Tony,
Very interesting background, thanks for that.
I'm certain we will never actually know what happened to Berthold other than he went missing at sea. The inquiry simply concluded that he voluntarily went overboard in state of despondency - the conclusion appearing to be more from a lack of any real evidence to the contrary.
Corinthic was in use for that voyage as a hospital transport, rather than a hospital ship, so the patients were all classed as low-level medical cases capable of looking after themselves with minimal medical assistance. That's why there were only 34 medical staff aboard for a total of 1160-odd patients.
Berthold's wounds were shrapnel to hand and thigh, with the thigh wound considered 'slight'. He also appears to have contracted hepatitis, and this appears to be the main reason he was RTA and not held until recovery and returned to unit.
Mike
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