Lt. McCaffrey Gassed

MCCAFFREY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/10/2010 at 08:16:49

Maquoketa Excelsior Record, November 8, 1918

Maquoketa Boy Gassed

First Lieutenant Eugene H. McCaffrey of Maquoketa is now in a base hospital in France where he was sent after being severely gassed in action on October 18. Lt. McCaffrey was performing his duties as a member of the Medical Corps in one of the Army aid posts near the front line when overcome by the deadly poison. The post was filled with wounded and gassed soldiers and Lt. McCaffrey in caring for them inhaled the fumes off their clothes and was soon a victim himself. The post in which Lt. McCaffrey was stationed had been shelled constantly for two nights. Due to a shortage of doctors in the British Army, Lt. McCaffrey had been assisting with their work.