Shot off a finger top.
In November 1943, there were a number of newspaper reports of John Hope Booklass, age 14, being treated at the Maitland Hospital after he had shot the top off one of his fingers. The report and its back-story intrigued Kelvin Russell (right), a cousin of John Booklass, who provided the following account.
John Hope Booklass Jnr
While out hunting in the Morpeth area the 14 year old John Booklass rested on a log, waiting for his game to move. A black snake bit his finger. Somewhat unperturbed but recognising the danger he placed his finger over the muzzle of the gun and pulled the trigger, amputating the poisoned part. This was 1943, first aid for snake bites was not as clear cut as it is now.
In Maitland Hospital it was acknowledged that his prompt action had saved him from possibly dire effects of snake poison. Fortunately, it didn’t prevent him sitting his exams!
The incident was reported in a number of newspapers.
Newcastle Sun, 19 November 1943, p 3.
John Hope Booklass Snr
It may be that the young John Booklass had inherited grit from his grandfather, also John Hope Booklass. Jack, as John Snr was known, had served in the first World War, leaving his wife Charlotte and son John living in Maitland. Jack was wounded at Gallipoli in September 1915 and evacuated to Alexandria via Malta, where he recuperated.
In 1917 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed in Belgium. On 7 October that year he took part in a raid against the Germans and was shot, dying instantly but, in the words of those present, “like a hero.”
Letter to John Booklass Senior’s sister informing her of his death, 1917.