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VAD Hospital, Cheltenham Racecourse Prestbury Park, Cheltenham |
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| Location: Prestbury Park, Cheltenham | Grid Reference: SO 954244 |
| Opened: 28th October 1914 | Closed: 28th February 1919 |
| Beds: 220 | Average Resident Patients in 1918: 174 |
| Total Casualties Treated: 3169 | UKNIWM Ref: In due course |
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Wounded soldiers with staff, pictured in a ward at the Racecourse VAD Hospital in 1914. |
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The hospital was staffed by Nos 14 and 18 Gloucestershire Voluntary Aid Detachments and its officers were: Commandant: Miss Ratcliff, OBE Assistant Commandant: Mrs McLeod Medical Officers: Mr C Braine-Hartnell, Dr R Davies, Dr E A Dent, Dr A Sanderson-Clow Lady Superintendent: Miss K R Peters, ARRC Quartermaster: Miss Baker Hon Secretary and Treasurer: Mr R Bagnall-Oakeley Masseuses: Miss S Ratcliff, Miss Cossey, Mrs J Ratcliff |
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Notes by the Commandant (on closure
in 1919)
This hospital opened on 28th October 1914, with 13 Belgian patients and 2 British - 100 beds, which were increased in April 1917 to 150 - and in 1918 to 200 with 20 emergency. During the first winter we had no hot water installation or any heating or light, except oil lamps. In the spring electric light was put in, hot water laid on, an operating theatre made, a linen room with hot airing racks and a part of the open court was enclosed as a recreation room, also the ambulance room was converted into a chapel, in which regular services were held and many men confirmed. In May 1917 a large hut, "Southam Ward", 36 beds, was given by the detachment and erected on the paddock. Mr Unwin kindly gave another hut (12 beds) in 1918. We had two revolving shelters - and the many balconies and open boxes were admirably suited for open air treatment. 18 of the staff worked continuously from beginning to end, including Dr Dent, Sister Peters, Lady Superintendent, Sister Hands, night sister, and Sister Thorp. My detachment, Glos 14, was ably assisted by members of Glos 18 and Glos 50. |
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Miss Bridget HANDS, Nursing Sister
of Cheltenham Racecourse VAD Hospital, was awarded the Royal Red Cross
2nd Class (titled Associate of the Royal Red Cross) in November 1917.
The ARRC is awarded "for special devotion and competency
in the performance of actual nursing duties."
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Miss Kate Ruby PETERS, Lady
Superintendent of Cheltenham Racecourse VAD Hospital, was awarded the
Royal Red Cross 2nd Class (titled Associate of the Royal Red Cross) in
November 1917. The ARRC is awarded "for special
devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing
duties."
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