Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Served as a British Army Officer in the South African War with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, attaing the rank of Lieutenant. Attended the Australian Federation celebrations, commanding a contingent 24 men of the Cameron Highlanders.

Landed at dawn on April 25th, 1915 with Captain Isaac Jackson 'D' Coy 9th Btn. Played a role on the first day, reporting to the Brigadier with personal reports relating to enemy despoitions towards Gun Ridge. Later commanded a Training Battalion throughout 1916. Assigned to the 9th Battalion, he commanded a company during the Polygon Wood stunt during which time the Company was a carrying company. At Polygon Wood, Major Dougall was seperated from his company and concussed by a shell amongst other things. It was later found out he was suffering from depression and he was invalided home. He wrote to the General, detailing what happened at Polygon Wood.

‘Sir,

I wrote to the C.O of the battalion as stated. I respectfully state that I halted the coy in the dark and noticing that they were not all there, and told the leading platoon to go on whilst I saw what had become of the balance. I waited some time and saw them coming on then I hurried after the rest. I then walked on and in the dark mistook the way and wandered into the place occupied by British troops. I then went across in the direction of Merrin Road and saw Lieutenant Carson with a portion of this platoon gathering stores as we were the carrying coy. This was just after zero (hour). I then proceeded to Brigade Headquarters and stated that I have separated from my company and was directed verbally the road to take. I went on and met Second Lieutenant Warner and walked on then I met Captain Carrol we proceed onwards and coming to Clapham Junction tunnel I said to him, you have a slight wound, go in here and get it fixed up and we have time as we are not moving forwards till the barrage on the 2nd objective lifts. He was dazed and took no notice of me and I proceeded through the tunnel in the direction I thought the Battalion was in. I proceeded along to what I imagined to be Jargon Trench. I was proceeding along and the barrage was very heavy and I halted to see best how I would get through it. There were other men in the vicinity. Suddenly the bunk behind which I stopped for a few minutes to see best to get on was blown in on top of me and I was covered partially with earth and a beam struck me in the head. 2 men lifted me out and helped me towards the Clapham Junction tunnel and I do not remember much more for a few hours after this. I asked on orderly for some brandy and he said go (to) the next dressing station. I was still dazed and nervous and felt thoroughly don(e). I asked the M.O could I get some brandy and rest for a couple of hours. They gave me some pills and then an M.O said you go back to the Regimental (Dressing) Station or A.D.S and get 48 hours rest you will get plenty of straffing(sic) yet. I went to Headquarters and the M.O there evacuated me to the Canadian C.C.S who sent me to Boulogne Hospital from where I was discharged marked ‘B’ Class to the ?? and from thence I came on thinking I ought to get through. I by no means feel fit yet and still nervy and depressed. I have been nerving continuously since August 20th, 1914 including the Landing at ANZAC. I suffer very much at the time from Rheumatism or Rheumatoid Arthritis. My health has never been good since I joined and I only feel equal to a training job or total discharge and I feel that how I did not be much use till I got at least 2 months away ?? (frac?) of military service and could get treated privately at my own expense, besides I have private troubles which worry me at the time which does not leave me in a proper state of mind. I may state that on the morning of the 20th instant  I met two men of the company who were wounded and asked them where the coy was and one of them said the order to scatter retire had been given by an officer. This order was not given by me and the fact could be ascertained from Second Lieutenant Warner and others in the company including the guide, Private Llewyllen. As I have previously told the G.O.C what happened and that I do not feel fit. I can offer no objection to his request that I be returned (to Australia). I am satisfied in my own mind that what I have said is correct, but I again say that I do not feel fit, but nervous and depressed. I have suffered since from headaches and since my brother was killed at Bullecourt I have also felt very depressed and out of sorts and the adverse report of the G.O.C, 13th Brigade which I feel was unjust has worried me into a poor frame of mind that I ought not to be in, in order to be an efficient leader.'