Lot 5068

Description

Tribute Certificate from Field Hospital Liverpool, named to Captain Herbert Henry Schlink, dated June 24, 1915, beautifully adorned certificate with images of Field Hospital and staff, the tribute starts, 'We the undersigned, on behalf of the Staff of the Field Hospital, Liverpool, cannot allow the occasion of your resigning the Command to pass without some acknowledgement of the love and respect in which you are held by us', and continues with glorious tributes to the doctor, at the end is signed by F.Lyons Staff Sgt (President), W.H.Ford Staff Sgt (Vice President), C.J.Scott Sgt (Secretary), M.Marlow (Treasurer), and P.N.Whitelaw Sgt, A.C.Wilkinson, size (approx 39x59cm), mat framed under perspex with timber frame (approx 60x79cm). Top image faded and torn but easily replaced without damaging certificate, also a tear in certificate at lower left edge of second image, needs expert repair, some foxing, otherwise very fine and very scarce piece of military history.

Sir Herbert Henry Schlink (1883-1962) was born at Wodonga, Victoria on 28 March 1883 of German parents. He attended Wodonga State School, St Patrick's College at Goulburn, and St John's College at University of Sydney where he graduated M.B., Ch.M. (1907). Initially he was appointed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he worked until he opened a private practice in Macquarie Street, Sydney in 1912.



He had been a member of the Australian Army Medical Corps Reserve since 1908 and was appointed Captain attached to 40th (Western Suburbs of Sydney) Coy. In September 1914 he was appointed CO of the Coy and in 1915 began duties at Liverpool Military Camp. Because this was an initial enrolment and training camp for WWI, allegations were made in Federal Parliament and following a Royal Commission into operations at the camp, Justice Sir George Rich reported on the 'impropriety and inexpediency of appointing an officer of German parentage'. As a consequence, despite Schlink's declaration of loyalty, he was removed from the camp, nonetheless remaining on the officer's list until 1919. Understandably, Dr Schlink was extremely upset and demoralised, particularly since his brother was interned in Germany as an alien.



Dr Schlink had a stellar medical career serving on various hospital boards and associations as well as written contributions to his chosen field of specialisation of gynaecology. He was knighted in recognition of his work in 1954. He died on 30 November 1962 and was buried at the Catholic section of Mona Vale Cemetery. His portrait is at King George V and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals and there is also a bust by Andor Meszaros at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.