Shropshire Star

Shropshire village hall 'hospital' for the war wounded

The story of nurses caring for wounded soldiers in an Army hospital during the First World War has become essential Sunday night viewing for millions.

Published
A picture of the inside of the village recreation room which was being used a a VAD Hospital between 1915 and 1918

But how many of those watching The Crimson Field know that similar hospitals sprang up all over Shropshire during the 1914 to 18 conflict?

Now the story of one of those hospitals will be told at a history event in the summer.

The two-day Worfield History Exhibition will look at all aspects of the growth of the village, near Bridgnorth. And it will include the story of the Worfield Auxillary Hospital, which took in its first 11 patients in February 1915.

An exterior shot of Worfield VAD Hospital at the village hall

Those soldiers, who had been injured on the frontline, must have had quite a surprise when they saw where they were to recuperate. For instead of a proper hospital, they found themselves convalescing in the Worfield Recreation Room – in other words, the village hall.

Rebecca Turner, of the Worfield History Exhibition committee, said: "Of all the fascinating historical eras being covered in depth, perhaps the most evocative and poignant will be that of First World War. The BBC's Crimson Field brings to life the vital role played by Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses.

"The nurses, known as VADs, were set up by the War Office as part of the territorial force, operating under the British Red Cross Society with the help of the St John's Ambulance."

The Crimson Field

VAD Worfield 42, as it was known, was under the supervision of Helen Corbett, of Stableford Hall. Villagers were requested to donate gifts of food and tobacco and the grounds of the big estates, Davenport and Wyken, were made available for the men to use and car rides were provided.

Ms Turner added: "For the soldiers it must have seemed like heaven being transported to a beautiful place like Worfield compared with the ghastly experiences they had recently suffered in the trenches."

The family event will be held at Lower Hall Garden Rooms, in Worfield, from 10am on June 14 and 15.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.