures to the student nurses. Dr Neil Philip wrote: "I spent the winter under the supervision of Mr Ken Archer who had served in Italy during the war. He was good leader and supervisor."
As we remember the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Ngasaki in Japan, it is now revealed that Dr Archer was one of the first medical staff members to go to Japan after the bombing - around March 1946.
Dr Archer's War Service:
Dr Kenneth Richard Archer, service number 42428, was working at Napier Hospital on enlistment. Archer's next-of-kin was his mother, Mrs E M Archer who resided at 29 Nolan Road, Auckland.
In July 1944, Archer was mentioned in dispatches for services in the Pacific; he was then stationed in Italy.
There are varying reports concerning when exactly Archer arrived in Japan from Italy. The Advanced Party (1st Stage) left Naples 25 January 1946, arrived Bombay 9 February 1946. The 2nd stage, the troops left Bombay and arrived at Kure (Japan) 28 February 1946. The Main Draft left Naples aboard the Strathmore 21 February 1946 and arrived at Kure 19 March 1946. (The service records are required to verify Archer's arrival in Japan)
The Waikato Independent 13 March 1946, reported that Lieutenant-Colonel Archer was in-charge of the Jayforce hospital.
In the book Jayforce by Laurie Brocklebank, the difficulties establishing medical services in Japan was discussed. " Finding a site for 6 general Hospital was fraught with difficulties. After an extensive search throughout April by its first commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel K R Archer, a run-down tuberculosis sanatorium at Kiwa was chosen because there was no suitable alternative." page 60
After the War:
Ken had studied at Otago University, and gained his medical degree in 1938. After the war, he continued his professional development, earning the FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons) at St Thomas' Hospital, London, England.
After returning to New Zealand, Archer came to Thames in 1948 and remained at the hospital until 1956. When Archer took over as Medical Superintendent at Thames Hospital, it was a time when the Superintendent had charge of the whole hospital - assisted by Matron Hill and the head of the Board Office.
In 1949, Dr Archer married Ruth Lomax Price, the daughter of George and Jessie Price of Thames.
In the 1950s photograph below, Dr Archer is in the front row, fourth from left, surrounded by his nursing and medical staff members.
Dr Archer - 42428 Lt Col NZAMC 1915 - 1999
Memorial Plaque at Pyes Pa Cemetery
Thames Nurse in Japan post WWII:
A Thames Hospital School of Nursing graduate also served in Japan. Dorothy Rhoda Venables, attested in November 1944, service number 810720. Sister Venables war service included time with 3NZGH Italy and 6NZGH Italy / Japan.
Maybe, Sister Venables recalled to colleagues at 6 New Zealand General Hospital in Japan details of her training hospital? Could this have influenced Archer to come to Thames after the war? Regardless, it is no wonder that the staff of Thames Hospital held their Medical Superintendent in such high regard - his war service was truly something to be proud of.
