NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!

Netley Abbey Matters

THE PAST LIVES + TIMES OF THE 

ROYAL VICTORIA MILITARY HOSPITAL, NETLEY

1862 - 1966

CHAPTER 2 - THE HOSPITALS AT NETLEY 1914 - 1918

History of Netley Hospital in World War l

"From 1914, for the second time in its history, Netley Hospital became filled to capacity with the wounded from the war. During the First World War between 1914 and 1918, casualties from many nations were treated.  It was a conflict which created the most appalling numbers of wounded, especially from the trench warfare in France and Belgium. 


Once again Netley was the principal reception hospital and once again from Southampton Docks to Netley Hospital, ambulance trains brought in patients in their hundreds. 


The 1000 beds in the main building were supplemented by 1500 beds in the hutted and tented 

British Red Cross, Irish and Welsh Hospitals, which treated nearly 10,000 and over 20,000 patients

respectively during the five years of war."

Web.archive.org/southernlife.org.uk

In memoriam to Netley War Hospital
"For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon, Autumn 1914
In memory of the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley
By John Maxwell Edmonds
"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say.
For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"
R.I.P.

Final Garrison Theatre Concert in 1913 -

Garrison Theatre Netley Hospital

Private Albert Victor Godsell  

Service No 198

Royal Army Medical Corps

He was born at Sandhurst,

Gloucestershire.

He died at Netley Hospital on 13/01/1914

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects

Lt-Colonel A Kennedy , RAMC, 

in charge of "D" Block 

between 1912 - 1914 has been noted for a tour of service

in India.

Army + Navy Gazette 07/03/1914

VAD Inspection at Netley Hospital
VAD Inspection at Netley

During WW1 alone, the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Netley treated almost 50,000 wounded or sick soldiers about 5% of whom died whilst in the Hospital's care. 

Wartime Memories Project

We are now heading into the "Great War" as it was commonly referred to during that time.  

Of course no-one called it the "First" World War because who would have ever thought the world was going to have a second one about 25 years on?


Many of the National Archives records below, show the phrase  "Chain of Evacuation given".  

This covered the steps taken from the point when a soldier was wounded through to his 

arrival back to a Base Hospital in the UK.


Pete Starling has kindly given me the simplified diagram below of the evacuation process.

I thought it may give you a better understanding of the terms used in some of the

 records and newspaper clippings.

Chain of Evacuation to Netley Hospital

Legend for above diagram:RAP - Regimental Aid Post

ADS - Advanced Dressing Station

MDS - Main Dressing Station

CCS - Casualty Clearing Station


From the MDS rearwards, they were evacuated by the Motor Ambulance Convoy, train or barge.  From the General Hospital to the UK was by ship.  


The Base Station for all RAMC Personnel onboard the Hospital Ships was the

Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.

4th Southern General Hospital at Netley

Forfar Reservist is wounded

Intimation has been received in Forfar of a reservist belonging to the town having been wounded

in one of the recent engagements on the Continent. 


A letter has been received by his  relatives from Private John Johnston, the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, stating that he has been landed at Netley Hospital, Southampton among the first batch of wounded from the Continent.  In his letter, Johnson makes no statement as to the nature of his injuries and the communication gives no information as to where the engagement in which he was wounded, took place.


He was a factory worker at Manor Works, Forfar.

Dundee Courier 28/08/1914

First wounded into Netley Hospital
Wounded at Mons invalided home to Netley
Wounded Oldham Man arrives at Netley Hospital

Private W Dempsey of the St John's Ambulance Brigade, Padiham Division is serving as a Medical Orderly at Netley Hospital in August 1914

Burnley News, August 1914

Hats off to the Welsh general public!  


A National Fund-raising Campaign throughout the Principality!

As soon as it was announced that there would be a Welsh Hospital created within the grounds 

of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, every Fete, Sale of Work, Bazaar, 

social event in towns and villages, large and small, 

earmarked some, if not all, of the money it raised to be sent to Colonel A W Sheen 

to support the Welsh Hospital, its Staff and patients.


The donations and endowments flooded in!

Welsh Hospital Netley Abbey
Welsh Donations for Welsh Hospital at Netley
Wounded soldiers arrive back at Netley Hospital

War Relief Fraud at Netley Hospital

Helpless Case Shirts?

The Queen's gifts to Netley Hospital

Okay - so are these Shirts for folk who are deemed to be  "helpless cases" or Case Shirts which can't do anything for themselves?


Wanted! Newspapers and Magazines for the wounded 

at Netley!

Newspapers + Magazines needed at Netley
Past Lives + Times of Netley Hospital
Past Lives + Times of Netley Hospital
Lt Cecil Blacker at Netley Hospital September 1914
Lt Cecil Blacker at Netley Hospital 1914

Private Robert Thomas Dobbyn

Service No 5667

5th Lancers, Royal Irish


He died at Netley Hospital of enteric fever on 07/09/1914, aged 31.  He was a Shoe-smith.  

He was born in Donnybrook, Dublin. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave  Ref RC787. 

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects

Wounded at Netley September 1914

Appeal to Barbers!


Every barber of course cannot go to the Front, but the members of the Southampton and District Hairdressers' Association are anxious to help in their own way.  


Members are asked by by the Secretary, Mr G J Samways, to cycle out to Netley Hospital to shave or cut the hair of wounded soldiers gratuitously.


A number of firms have already responded to the appeal.

Portsmouth Evening News 09/09/1914


Motor Van ambulance + driver for Netley Hospital
List of Wounded Soldiers into Netley Hospital in 1914

Private/Bandsman Sidney Carter

Service No 121

2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment


Privates Carter + Townend at Netley Hospital

He was hit in the leg by a piece of shrapnel shell during the fighting around Mons and Cambrai.

He fell down with cramp.

He was acting as a Stretcher-bearer at the time - which apparently is "what Bandsmen do".


Not surprisingly he dropped the stretcher which fell with a bump giving his patient a

severe shaking ...


Private Andrew Townend

Service No 147

2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment


He was that Patient!

He had received a rifle shot wound in his right calf whilst fighting in the neighbourhood of Cambrai.

They managed to crawl back to Cambrai where they were eventually shipped home to Netley.


They met up at Netley Hospital to joke about how they knew each other.  

Both were making good progress and hoped to return to the front as soon as possible. 


Postscript -

One of the saddest moments reading as I do through the newspapers, is when I share on this website that a soldier has survived his injuries and is now "doing well", only then to come across a later article in which he has after all "not made it" or has been fit enough to return to the Front and then been killed in action.  


This is one of those -


Private Andrew Townend did indeed return to the Front after his stay in Netley Hospital 

but was killed in action on 19 December 1915.

Coventry Evening Telegraph 16/01/1916

Reports on the recent Royal Visit to

Netley Hospital -

 

The King and Queen motored out from Buckingham Palace this morning and accompanied by a lady-in-waiting and two equerries, left Waterloo by special train on their way to Netley Hospital to visit the wounded soldiers there.


The cases their Majesties saw at Netley were many of them much more serious than those visited in London.


As Netley is a military hospital, the King and his

equerries were in uniform.

Pall Mall Gazette 15/09/1914; Birmingham Daily Post 16/09/1914


Willi Kessler, Jaeger Battalion I/G, German Army, died at Netley Hospital on 18/09/1914 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1586.

www.cwgc.org.uk - Casualty Search for Netley Cemetery

Royals visit German Wounded at Netley Hospital

Private William Hermes

Service No 7280

12th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers

Admitted to Netley Hospital, sick, on 18/09/1914

Netley Military Hospital Names - Hermes
Red Cross Society Hospital at Netley

Private J Ferrie

Service No 7804, Royal Scots Fusiliers


He was wounded in the right hand at Landrecies. 

He was invalided back to Netley Hospital.

 He went home to Barrhead on furlough.

Dundee Evening  Telegraph  19/09/1914

The Todmorden Ambulance Corps were stationed at Netley Hospital during the last quarter of 1914.  Several of their ambulancemen took it in turns to write to their local paper to keep its readers up to date with daily life at Netley Hospital.  More articles from them below!

Description of Netley Hospital in 1914
Netley Hospital description

Private Frederick Baxter

Service No 7736

1st Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 


He has just returned to his  home in Wellingborough from Netley Hospital.  

On 26th August, around Cambrai, Private Baxter received his wound whilst in the fighting line in an open field.  The bullet which struck him down went through his ear, pierced the back of his skull

and lodged at the base of his neck.  


He was invalided home, arriving at Netley on Saturday 29/08/1914.  

He was operated on the next day and the bullet taken out from the back of his neck.  

He made a quick recovery and arrived home the following Tuesday.


He has held on to the bullet which is about an inch long and pointed like a sharpened pencil.


He declares that whilst at Netley he saw "six ship loads of Russians leave Southampton for France."  

[How did he know they were Russians?]  

Northampton Mercury 18/09/1914

Red Cross Hospital at Netley 1914

Rev J E H Williams has been appointed Acting Chaplain to the Church of England troops at Netley Hospital in September 1914

Hampshire Advertiser 19/09/1914


"Highfield House", Victoria Road, Netley Abbey is altered to receive soldiers on convalescence from Netley Hospital.

Highfield House becomes St John's Home 1914

It's still there in 2022 but as a private residence

once more named "Highfield House"

The local French inhabitants of Mons flee as the Germans arrive ... a British soldier's account:


Sergeant A McGregor of the Black Watch who belongs to Cowdenbeath,

was interviewed on his way from Netley Hospital to Perth.  


He says -

"No-one has any idea of what the British Army accomplished in the early days of the war.  The regiment took part in the fight at Mons on 22 August. On the approach of the Germans, the inhabitants left the town and the sympathy of the British soldier was with them as they passed along the road with nothing but some bread and other articles tied in a handkerchief.  Many were bare-footed and numbers of the children were in their night-dresses.  It was a pitiful sight."

     Strathearn Herald Saturday 19/09/1914

Grand Theatre Troupe at Garrison Theatre Netley
Grand Theatre visits the Garrison Theatre Netley

Private Uriah Macey

Service No 5793

2nd Battalion Essex Regiment


He received a bullet wound in his right thigh on 15/08/1914.  Tetanus began on 20/09/1914.  

He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 21/09/1914 with a septic wound.  

He died at Netley on 22/09/1914 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC 789.

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects; National Archives Folio 60 MH 106/2105/27

German POW Escapes from Netley Hospital

"He is a typical German in appearance" - and that is?

There's more about him below!

On the right is Miss Emily Evans who was accepted for service work at the Welsh Hospital, Netley.  She is from an old Aberystwyth family.


She has had a large and varied experience both at home and overseas and possesses the Queen Victoria and King Edward medals for services in the South African War.


Miss Evans at some unknown point became Matron of the Welsh Hospital - look out below in June 1918 as she bids farewell to the Hospital.

Miss Emily Evans, Nurse, Welsh Hospital, Netley

Superintendent Boulton, of the Birmingham Police Force, has received a communication from Cyril Dean, Royal Artillery, stating he is under treatment at Netley Hospital, having been wounded in the

battle of the Oise. 


Dean was attached to the divisional city police.

Birmingham Daily Post 01/10/1914

Arundel Red Cross at Netley Hospital

Intimation has been received from Mrs C J Wilkins of Llanishen that more than sufficient funds have been collected by the dog fanciers of Wales to endow a bed to be known as -

  the "Welsh Dogs' Bed". 

Western Mail 01/10/1914


Wreiddiol neu beth?

Battle of Mons Wound at Netley Hospital

Private T A Blakey (right) was a member

of the Todmorden Ambulance Corps stationed at Netley Hospital in the last quarter of 1914.



The German soldier he mentions has died, I think must be Otto August Fritz Schulz , Jaeger who died on 27/09/1914 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref RC790.

Sergeant Joseph E Armitage

Service No 30335

Royal Field Artillery

He was a Patient at Netley from October 1914 - January 1915.


He received gunshot wounds to his back, leg and hand on 16/09/1914 at Aisne. 

He was given anti-titanic serum on 02/10/1914 when tetanus began. 

 He was admitted to Netley on 04/10/1914.  

A Gastronomy operation was performed on 04/10/1914.  


He was discharged but re-admitted on 31/12/1914 for the gastronomy wound to be closed. 

He was then transferred to Post Office Home 22/01/1915. Outcome not stated.

National Archives Folio 44 MH 106/2105/20

1914 Welsh Hospital at Netley

In October 1914, H L Tidy MD was granted the Rank of Temporary Captain whilst serving at the new British Red Cross Hospital at Netley.

London Gazette Issue 28965 Page 9018

British Red Cross Society Hospital at Netley

The wounded "Tommies" at Netley Hospital are being well cared for by their friends outside.  Huge quantities of fruit from the beautiful Southern Hampshire harvest are being sent, together with cigarettes and tobacco and literature.  One gentleman has sent his whole stock of modern novels, dispersing a collection of some considerable value.


Men with slight wounds are being sent away within a day or two to convalescent homes or on furlough, and others occupy the wards immediately.  This constant ebb and flow of patients is throwing a heavy burden upon the administration at Netley which is really one of the

marvels of the war.

Portsmouth Evening News Thursday 08/10/1914

Trains at  Netley Hospital Station

Private Thomas Hatcher

Royal West Kent Regiment


His Regiment had been hotly engaged in France and he was invalided to Netley.

His letter home said  that he was all right and in hospital and has had a piece of his little finger

blown off but nothing serious.

Kent + Sussex Courier, 09/10/1914

Red Cross Hospital at Netley - Sussex Huts
More wounded arrive at 
Netley Hospital
List of wounded at Netley Hospital

Private James Shaw

3rd Battalion

Manchester Regiment

He lived at Cowlieshaw.  He was wounded in the head and sent home to Netley Hospital to recover. 

He had fought in the Boer War.

Heywood Advertiser 09/10/1914

Dr Lloyd and Sergeant Timmis

Staff at Netley Hospital 1914

Private James Allen Purdy

Service No 8030

Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.


He had part of his valise carried off his back

by a piece of shell. 

He is a native of Poyntspass Co Armagh.

Pte J A Purdy at Netley Hospital

Private G Higgins 

Service No 10642

Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. 


He lives at 148 Wilton Street,

Shankhill Road, Belfast 


Privates Higgins and Purdy at Netley Hospital 1914

They were wounded at the same time when the enemy began a rear guard action and opened heavy artillery fire on them from ambush. They were both struck on the right shoulder. 


They were attended to by the Red Cross and then transferred to Netley where each

had their bullet removed.   Both soldiers are progressing favourably.

They have kept their bullets as souvenirs of their engagement with the Germans.

Larne Times 10/10/1914 - both photos and text

Abertillery Bed at Welsh Hospital Netley

A A Prichard was appointed a "Dresser" when the Welsh Hospital opened in October 1914.  


He is the son of Dr R Prichard of Cardiff.

The Hospital October 1914

Gunner King at Netley Hospital
Red Cross Society donate another Hut at Netley

C Pearson MD was granted the Rank of Temporary Lieutenant whilst serving at the British Red Cross Hospital in Netley in October 1914.

London Gazette Issue 28965 P9018

Private Arthur Read

Army Service Corps

Patient in Netley Hospital in October 1914


He owes his life to a New Testament.

He kept the book in his trouser pocket and was shot during the battle of the Aisne.

The bullet penetrated the Testament and also his hip but thanks to the book,

he received only a slight wound.


He has sent the Testament to his sweetheart, (Miss) Annie Williams of Godalming.

Runcorn Guardian, Tuesday 20/10/1914

Welsh Hospital at Netley 1914
Indian Field Ambulance Corps at Netley Hospital

P Pland, Soldat in the German Army died at Netley Hospital on 22/10/1914 and is buried in 

Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1611

Netley Military Cemetery Register

Private John James O'Brien

Service No 439

1st (or 2nd) Battalion

Manchester Regiment


He served in the Expeditionary Force in France.

He died at Netley Hospital from wounds received on 27/10/1914 

and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC 804.

De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919; Fold3 Army Register

Welsh Hospital Staff travel to Netley
Welsh Hospital Staff leave Cardiff for Netley
Welsh Hospital Staff leave Cardiff for Netley
Welsh Hospital Staff  + Prince of Wales' Plumes

Private Charles Cottis

Service No L/8004

1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 28/10/1914 from tetanus contracted whilst on active service. 


He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref CE1620. 

He was married.

De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919

Private David Cunningham

Service No 8239

2nd Welsh Regiment


It was officially reported to his wife that he had been killed in action but then she received a letter from her husband saying he was all right except for a shrapnel wound in his right arm and that he was in Netley Hospital.


He served 7 years with the colours and went through the South African War. 


He lived at No 14, Cwmrydybedd, Dowlais, Mid Glamorgan, Wales.

  Western Mail 28/10/1914


The Welsh Hospital at Netley
Welsh Hospital at Netley 1914

Miss Mary Jane Martin is the Matron at the Welsh Hospital.  She was trained at the Middlesex Hospital and was at one time, a Sister at the Cardiff Infirmary.

The Hospital 31/10/1914

Cwn cyntaf nawr ceffylau ..
Funds for the Welsh Hospital Beds at Netley
Bandages for Netley Hospital

Appeal for fruit and sweet biscuits for the Indian wounded at Netley
Appeal on behalf of Indian Wounded at Netley
Wounded at Netley

If you are looking for a specific name, perhaps a relative, who has a connection to

Netley Hospital, why not drop me a message via Contact Me?   

Perhaps your relative is already on the Netley Hospital Names' database?


It's free to enquire and if we hold or find any information in connection 

to the Hospital, that's free too!


If you would like copies of any documents we find in relation to that search, all we ask is that 

you make a minimum £10.00 donation to The Alzheimer's Society on proof of which the

documents will be emailed to you via the "We Transfer" service. 

The War Office gets it wrong!
War Office reports

Private W G Town (right) takes over from Private Blakey this week to report to their local paper and its readers.  As you can see, the article gives an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of an ambulance-man at the Hospital.


See below for more news from Private Blakey

Todmorden Ambulance Men still at Netley Hospital
Welsh Hospital, Netley First Operation
German Wounded at Netley
British Red Cross Hospital, Nurses
Recreation Room at British Red Cross Hospital Netley 1914
Patients and Staff at British Red Cross Hospital Netley 1914

More news of and insight into daily life at Netley Hospital, courtesy of Private Blakey ...

Ambulance Work at Netley Hospital 1914
Ambulance Work at Netley Hospital 1914

Below left, Professors Maclean and Parkes still being quoted after all these years.

Below right, the development of a tetanus vaccination

Professors Maclean and Parkes, Netley Hospital
Tetanus Curable at Netley Hospital

Private Edward Northwood Ravenhill

Service No 9682

1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers


He received a shrapnel wound to his neck on 21/10/1914 and was admitted to

Netley Hospital on 24/10/1914. 

He underwent x-rays - a bullet was found. He underwent an operation on 06/11/1914 to remove shrapnel. He suffered a haemorrhage on 07/11/1914. 


He died at Netley on 15/11/1914, aged 25 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref CE1636. 

National Archives Folio 93 - 94 MH 106/2112/42; Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Christmas Boxes for Netley Wounded
Liverpool Bed at Welsh Hospital, Netley

“There are now representatives of five different nations in Netley Hospital - British, Indians, French, Belgians and Germans. This is the first time in the history of the hospital that such

a thing has happened.”

Hampshire Advertiser 21/11/1914

Gas Stoves in Welsh Hospital at Netley
Private J Banks died at Netley November 1914

Private J Banks

Service No 7725

3rd Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps

Pre-enlistment he was a Boot Finisher

He died at Netley Hospital on 3 November 1914 from wounds received in action.

He came from Ripon.

Private Thomas McAdams

Service No 6417

2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers


He received shrapnel wound to his face on

07/11/1914 at Ypres. 


He was admitted to Netley on 24/11/1914 with septic wounds. Plastic surgery was necessary. 

He was discharged to a convalescent home on 08/12/1914. Outcome not stated. 

National Archives Folio 387 MH 106/2110/171



Private Deans

 Scots Guards


He is a Patient in Netley Hospital in November 1914 suffering with a bullet wound in the shoulder.  He is now a convalescent.


His father, George Deans, lives in

Cairnfield Terrace.

Aberdeen Evening Express 27/11/1914

3rd Oxfords at Netley Hospital 1914

Private Clement Webster

The Buffs

He was severely wounded in action and brought

home to Netley Hospital

Private Clement Webster at Netley Hospital 1914

Private Roderick Perry

Service No 9857

2nd Battalion Oxfordshire + Buckinghamshire Light Infantry


He was the eldest son of the late Joseph Perry.  

He received a gunshot wound to his left knee resulting in a comminuted fracture of the tibia. 


He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 01/12/1914 and died a short time later. 

 He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1648.  

National Archives Folio 197 MH 106/2125/40

Private Hill at Netley Hospital

Two brothers in the same Regiment but in different hospitals !


Private J Hill and Private T Hill, brothers, are both serving with the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment.


Private J Hill is currently lying in Netley Hospital suffering with a wound in his arm.  

His brother, Private T Hill, is in a French hospital

suffering with a wound to his face.


The Hill brothers belong to Wellingborough.

Northampton Chronicle + Echo 02/12/1914

Queen Alexandra sends lawn muslin for use by the wounded Indian troops at the British Red Cross Hospital but it's too good to use!

Wounded Indian Troops at Netley Hospital

Setting up the facilities at the new British Red Cross Hospital

at Netley.

Donations to the Red Cross Hospital at Netley

Sepoy Ratif Khan

Service No 3818

107th Pioneers


He received a gunshot wound to his right eye on 23/11/1914 and was admitted to Netley Hospital on 02/12/1914 with a septic wound. Tetanus set in on 03/12/1914 and he was transferred to the Tetanus ward suffering from marked cyanotic attacks on 06/12/1914. 


 He died on 08/12/1914, aged 25.  He is buried in Brookwood Cemetery. 

National Archives Folio 115 - 116, MH 106/2105/52

Belgians at the Welsh Hospital, Netley
Private Dodworth in Netley Hospital
Local Auxiliary Hospitals for Netley

Private Robert Bruce Richardson

Service No 2981

10th Liverpool Scottish Regiment


He was 26.  His illness, enteric fever began on 01/12/1914.

He was seen by a medical officer and given brandy and pills and was transferred to a small field hospital, then to Bailleul on 04/12/1914 and on to Boulogne on 05/12/1914. 


He boarded HMHS “St Patrick” on 06/12/1914 and was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 08/12/1914.  No visible illness detected on admission. 


The Doctor suspecting Maconochie’s* Ration to be the likely cause,

discharged him on 15/12/1914. 

National Archives Folio 35 MH 106/2088/19


*Maconochie was a stew of sliced turnips, carrots and potatoes in a thin broth, named for the

Aberdeen Maconochie Company that produced it.


It was widely used as a food ration for British soldiers in the frontline trenches during WW1.

Although the stew was tolerable, most soldiers detested it.

As one soldier put it, "warmed in the tin, Maconochie was edible; cold, it was a man-killer."


Others complained about how the potatoes appeared to be black lumps.

A reporter once described the stew as "an inferior grade of garbage".

www.wikipedia.org.uk

Photo Swimming Pool at Netley Hospital
British Red Cross Hospital, Netley Donations

One final article from Private Blakey

as 1914 comes to a close.

Christmas-time at Netley Hospital
Christmas-time at Netley Hospital

Private Richard Walsh 

Service No 4250, B Company

1st Battalion Irish Guards.


Eldest son of Patrick and Mary Walsh, 9 Green Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny.  

He died at Netley Hospital on 18/12/1914 from wounds received and is buried at 

Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC 822.  He was 23 years of age.

Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

British Red Cross Society  - support to Netley
Gramophones for British Red Cross Hospital Netley

Rifleman A Mallion 

1st Rifle Brigade

He is in Netley Hospital, near Southampton, wounded.


His next-of-kin is Miss J Mallion, The Bungalow, Filsham Road, St Leonards-on-Sea

(who supplied the photo)

Hastings + St Leonard's Observer 19/12/1914 - text and photo

Private Mallion at Netley Hospital 1914
Berkshire Hut at Red Cross Hospital Netley 1914

Private W Connelly

Service No 9539

2nd Battalion Scots Guards


Husband of Margaret Dibble (formerly Connelly), 12 Smithfield Street, Gorgie, Edinburgh. 

He died at Netley Hospital on 21/12/1914, age 34.

He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC823.

War Graves of the British Empire



Private John Hadley

Service No 13355

3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment


He received gunshot wounds to both thighs on 14/09/1914 while advancing.  

He was admitted to Netley on 19/09/1914. Tetanus began on 26/09/1914.

He was transferred to the Tetanus ward on 27/09/1914 suffering with spasms. 


On 13/12/1914 he was transferred to the Surgical Division.  

On 20/12/1914, he was suffering with crepitations 

[a crackling sound made when breathing with an inflamed lung] and tubercular breathing.


He died of tetanus on 23/12/1914, 21 years old.

He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N322. 

The People 22/12/1914; War Graves of the British Empire; National Archives Folio 236 - 243 MH 106/2105/110

"New Irish Hospital with 200 Beds"
Irish Hospital - extension of British Red Cross at Netley

Netley Hospitals' Christmas Celebrations! 

Christmas Dinner for all at Netley Hospital

Private Joseph Matthews

Service No 11383

1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment


He scalded his foot on 02/12/1914 when he upset a kettle of boiling water.

Ailments listed - septic wound of foot, blisters. 

He received treatment at Boulogne.  


On or about 14/12/1914, he was admitted to the Welsh  Hospital, Netley where his wounds were dressed, picric acid* was applied, the sloughing skin was removed and carbolic lotion applied. 


His wounds healed and he was discharged on or about 01/01/1915.  He was 44 years old.

National Archives Folio 423 MH 106/2129/276


*The National Archives' transcription said  "picnic acid" but I'm sure it should have been 

"picric acid" which was an antiseptic used to treat burns (as well as in munitions,

it being highly explosive).  

www.wikipedia.org.uk

British Red Cross Hospital gets ready to receive 

Indian wounded

British Red Cross Hospital Netley and Indian wounded

Lance-Corporal Ernest Mann

Lance-Corporal Mann at Netley Hospital

As we leave 1914 and move into 1915, please meet a couple of members of the

Voluntary Aid Detachment working at Netley.

www.vad.redcross.org.uk  


Annie Elizabeth Betts

Sister at the Royal Victoria Hospital from 1914 to 1915. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross.


Newton Braby

Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital from December 1914 to June 1915.  

He lived at Charlwood House, Lowfield Heath, Crawley and was 48 years old when he started at Netley Hospital

"Lincolnshire Hut" at the British Red Cross Hospital

Donations for Lincolnshire Hut at Netley Hospital
Red Cross Hospital at Netley in 1915

Trenches and Tetanus

One of the most serious of the medical problems which had to be faced soon after the trench-fighting began in France and in Flanders was that of tetanus.


Experts have been hard at work in London and on the other side of the Channel grappling with the theory and practice of its prevention or cure.  It was found that wounded discovered in certain areas developed tetanus whilst other fields were immune from the germ.  Shorn of technical details, the reason appears to be that the countryside where our troops have been fighting is not the virgin soil, say of the veldt, for it has been lived upon for centuries and its soil cultivated year by year, especially in the Champagne district.


The tetanus germ flourishes more at a depth of eighteen inches and under than on the surface.  

That is why the peril is aggravated by trench-digging.

Interview with Dr A W Sheen, Welsh Hospital - Western Mail 09/01/1915

Welsh Hospital, Netley
Dr Sheen, Welsh Hospital, Netley
Dr Sheen, Welsh Hospital, Netley

Slightly Wounded?

There is a certain wounded warrior in Netley Hospital who has been there since about the beginning of November 1914 and who is officially described a "slightly wounded".


He has five bullets in his right shoulder, one in his left arm, one in his right arm 

and his right thigh has been shattered by shrapnel.

Portsmouth Evening News 11/01/1915

Nurse Ethel Nazer

Nurse Ethel Nazer, Red Cross Hospital Netley 1915

Welsh Hospital update

Nurse Ethel Nazar tells a touching story of a blind Gurkha, a patient in the 

Red Cross Hospital, Netley

British Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Corporal John Logan

Service No 733

Military Mounted Police


He was transferred from the Military Hospital at Cottonera, Malta.

Condition - epileptic stupor.  Ailments listed: nervous debility, general weakness but was largely

well on admission to Netley on 21/01/1915. 


He had previously served in South Africa. 

He was stationed to the Dardanelles on 25/04/1915. He reported sick in late 1914. 

Treated with Brandy at the Front. Civilian job: miner.  Age 38. 

National Archives Folio 83 MH 106/2102/41

Patient's View of Netley Hospital in 1915
Private Groome's View of Netley Hospital in 1915

Personal Memories of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley ...  

"During the 1914 - 1918 War, I was at school next door to the Abbey and my father was a

Medical Officer at the Hospital.

 

To those of us who knew it, who will ever forget the three seemingly endless corridors, which rumour said, if put end-to-end would measure a good mile?  


Even in those days, it was out of date for the running of an efficient hospital,

and there had been negotiations shortly before the outbreak of war to sell it for a biscuit factory.


Fortunately the plans fell through for Netley Hospital came into the glory that it had been intended for when it was built, during the forthcoming four-year holocaust."


Author is possibly Leslie Grant; I came across this bit on an old tattered page of Hampshire Magazine

Westmorland Hut at British Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Westmorland Hut - British Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Private Edwin George

Service No 5159

3rd + 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry

Admitted to Netley Hospital in January 1915 and remained there for seven months

Edwin George at Netley Hospital 1915
Edwin George at Netley Hospital 1915

JAPANESE RED CROSS SOCIETY


"A contingent of two surgeons, two chief nurses, 20 nurses, a secretary and an interpreter reached Liverpool on 22/01/1915 from Japan.  They were met and welcomed by a deputation from the British Red Cross Society.  The party will shortly join the British Red Cross Society's Hospital at Netley, Hampshire."

Aberdeen Press + Journal 23/01/1915

Japanese Nurses at Netley Hospital
Japanese Red Cross at Netley Hospital
Netley Hospital
Japanese Nurses at Red Cross Hospital Netley 1915
Japanese Red Cross Doctors at Netley
Netley Hospital
Netley Hospital, near Southampton

The Newspapers of the day reported on everything connected with Netley Hospital

Subscriptions for the Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Corporal William Reynolds

Service No 10103, 

23rd Field Company, Royal Engineers


He was the son of Matthew and Ellen Reynolds, of Ballycarthy, Tralee, Co. Kerry.  

He died at Netley on 09/02/1915 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref RC831. 

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects

Red Cross Hospital Huts at Netley
Red Cross Hutted Hospital at Netley

On Friday evening week, a social and dance were held in the National School-room, Grantham.  

The funds are to be devoted to the Netley Hospital.

Grantham Journal 20/02/1915

Product Endorsement No 5!
Crook-Lawless endorsement at Netley Hospital
Subs for Oakendean Hut at Netley Hospital

Private Robert Elder Alles

Service No 10160

Argyll + Sutherland Highlanders

He died at Netley on 28/02/1915 from fractured bones.  

He is buried at Kinross East Burying Ground, Kinross, Perthshire

Ancestry.co.uk/Burial Records

Wounded arriving at Netley Hospital WW1
Shipping out of Netley Hospital in WW1?

Indian Troops' Funeral customs were always a source of interest and intrigue in Netley Village - as recalled by two of our past residents below:

Memories about Indian Soldiers at Netley Hospital

Another past Resident, Mr Eric O'Hara recalled -


"One memory I have forgotten to mention in connection with the funeral ceremonies, was the burning of the corpses of every Indian or such like as is their custom. 


As one enters the cemetery, up on the right, one sees a large grassy mound and fires were lighted for the burials."

Past Residents' Memories are from Ken Ford's Research courtesy of Hound Local History Society's Archives

And "officially" by the Newspapers too - 

Indian Soldier's Funeral at Netley Hospital
Rochdale RAMC at Netley in 1915
Rochdale RAMC at Netley in 1915
RAMC based at Netley Hospital
Pte Clark wounded and in Netley Hospital

Postscript:


He is the son of Mr T H Clark, Byron Street, Skipton.


Sadly he died at Netley Hospital on 11/03/1915 from the wounds received in action.  He was 24 years old.

West Sussex Gazette 18/03/1915

Photo of Pte Clarke - admitted to Netley Hospital
Subscribers to the Sussex Hut at Netley Hospital
Pte Trevor Mabbett at Netley Hospital
Sgt C Valon at Netley Hospital 1915
Neuve-Chapelle wounded at Netley Hospital 1915
The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle took place in the Artois Region of France, from 10 - 13 March 1915.  

The attack was intended to cause a rupture in the German lines which would then be exploited with a rush to the Aubers Ridge and possibly Lille.
Neuve-Chapelle Wounded at Netley Hospital
Trenches over Spring Cleaning any day?

Hospital Train behind Netley Hospital 1915
Left - nothing as such to do with Netley; 
just too nice an article to ignore.
Hospital Trains for Netley Hospital

Private Wilfred Hoyle

1st Battalion Expeditionary Force


He is the youngest son of the late Mr John Hoyle and Mrs Hoyle of Gravesend.  



He died at Netley Hospital on 15/03/1915 from pneumonia. 

Rochdale Observer 20/03/1915


Sergeant Henry John Jacob

Service No 18064

Royal Field Artillery


He previously suffered with dysentery in India in 1906. 

Onset of this illness was at Richebourg on 19/02/1915. 

Ailments listed - vomiting and diarrhoea.  He was treated at Merville Clearing Hospital for three weeks. 


Suffering with inflammation of the intestines, he was transferred to the Welsh Hospital, Netley where they found no visible symptoms.  He was discharged.

He was 36 years old.

National Archives Folio 26, MH 106/2088/13


The Haven at Netley Hospital 1915
Netley Hospital 1915
The Wounded at Netley Hospital 1915

Private Griffiths

Canadian Expeditionary Force



On a list of wounded Canadian soldiers admitted to Netley Hospital in March 1915.

The Gazette  Montreal 19/03/1915 via www.newspapers.com

Rifleman Sharkey

Royal Irish Rifles


He was wounded and brought home to Netley Hospital in late March 1915.

Derry Journal 26/03/1915


Private G Cleaton

Service No 8849

1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.



He is lying sick in Netley Hospital in late March 1915.

Warwick + Warwickshire Advertiser, 27/03/1915

Albert John Lister

Service No 6832

Suffolk Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 26/03/1915 from gangrene in his feet.

Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

Letter from an Indian Soldier at Netley
Cymmrodorion Concert at Welsh Hospital, Netley

Private Patrick Gribbin

Service No 10975, Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)

He was a Miner pre-enlistment.  


He received a bullet wound which penetrated through leading to a rupture of the urethra and 

a gunshot wound to his thigh on on 13/03/1915 at Neuve-Chapelle.


He attended hospital in Wimereux and then was admitted to Netley Hospital on 30/03/1915 

where he was fitted with a catheter.  He was discharged as unfit on 05/07/1915.  He was 25.  


His File at the National Archives holds 2 Medical Case Sheets. 

National Archives Folio 199 MH 106/2116/85

Private Thomas Fairbairn
Pte Fairbairn discharged, cured from Netley Hospital
Quartermaster G T Kettle
Grantham Divison VADs to Netley Hospital

Private W Frisby

1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment


 He has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry while

serving at the front. 


He is at present at Netley Hospital suffering with a serious wound to his neck.  

He is 18 years old; his three brothers are all serving at the front.  

He is the youngest son of Mrs Bladen of the "Wagon and Horses" at Tividale


Captain F Latham, writing to Private Frisby's parents, states that his gallant deed consisted of assisting to dress the injuries of a wounded man at great risk to himself, 

while under fire when the Leicesters took over the trenches from the 1st Gurkhas.

Birmingham Daily Post Monday 05/04/1915

Red Cross Hospital
Dr Russell Coombe
Sheriff of Exeter working at Netley Hospital

Lance-Corporal Ernest Gale Brown

Service No 10389

4th Dragoon Guards


He reported sick on 24/03/1915 at Tidworth with a sore on his knee and was sent to Tidworth Hospital.   He was transferred to Netley Hospital on 08/04/1915 suffering with

pustular eruption** to his thighs and chest.   He is 23 years of age. 

He was discharged on 16/04/1915.

National Archives Folio 212 MH 106/2100/130


**A rare skin reaction that in 90% of cases was related to medication administration,

appearing on average five days after a medication was started.

www.wiki-paedia.org.uk

Pte Ross at Netley Hospital 1915
Pte John M Ross at Netley 1915
Welsh Hospital, Netley appeals for donations
Scarves for the wounded at Netley Hospital!
Colonel Sir William Leishman late of Netley Hospital
Fresh Eggs on the menu at Netley Hospital

Much more egg-citing Egg stories still to come!

Anzac Cove, Gallipoli April 1915

Below - Field surgery in the Dardanelles in 1915. Scroll down to October 1916 to see the standard contents of a Field Surgeon's Pannier.

Field Surgery in the Dardanelles in 1915.
Red Cross Hospital, Netley - Radnorshire Hut

Sapper George Francis

Service No 1225

Royal Engineers


He received gunshot wound to his abdomen and loin. 

He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 29/04/1915 with an extensive and filthy wound. 

 Tetanus began 01/05/15.

He died at Netley Hospital on 03/05/1915, age 19.  

He is buried in Shepton Mallet.

National Archives Folio 113 MH 106/210/50

Recruits are required for the St John Brigade, the qualification being a first aid certificate of the St. John Association. 


For particulars concerning recruiting, write to First Ambulance Officer R. C. Moorman (men), Gibraltar House, Hound Road, Netley Abbey; Mrs Metcalfe (ladies), Seabreeze, Netley Abbey.

Hampshire Advertiser 08/05/1915


Pte Ness at Netley Hospital 1915

Private Alexander Noss

Private John Johnstone

Pte Johnstone at Netley Hospital 1915

 Sapper Fred W Burgess

Sapper Burgess at Netley Hospital 1915

Second Lieutenant Frederick Joseph Morley

1st Battalion Dorset Regiment


He received a gunshot wound to the left side of his face on 05/05/1915 at Ypres

near Hill 60 from 15 yards away. 

He attended hospital in France where the bullet was extracted from his lower jaw. 


He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 14/05/1915. Outcome not stated. He was 24 years old. 

His National Archives file contains one Medical Case Sheet and a sketch of his wound.

National Archive Folio 253 MH 106/2110/111

Captain Nitch at Red Cross Hospital Netley

Red Cross Hospital Netley 1915
Spotted Fever at Netley Hospital 1915
Egg-y stories at Netley Hospital

Eggs-traordinary times call for all sorts of encouragement!


The letter on the left was sent to the Editor of many newspapers during May 1915 encouraging the general public to become involved in collecting and donating fresh eggs to the wounded soldiers at Netley Hospital.

There's a wonderful example of how successful this was further down in September 1915.

Cap Badge for Royal Engineers

Sapper J W Hamilton

Service No 17466

38th Field Company, Royal Engineers


He died at Netley Hospital on 17/05/1915.

He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref CE1687

Casualty Search for Netley Military Cemetery at cwgc.org

Private James Scott in Netley Hospital 1915

Private James Scott

Service No 2168 

4th Battalion Black Watch


Son of Mr David Scott, Hillbank Terrace, Kirriemuir. 

He was 20 years old and served his apprenticeship to the grocery trade with Mr D F Leslie, Kirriemuir. 


He enlisted at Monifieth where he was employed by Peebles Bros. He was the first man from Monifieth to volunteer. He was an Officer in the Monifieth Boys’ Brigade.


He was wounded in action on the memorable 9th May**, the injuries to his head being serious. He was transferred to Netley a day or two ago but died on Tuesday 18/05/1915. 


He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N332.

Dundee Evening Telegraph Wednesday 19/05/1915 - photo + text

**The Battle of Aubers Ridge was a British offensive which took place from 9 - 10 May 1915 - a disastrous attack which cost 11,000 British casualties for no material gain.  

www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles

Private James Baldie

Service No 3695

London Scottish Regiment


 He was a Patient at the Royal Victoria Hospital in May 1915.

He was born in Largs, North Ayrshire. 

 He died at Netley Hospital on 20/05/1915 of wounds received and was buried

in Netley Military Cemetery. 


He had a younger brother, Private John Baldie of Royal Bank House, Markinch, Fife 

Ancestry: Death, Burial Records


A Relative perhaps?

Mrs Frances Mabel Baldie, nee Johnstone, is serving as a Nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment at Netley Hospital between September 1914 and January 1915.

She lived at 50 Manor Place Edinburgh.

www.vad.redcross.org.uk

Red Cross Hospital, Netley - Oakenden Hut
Soldiers suffering mental strain are not lunatics
Private Morgan at Netley Hospital
Private George Price Morgan
3rd Monmouthshire Regiment

He was wounded near Hill 60, Seeing an unmanned machine gun, he manned the gun and poured a hail of bullets into the enemy. As a result the enemy advance was halted. 

In May 1915, he is now at Netley Hospital with wounds in his hip and shoulder. 
He comes from Dukestown, near Tredegar. His parents live in Glanhowy Terrace, Dukestown. 

Pre-enlistment he was a teacher having completed his training at Brighton College in August 1914. He enlisted with several other Tredegar teachers in September 1914.

His father works in one of the local collieries.  

This Appeal was sent out on behalf of the 

Red Cross Hospital at Netley.  

Linen Bags needed for Netley Hospital

"The Red Cross Hospital"

The Sussex Branch of the British Red Cross Society has given £160 towards the maintenance of the Sussex Hut at Netley Red Cross Hospital. A sum of £80 has been forwarded by subscribers to the Oakenden Hut.

Hampshire Telegraph 28/05/1915

Pte Battle at Netley Hospital 1915
Pte Battle at Netley Hospital in 1915

Lt-Colonel Alfred W Sheen MD

2nd Welsh Field Ambulance

RAMC

Major B A Corbett,

13th Rajput Regiment

He was wounded on 03/11/1914 at Banga in British East Africa, receiving a bullet wound to his left hip joint.

He was 41 years old.


He was admitted to Netley on 01/05/1915. An X-ray detected a smashed femur with large shrapnel pieces present. Treatment was massage and movement with crutches. 


He was discharged on sick leave on 29/05/1915. 

National Archives Folio 731 - 733 MH 106/2123/245

Why not have a look at the Shared Hospital Stories? 

If you have already researched your relative's military story and found a connection to the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Netley and wish to add their details to our Netley Military Hospital Names' database, we would love to hear from you.


Please click Contact Me to get in touch. Thank you!



A Patient at Netley Hospital in March 1915, he is 19 years of age.  He enlisted in September 1914. Pre-enlistment, he worked at the Forth + Clyde + Sunnyside Foundry, Camelon, Falkirk.


He was wounded in the face and arms.  His home is at Griffiths Street, Falkirk. 

Private Robert McPherson

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Pte McPherson at Netley Hospital

His Father is serving with the 1st Gordon Highlanders and his brother Private Harry McPherson is serving in France with the Army Service Corps. 


In the photo, Private McPherson is in the middle of the three men in the foreground.

More Donations for Netley Red Cross Hospital

Red Cross Hospital Netley - Burton on Trent Beds

Lance-Corporal Godfrey McDonald

Corporal McDonald at Netley Hospital 1915

Many of our local residents worked at the Hospital in its heyday.

The British Red Cross Hospital receives large numbers of wounded from the Dardanelles

Red Cross Hospital, Netley in 1915
Ampule of anti-typhoid vaccine

Ampoule of anti-typhoid vaccine (1915)

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/medicine

Cook needed at Welsh Hospital, Netley
Volunteer Training Corps Recruiting at Netley
Cricket Match at Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Private Albert Carter

Service No S/9886

Black Watch


He died at Netley Hospital on 15/06/1915

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects

Miss Maud Dipple

She is working as a Nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley in June 1915 whilst her brothers are all fighting at the Front.

Coventry Standard 18/06/1915



Driver R Littlehales

Driver Littlehales at Netley Hospital 1915
Sapper Connock at Netley Hospital
More Eggs for Netley Hospital

One can't help wondering if the volume of eggs being eaten at the Hospital is at least partly responsible 

for that smelly ditch?

Netley Hospital complains to District Council

Private Bernard Bolden

7th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers


He received shrapnel wounds to his face on 06/05/1915 in the Dardanelles while waiting to go into the trenches.  He attended hospital in Malta - the chain of evacuation is detailed in his National Archive file.  

The shrapnel was removed at Malta. 


He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 27/06/1915 suffering with otitis media**.  

He was discharged on 27/07/1915, aged 20.  

There is a Medical Case Sheet containing a sketch of his wound and brief medical history

in his National Archives file.

National Archives Folio 278 MH 106/2110/122


**Inflammatory disease of the middle ear, often associated with hearing loss but pain is rarely present.

wikipedia.org.uk

Derbyshire Hut at Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Red Cross Hospital, Netley - Upkeep of Beds
Private EJ Niddery at Netley Hospital 1915
Army Medical Staff at Netley help local farmers
Local Yachtsmen helping with wounded at Netley
Royalty visit the wounded at Netley Hospital

The Princess later lunched with Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke at

"Hamble Cliffe" 

Hampshire Advertiser

If you recognise any of the photos or articles mentioned on this Page and either wish to know more, or see that I have made an error or you have further details and/or photos or documents which you are happy to share on this Page, please get in contact with me!  Thank you.

Donations flood in for Red Cross Hospital Netley
Appeal for Sussex Hut at Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Local lady helps Netley's wounded Officers

Private William McGrath

1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers


He received a shrapnel wound to his neck on 05/07/1915 near Krithia**.  

He was admitted to the Hospital Ship “Dongola” where the shrapnel was removed.

On arrival at Southampton, he was transferred to Netley on 24/07/1915, aged 20.  

He was discharged on furlough on 30/07/1915.

His National Archive file contains a sketch of his wound.  

National Archives Folio 393 MH 106/2112/226


** Krithia is a small village in Thessaloniki.

Blue Cross Choir entertains at Netley Hospital

The author of the above article was a member of a group called the Blue Cross Choir who toured the country offering entertainment.

They advocated temperance.

Main Gate of British Red Cross Hospital Netley 1915

Victim of German Water Poisoners


Private H Priestley,

1st Sherwood Foresters,


Victim of the German crime of poisoning water, he was buried with military honours

at Beeston on Saturday.  


He was wounded on May 9th and at Netley Hospital, his wounds healed but a complication

of six diseases set in as a result of drinking water in the trenches that the

Germans had poisoned, and death ensued.

Yorkshire Post + Leeds Intelligencer 02/08/1915

The General Public continued to rally to the cause.

Below, more donations for the upkeep of the Radnorshire Hut in the Red Cross Hospital.
Radnorshire Hut Upkeep at Red Cross Hospital Netley
Local Strawberry Growers get together 
to make Jam
Strawberry Jam at Netley Hospital
The Western Mail on 12/08/1915 kept its Readers up-to-date on the goings on at the Welsh Hospital, Netley 
Gymkana at Welsh Hospital, Netley

Welsh Hospital, Netley
Welsh Hospital, Netley

Welsh Hospital Netley
"Fruit and Flower Service"
A fruit and flower service was held at the Parish Church on Sunday.  
The altar was loaded with beautiful offerings.  
After the service, the fruit and flowers were sent to the wounded soldiers at Netley Hospital.
[Hampshire Telegraph 20/08/1915]
Day out for wounded at Netley 1915
Hertford Hut at Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Pte Hamilton at Netley Hospital 1915
Queen Alexandra's Visit to Netley Hospital

Jack Monroe , Princess Patricia's Regiment.

He was in Netley Hospital when Queen Alexandra paid a visit on 23/08/1915. 


He is a well-known Boxer and was introduced to the Queen who expressed the "hope that his wounds would not prevent him from practising his art".

The Toronto World 24/08/1915 via www.newspapers.com

New YMCA Hut at Netley Hospital
The Hampshire Newspapers report on the various entertainment and activities happening within 
the Hospital Grounds 
Day Out for Netley's wounded soldiers
Cricket at Netley Hospital 1915

Mrs Alice Emelia Emerson, nee Coupland, was interviewed in the 1980s about her time working at Netley Hospital during WW1.  The Labour Exchange sent her there.  She didn't know what the job was until she arrived at the Hospital and was told she would be a lift operator in B Division of the Hospital.


The hydraulic lift was operated by pulling on a thick rope which brought one large tank holding gallons of water down whilst the second equally large tank went up and the lift moved accordingly.  She was only a slip of a girl but she soon got used to pulling the rope although her arms were sore for a long time.  


Her uniform was a navy blue top coat and a little round hat with a red cross on it; her dress was brown.  

She was given £5 to buy her uniform and every six months, she got £2 10s for its upkeep.  


She had to sign on for the duration of the war.  

After she had done 6 months' duty, she received a Certificate and after 12 months,

a little brooch/badge on a chain which said "General Service VAD".  It was white with a red cross on it.


She met her husband whilst at Netley Hospital.  He was a patient suffering from trench foot and appendicitis.

[Extracted from files in Julie's Collection]

What are the chances that it is her husband who is the recipient below?
Postcard to Sgt Emerson at Netley Hospital

The British Red Cross Society's Members worked tirelessly throughout the War raising funds for Netley Hospital.
Support for Westmorland Hut at Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Singing to the Wounded

Miss Reeve** has spent much of her time lately in singing to our wounded soldiers at Netley Hospital.  

She describes the cheerfulness and optimism of our wounded warriors as simply astounding.  

In no single case, did Miss Reeve hear an isolated expression of regret from 

any of the men that they had suffered for their country.

Daily Mirror 01/09/1915


**Miss Ada Reeve, born Adelaide Mary Reeves, was a well-known, popular English actress of both stage and film

en.wikipedia.org

Pte Harry Grindrod at Netley 1915

Private Harry Grindrod

9th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers


He died at Netley Hospital on 31/08/1915 from wounds received at the Dardanelles, aged 19 years. 


He took part in the new landing at Gallipoli and was wounded in five places on reaching the beach. 


His father Mr S Grindrod lived at 6 Bocklands, Wardle.  Pre-enlistment he was employed at Clegg’s, Shore Mills, Littleborough. 


 He is interred in the Wesleyan Churchyard.

Rochdale Observer 04/09/1915 - text + photo

Donated Gramophone Records for Netley Hospital

German POWs enjoying Tea at Netley 1915
Photos of a Visit to Netley Hospital  September 1915

Second Lieutenant J E Murphy

2nd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers


Disease - Catarrhal Jaundice. Onset of illness on 08/05/1915. 

He was admitted to Estretat on 11/09/1915 and then transferred to Netley

on 14/09/1915 with the following ailment listed - jaundiced.


He was discharged on 01/10/1915 to one month of sick leave. 


His National Archive File file contains 2 medical case sheets and a medical transfer certificate. 

National Archives Folio 112 MH 106/2090/71

Cricket at Netley Hospital
British Red Cross Hospital Netley 1915
Mrs Lloyd George visits Netley Hospital
Mrs Lloyd George visits Welsh Hospital, Netley
Ambulance Train at Netley Hospital Station
Dining Hall + Rest Room at Red cross Hospital Netley
Welsh Officer at Netley - Speech + Memory Lost

I said it would be "egg-citing" - no "egg-aggeration"

I'm sure you are pleased to hear that I have not only "eggs-hausted" the play on words but also ran out of articles about Eggs - well for now!

Eggs-citing Update at Netley Hospital

Corporal J G Whiting

Service No 1005

Royal Bucks Hussars


He is in Netley Hospital suffering with a gunshot wound in his

left leg.

Buckingham Advertiser + Free Press 18/09/1915

Miss McKevitt appointed to Netley Hospital

Private Arthur Willics

Service No 12570

9th Battalion Notts + Derby Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 24/09/1915.

Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

Local Districts do their "bit" to support the 
Netley Hospitals
Bursledon VADs work at Netley Hospital
Fair Oak's Contributions to Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Annual Meeting for Red Cross Hospital Netley

Private Frederick James Leader

4th London Regiment

He was admitted to Netley Hospital in late September 1915 suffering from Myalgia**.  Age 32. 


He first reported sick on 29/08/1915 to the Regiment Doctor at Neuve-Chapelle. 


On admission to hospital in Netley, he complained of pain in his leg. He was discharged to sick furlough.

National Archives Folio 405, MH 106/2093/299


** aka Trench Fever

Driver Archibald Abraham

Service No T/35197

42nd Division Train Ambulance

Army Service Corps


He died at Netley Hospital on 29/09/1915, aged 24, from enteric fever contracted in the Dardanelles.

He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref CE1732


He was born in Cardiff. He lived at 29 Station Street, Treherbert. Mid Glamorgan. He was the son of John and Emily Harriet Kingdom, of 20, Station Terrace, Treherbert (Rhondda). 

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects

Appeal to Welsh Churches for funds to Welsh Hospital
Post-script, the article on the right is an update, one month later, on the success of the 
Appeal to the Welsh Churches.
The new YMCA Hut in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley will be used as a Recreation/Club Room
YMCA Work at Netley - new Hut
Update on Welsh Churches' Appeal

James McDonald

Service No 2291

Highland Light Infantry


He died at Netley Hospital on 01/10/1915.

Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects


Fire Drill at British Red Cross Hospital Netley 1915

Private Phillip Charles Vowles

Service No 996

9th Battalion Australian Infantry Force


He was born at Winford, Somerset, UK.  He joined the Gloucester Regiment but deserted and went to Australia where pre-enlistment, he worked as a Policeman. 


He served at Gallipoli where he developed influenza.  Being seriously ill he was brought back to Netley Hospital where he died on 02/10/1915, age 29, of pneumonia.

He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1735


He is the son of Charles and Eliza Jane Vowles of 21, Steven’s Crescent, Totterdown, Bristol. 

Netley Cemetery Admissions - Julie Green

Yacht Owner helps Welsh Hospital wounded
Soldier sent to Netley Hospital in error
Westmorland Hut at Red Cross Hospital Netley
Sphagnum Moss for Netley Hospital
Field Mobile Laboratory used in WW!

Above - Field Mobile Laboratory used in WW1



Right - Field surgical pannier set for surgeons in field stations and ambulances.


The pannier contained equipment for sterilisation, anaesthesia, amputation and trephination **.  The kit also contains a saline infusion apparatus and an aspirator used to remove liquids and gasses from the body.


** a surgical intervention where a hole is drilled, incised or scraped into the skull using surgical tools.

Field surgical pannier used in WW1
Corporal O H Pinel at Netley Hospital 1915
Welsh Hospital, Netley extends by 100 beds

Private Donald McRae

Service No 12/821

NZEF, Auckland Regiment


He died in Netley Hospital on 20/10/1915, aged 35, 

from wounds received at Gallipoli


Son of Finlay + Isabella McRae of Hokonui, Southland, New Zealand.

War Graves of the British Empire



Photo on left extracted from the Otago Witness of 24/11/1915 

via Paperspast.org.nz

Pte Donald McRae at Netley Hospital 1915
Appreciation of Beds at Welsh Hospital Netley

Private John Ledwidge

Service No 7882

4th Battalion South Staffs Regiment. 

He died at Netley Hospital on 21/10/1915.

Fold3 Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

Private Percy Terry at Netley Hospital 1915

Private Percy Terry

Royal Engineers



He is the son of the late Mr + Mrs Terry of Bayham Road, Tunbridge Wells. 


He has been at the Front since outbreak of the war with one or two brief intervals.


He was wounded in France recently in a very painful manner. . He was struck in the region of the left breast by a bullet which passed through his body. 


From the nature of his wound he was exceptionally fortunate to escape with his life. 


He is at present in Netley where he is going on as well as can be expected.

British Red Cross Society update - 
more funds for more equipment
Red Cross Hospital Netley more equipment
Hospital Ship

Last week 22,000 cigarettes were presented to the Chaplain for distribution among the patients. 

 The cigarettes were paid for by the proceeds of a recent concert 

arranged by Messrs Sparks and Living at the Roberts Hall.

Hampshire Advertiser 06/11/1915

Private William Murphy

Pte William Murphy at Netley Hospital 1915
Funds appeared to be readily available for research and development ...
Funds for research at Welsh Hospital, Netley 1915

L V Lloyd

Royal Army Medical Corps


He was stationed at Netley Hospital in November 1915.  


Pre-enlistment he was a member of the clerical staff of Great Western Railway at Swansea.  

He is the son of Mr W A Lloyd, Stationmaster of Easton Court.

Kington Times, Saturday 13/11/1915

Pippins entertainment  at Netley Hospital 1915

Private John William Webster

Service No 3219

Manchester Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 16/11/1915.

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects


The Annual Report of Colonel W Sheen has just been issued and deals with the work accomplished up 

to 26 October 1915 which marks the first anniversary of the establishment of the Welsh Hospital at Netley.

Western Mail 18/11/1915

The Welsh Hospital at Netley - one year on
The Welsh Hospital at Netley - one year on
Welsh Hospital, Netley  - one year on

Pte Ward being treated at Netley Hospital 1915
More funds for the upkeep of the Westmorland Hut at the Red Cross Hospital some of which sent by the Hospital staff themselves!
Stretchers at Netley Hospital WW1
Inside a Ward at Netley Hospital in WW1
Operating Theatre at Netley Hospital

Private Victor Westrip

Pte Westrip at Netley Hospital 1915

Mr F R Barrell, now Professor of Mathematics at Bristol University, had previously rendered important service to the Government as an expert adviser in the localisation work of the X-Ray Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley.


He was taken ill whilst lecturing at the University on 02/12/1915 and died within a few minutes.

Dublin Daily Express 03/12/1915


Japanese Red Cross at Netley

Trooper Francis (Frank) William Parker

Service No 1780

No 4 Troop D (Wantage) Squadron Berkshire Yeomanry

Died from his wounds at Netley Hospital on 19 November 1915

[Photos below received from Andrew G French in June 2021]


Trooper Frank W Parker at Netley Hospital in 1915
Trooper Frank W Parker at Netley Hospital in 1915

He was known to his friends as

"Jammy Parker"

He was the only son of Mr + Mrs Parker of Glebe Farm, Black Bourton.   

He enlisted at Faringdon in February 1913.


He received a severe gunshot wound to his pelvis at Gallipoli on 21/08/1915 while advancing in the open.

He was admitted to hospital at Alexandria and then transferred on 15/09/1915 to a Hospital Ship

for return to England.  He contracted pneumonia en route and when admitted to Netley Hospital on 24/09/1915, he was suffering with dysentery.

National Archives MH 106/2116/71 Folio 172 - 175


He died at Netley Hospital on 19/11/1915, aged 19.

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects



Trooper Frank W Parker at Netley Hospital in 1915

The Army Chaplains' Department

There are many references to the "Chaplain to the Forces" throughout the website and I thought it may be of interest to you to learn about their role etc within the British Army.


The Army Chaplains Department (AChD) was formed by Royal Warrant of 23 September 1796.

During the First World War, some 4400 Army Chaplains were recruited and

179 lost their lives on active service.


The Department received the "Royal" prefix in February 1919.

During the Second World War, another 96 British and 38 Commonwealth Army Chaplains lost their lives,


Chaplains are either classified as Jewish or as a member of one of eight Christian denominational groups.  

There are of course religious advisers from other faiths. 

However, an Army chaplain is expected to minister to and provide pastoral care to any soldier 

who needs it, no matter their denomination or faith or indeed lack of it


Chaplains are the only British Army officers who do not carry standard officer ranks.  

Their official designation is "Chaplain to the Forces (CF)".  

They do, however, have grades which equate to the standard ranks and wear the insignia of

the equivalent rank.  

Chaplains are never addressed by their nominal military rank.


Chaplain-General (CG) = Major-General;

Deputy Chaplain-General (DCG) = Brigadier

Chaplain to the Forces 1st Class (CF1) = Colonel

Chaplain to the Forces 2nd Class (CF2) = Lieutenant Colonel

Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class (CF3) = Major

Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class (CF4) = Captain

Information supplied by en-wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Army_Chaplains

Cpl Kellock at Netley in 1915
British Farmers Red Cross Funds for Netley Hospital

Driver William Kemp

Service No 024273

Royal Army Service Corps


He reported sick on 19/10/1915 at Neuve Mond, France with pains in his side (rheumatism) and was sent to the Base Hospital at le Havre. He had noticed a lump on his arm around 3 weeks previously. 


He was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 15/11/1915, age 25.  His file in The National Archives gives in detail the physical examination results and includes a drawing of his arm.

Treatment was prescribed; details are given in his file. 


The lump was incised under chloroform on 27/11/1915. Wassermann** test was positive.  

He was discharged on 17/12/1915 to furlough. Disease is stated as - Gumma** of left forearm.

National Archives Folio 50 MH 106/2107/33


** The Wassermann Test is an antibody test for syphilis; a Gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth

resulting from this ailment.

Appeal for funds for Sussex Huts at Netley Hospital
Godman Reading Room at Netley Hospital

See the article below on information about the new Reading Room at the Red Cross Hospital at Netley

donated by Mrs Godman of Horsham.

New Recreation Room at Red Cross Hospital Netley
New recreation Room for Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Staff Sergeant William Herbert Hughes

Army Service Corps


He reported sick on 03/12/1015 at Rouen suffering with periostitis** on his right leg. 

He had had an operation on his leg 12 years ago previously. 


He went before the Medical Board on 18/12/1915 and was treated at No 8 General Hospital Rouen.  

He was then shipped to England on HS “St Andrew” on 22/12/1915 and admitted to Netley on 24/12/1915. 

He was discharged to furlough on 31/12/1915. Age 30.

National Archives Folio 466 MH 106/2092/275


** caused by inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the bone

The Entrance to the Welsh Hospital at Netley 1915

Photo of Entrance to Welsh Hospital at Netley 1915

Rifleman Charles Ilbery

Service No 9851

1st Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)


He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 24/12/1915 from France until 04/01/1916.

He was in the trenches for 6 days and his feet became swollen and sore with blisters on the heel.

He was sent on to Orchard Hospital Dartford.

National Archives Folio 153 MH 106/2086/91

More funds for the Welsh Hospital at Netley

Nurse Stanley

Nurse Staney at Netley Hospital 1915

Private F W Dedman

Service No R/095441, 

Army Service Corps, Remount Depot


He died at Netley Hospital on 30/12/1915 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1771.

www.cwgc.org, Casualty Search for Netley

So heading out of 1915 into 1916, it's time to introduce a couple more members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment.  Without these key workers, everyday life in the Hospitals would have been difficult.

www.vad.redcross.org.uk

W J Anscomb, Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital from 04/12/1915 to 15/04/1916.  Home address was 9 Egremont Place, Halton, Hastings.  Age 32 on engagement at Netley.


Miss Violet Jane Ann Sandoz Lindsay, worked as a voluntary Red Cross Helper/Nurse in one of the wards at the Royal Victoria Hospital between 1915 - 1916.  She invited a party of wounded soldiers to her mother's house at "The Oaks", Botley in August 1915 for tea and entertainment. She then undertook 14 months training in Massage, Med Electricity + Swedish Remedial ISTM Exams and passed in each subject and returned to the Red Cross Hospital, Netley from 07/08/1916 to 07/03/1917.

Christmas in Netley War Hospital
Private Ernest Harold Gilling
Pte Gilling at Netley Hospital 1916

PC James Rogers
PC James Rogers at Netley Hospital 1916
WW1 Hospitals in Hampshire including Netley

Corporal William T Legg

Corporal Wm T Legg at Netley Hospital 1916
The Lancashire Farmers' Division of the British Farmers' Red Cross Society were responsible for these fantastic amounts of funds below.
British Farmers Red Cross Funding for Netley Hospital
Melchet Court Convalescent Home for Welsh Hospital
Welsh Hospital wounded to go to Melchet Court
Lt Colonel Sheen leaves the Welsh Hospital, Netley
Scroll down to find out where Lt Colonel Sheen went - April 1916 ... 
Japanese Red Cross at the Red Cross Hospital, Netley
The Japanese Nurses at the Red Cross Hospital Netley
Concert at Netley in aid of Welsh Hospital
All three articles are from the Hampshire Advertiser of 15/01/1916
Lt Webb, RAMC at Netley 1916
Funds for the Horsham Hut at  the Red Cross Hospital Netley
If any of these articles or photos are related to your family, please let me know!
Or if you would like to share your relative's story, then please get in contact via this website. Thank you.
Private W Worley
Pte Worley in Netley Hospital 1916
Lance-Corporal G B Holme
Buckinghamshire Yeomanry

"He received 17 shrapnel and rifle bullet wounds during the big Yeomanry attack in Gallipoli on 21/08/1915. 

To add to this whilst being brought back to England, he had a severe attack of enteric fever. 

He has been operated on 9 times (including amputation of his right leg) and his recovery is a tribute to the skill of our war surgeons. He is now able to get about on crutches at Netley. 

He was a successful rower in 1914."
[Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, Saturday 22/01/1916]
L-Cpl Holme at Netley Hospital
Discharge Papers usually show a "Cause of Discharge" Code. The image below shows some of them. 
The most common one was "Para 392 XVl" - "no longer physically fit for active service".
British Army Cause of Discharge Codes
So, here's the thing -  were there originally only TWO rabbits in each Hamper and it being war etc, delivery was slow so by the time, the hampers were delivered, they were full of Rabbits?
Rabbits - dead or alive? at Netley Red Cross Hospital
First class footballer at Netley Hospital 1916
Inquest into the death of Driver George Robertson
Inquest at Netley into death of G B Robertson

Private Charles Tryhorn,

Service No 19892

1st Battalion Grenadier Guards


He was wounded in his back on 24/10/1915 at Hulluch, France.


He was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 14/11/1915 suffering with Paraplegia

Ailments listed - bullet entry and exit wounds, loss of power in legs, urine retention, incontinence. 


His condition improved; he regained movement of legs. 


He was discharged unfit on 22/02/1916. He was 32 years old.

National Archives Folio 209 MH 106/2114/86

Lieutenant H K Crichton Weir
Lt H K Crichton Weir at Netley Hospital 1916
Pte Packwood at Netley Hospital 1916
Garrison Theatre Concert by the "Magpies"
Magpie Pierrot Troupe at Netley Garrison Theatre
Rev Hedley Burrows ill in Netley Hospital
British Red Cross VAD members at Netley Hospital
Appeal for funds to endow a bed at the Welsh Hospital

Private Charles Reading

Service No 1249

8th Leicestershire Regiment


He was admitted to Netley Hospital, age 20, in March 1916, suffering with trench feet. 


He was discharged to a convalescent hospital on 14/03/1916

National Archives Folio 725 MH 106/2163/281

A Whist Drive at Netley Garrison Theatre 
for Patients and Staff
Whist Drive at Netley Garrison Theatre 1916
Sergeant Simpson is wounded and in Netley Hospital
Sergeant Simpson at Netley Hospital in 1916

Private Albert J Higgs

Service No 23190

11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment


He was admitted to Netley Hospital on 29/03/1916 suffering from pleurisy and pericarditis. He was transferred to the Auxiliary Hospital at Paultons. He was 21 years old. 

National Archives Folio 354 MH 106 /2168/154


Private H Hardacre - we don't as yet know his Regiment.  If you can help, please get in contact. Thank you.


He was on sentry duty when a shell burst close by wounding him in the left hand, under the left arm and in the right shoulder.  He has since been attacked by typhoid fever and is now in Netley Hospital.  He lived at Starkey Street, Heywood.

Heywood Advertiser 31/03/1916 


Soldat Warczak , Prisoner-of-war at Netley (since September 1914), late of the German Fusilier Regiment, escaped from "D Block" (Asylum). on Thursday evening.


He was found in a wood 2 miles away on Saturday afternoon. He had evidently suffered great privations for he was in a state of collapse when found and had to be taken back to the hospital by stretcher.


When discovered he was still wearing his hospital clothes.  

All through Thursday and Friday, the police had been searching for him.  His description had been well circulated and there was practically no chance of his getting away.

Leicester Daily Post Monday 10/04/1916

Guess what I've found?  


Eggs-actly, more Eggs-traordinary stories about eggs! This  first  one, on the right, is very similar to the one reported above in  September 1915 ...


More to follow below!

New Zealanders in Netley and Taplow Hospitals reunited

Lance-Corporal W Carroll

L-Cpl Carroll in Netley Hospital 1916
The Western Mail of 21/04/1916 printed the Ads below for positions available at the Welsh Hospital, Netley
Duty Maid wanted for Welsh Hospital, Netley
Wanted Maid for CO Quarters, Welsh Hospital Netley

Was it cheaper you think to pay for two small adverts rather than one simply stating "Two positions required, one for General Duties, one for the CO's Quarters"?

Private Hamilton Deans

Service No 15454

Derry Regiment, Ulster Volunteer Force (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers)


He is the first soldier of the Derry Regiment to give his life for his country to be buried in Londonderry.  

He was buried at Derry City Cemetery with military honours. A detachment of the Inniskillings and their band and the members of the City of Derry Ulster Volunteer Force attended.

He died at Netley on 12/04/1916 of an illness contracted at the front.

Wicklow News-letter and County Advertiser Saturday, 22/04/1916; Ancestry Registers of Soldiers' Effects

So, here's the reason why Lt-Colonel A W Sheen is leaving the Welsh Hospital at Netley ...
Welsh Hospital posted Overseas
Charles Dickens' Recital at the YMCA at Netley Hospital!
Shakespeare Society at Netley Hospital

 FYI - the Reverend William Alfred Cramer Chevalier, Vicar of the Church of St Edward's the Confessor, Netley Abbey was a close friend of Charles Dickens

Garrison Chapel Choir at Netley
British Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Pte Elphick - Orderly at Red Cross Hospital, Netley

Alfred James Warren

Service No 4486

Gloucestershire Regiment


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 28/04/1916.

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

L-Cpl Short at Netley Hospital April 1916

Lance Corporal Frederick Devonish

Service No 8138

2nd Essex Regiment


He lived at 1 Maldon Villas, Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Essex

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 03/05/1916 from wounds received in action.

He was 30 years young.


His body was brought home for burial at Great Baddow Churchyard on Saturday with full military honours.

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects

Handicrafts for the Disabled at Netley Hospital
London Exhibition of Netley Hospital's Handicrafts
Learning new Crafts at Netley Hospital
Below is a sad update to the article of 28/02/1916 above about Second Lt H K Crichton Weir at Netley Hospital
2nd Lt H K Crichton Weir at Netley Hospital
No 10 Stationary Hospital St Omer May 1915
No 10 Stationary Hospital St Omer May 1916
Sergeant James M Macdonald, RAMC
Sergeant Macdonald at Netley Hospital
Red Cross Hospital, Netley
Sergeant-Major F Coley 
Sgt-Major Coley, DCM, at Netley Hospital
corporals' Farewell Event at Garrison Library, Netley

Sapper James Podmore

Service No 146204

Royal Engineers

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 20/05/1916, aged 52.


He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref CE1792.

www.cwgc.org; Casualty Search for Netley Cemetery

Prayers for the recovery of Lance-Corporal E Roberts

Lc-Corporal Roberts in Netley Hospital 1916
Horse Show In aid of Netley Welsh Hospital
Hon Lieutenant Jones at Welsh Hospital
Netley wounded support the Nuns of Ypres 1916
Ynyswen Beds at Netley Welsh Hospital 1916

Miss E Brechon was a member of the Voluntary Aid detachment and was employed at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley as a Nurse from 01/06/1916 to 08/07/1916.  

Her home address was 5 Cliff Street, Whitby.

[www.vad.redcross.org.uk]

And still the funds rolled in for the 
Irish and Welsh Hospitals at Netley
Irish Hospital in the Red Cross Netley Hospital
Welsh Hospital, Netley gains another Endowed Bed

The Photos below are all from the Royal Victoria Chapel Photo Collection (thank you).  

Please visit this wonderfully restored Royal Victoria Chapel within the Royal Victoria Country Park,

Netley Abbey,  

It is so worth a visit!  There's plenty to do and see.

Donkey Carts at Red Cross Hospital Netley
Hospital Cooks at Netley Military Hospital in WW1
David Bingham Hut in the Red Cross Hospital Netley
Auxiliary Staff at Netley Hospital in the Great War

Gunner James William Duncan

Service No 77819

Royal Horse Artillery


Pre-enlistment, he was employed as an apprentice draughtsman with the Dundee Shipbuilding Company Ltd.  His Father, James Duncan, lived at 1 Sibbald Street, Dundee.


He was wounded in action.   He was 19 years of age, 

His constitution was weakened as a result of an artery bursting on his homeward journey. 


He was at Netley Hospital for some 3 weeks before dying on 20/06/1916.  

He was buried at Dundee on 24/06/1916.

Dundee Evening Courier 23/06/1916 - both text and photo

Gunner Duncan at Netley Hospital in 1916
Pte McNulty discharged from Netley Hospital
Driver wanted at Netley Hospital 1916

Private Arthur William Tilbury

Service No 742

Royal Sussex Regiment

The remains of Arthur Tilbury were interred in the Churchyard at Meonstoke, amid signs of

respect and sympathy on Saturday.  

He died at Netley Hospital from an illness contracted when on active service in France.

Hampshire Chronicle Thursday 22/06/1916


It was suggested back in June 1916 that when the war was over, a suitable memorial to those

gallant Meonstoke men [some names were listed] who had fallen, should be erected

near the Jubilee Tree, which had been planted for Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887.


Queen Victoria's Jubilee Tree at Meonstoke 1887
The Church of St Andrew at Meonstoke Village
Pte Arthur W Tilbury at Netley Hospital 1916

So was the Memorial erected?  

In September 2020, I went over to Meonstoke to see for myself. 

Despite several local folk being totally unaware of the existence never mind the location of Jubilee Tree,

it turns out to be the very large tree being used as a centre-piece in a fork in the road in the Village!


The Memorials to the Fallen of Meonstoke in both the Great War and the Second World War 

are shown on the interior walls of the Church of St Andrew's Lych Gate.

[which made it nigh impossible to get decent photos of them!]

The Lych Gate of St Andrew's Church, Meonstoke
Memorial to Fallen in Great War at Meonstoke
Endowment of a Bed for the Welsh Hospital

The Memorial Plaque on the right originally hung in the reception hall of the Officers' Mess at Netley Hospital but has not been seen for a long time.  

Does anyone know what happened to it?

Army Medical Department Memorial Plaque
The Chaplain of the Forces tries again ...
Days out for wounded at Netley Hospital
Barber's Shop at Netley Hospital
Short, back and sides, anyone?
Shaving the wounded at Netley Hospital

The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of the upper reaches of the River Somme in France.  

The battle was intended to hasten a victory for the Allies and was the largest battle of the war's Western Front.  More than three million men fought in the battle and one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history.

en.m.wikipedia.org

There were many discussions taking place within the Government and local authorities about what would happen to those disabled soldiers once the war ended.  

The Red Cross Hospital at Netley began to provide wool- and wood-work classes to teach the patients new skills.

Netley Red Cross Hospital - Craft Making
Red Cross Hospital, Netley - Craft Making
Funds in aid of the Westmorland Hut 
at Netley
Westmorland Hut at Netley Red Cross Hospital
Lt John S Davies
Lt Davies recovering in Netley Hospital 1916
Private William E Thomson at Netley Hospital July 1916

If you recognise either of these ladies, please let me know!

Hidtory of Netley Military Hospital in WW1

Private Robert Carr

Service No 16772

Borders Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 09/07/1916 from wounds received in action.

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Lance-Corporal J Chappell

Service No 15833

York and Lancaster Regiment Depot


He died at Netley Hospital on 10/07/1916 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref RC 876.

War Graves of the British Empire

:Highbanks
Kirkby Stephen Bed at Netley Red Cross Hospital

Second Lieutenant C S Whitworth

King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment


He is now in Netley Hospital suffering from bullet and shrapnel wounds.  

He has been shot through the left lung and left thigh and also has four shrapnel wounds.

He is progressing well.  


Last evening, his parents, Mr + Mrs F P Whitworth of Wharncliffe Place, Manchester Road, Rochdale,

went to see him.  

Rochdale Observer 12/07/1916

Bishop Welldon visits Netley Hospital 1916

Private F Curran

Service No 2631

2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 13/07/1916.  He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref RC 877

www.cwgc.org

Eggs-eptional Hens!
Eggs supply into Netley Hospital continues
Kitchenmaid required for Welsh Hospital, Netley
Much easier to handle than rabbits!
Strawberries for the wounded at Netley Hospital

Private John F Aspinall

"A" Company Leeds "Pals"


He died at Netley Hospital on 15/07/1916, aged 27 years, from shrapnel wounds received on 01/07/1916.


Funeral at Harehills Cemetery on Wednesday 19/07/1916, leaving 264 Harehills Lane,

Leeds at 4 pm.

Leeds Mercury 19/07/1916

Private Johnny Dube

Service No 61020

22nd Battalion Canadian Infantry (Quebec)

He was born on 09/05/1892.

Son of Fereole Dube and his wife Marie Gaudreault

of Chicoutimi, PQ, Canada


He died at Netley Hospital on 17/07/1916 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1815.

War Graves of the British Empire


Private Johnny Dube at Netley Hospital 1916

Private Oswald Daniels

Service No 8077

7th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment


He is the son of Mr + Mrs Walter Daniels, 574 Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent.

He died at the British Red Cross Hospital on 18/07/1916, age 19.   

He is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N362.

www.cwgc.org

Second-Lt James Grant Ferguson graduated at John Hopkins University, Baltimore and came home to work as a Doctor at Netley Hospital but then decided he should serve his country at the Front ...
Second-Lt Ferguson employed at Netley Hospital

Private Harry Travis

Private Travis Photo - in Netley Hospital in 1916
Funding for Netley Red Cross Hospital 1916

Private Thomas William Heslam

Royal Scots


The elder son of Mr William Heslam, Draper, Wigton, he died in Netley Hospital from wounds received while serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France.


Private Heslam (who was an Old Nelsonian) was 22 years of age and was in the Civil Service.  


He was of a bright and winning disposition and was a great favourite with all who knew him.  

His body was brought to Wigton and the interment took place at the Cemetery on Wednesday evening.  

The Union Jack was placed on the coffin.

Wigton Advertiser 29/07/1916

Eggs-ellent work by the local 
Sunday School children!
Bursledon supplies Eggs to Netley Red Cross Hospital
Pendley Red Cross Fete in aid of Herts Hut, Netley
Further funds for the Irish Hospital 
at Netley
Lord Iveagh pledges more funds to Netley Irish Hospital

Public Generosity

"No reference to the hospital provision which Wales has made for our gallant heroes would be complete without a word of praise to those who subscribed to and supported the establishment of a Welsh Hospital at Netley, and another for service overseas, under the direction of Colonel William Sheen.


This noble movement had its origin at Cardiff during the year of office of Dr James Robinson as Lord Mayor, and finds a generous supporter in Sir William James Thomas, of Ynyshir, who acts as Hon Treasurer."

Western Mail 04/08/1916

Southampton + Portsmouth Councils support the wounded
Patients from several of the surrounding Hospitals were welcomed to the Hampshire County Cricket Ground for  an afternoon of games followed by a concert in the evening 
Southampton + Portsmouth Councils in aid of wounded

One of our past Residents, Mr A F Martin, recalls being told by a Butlocks Heath resident, Mr Turrell, that his Grandfather was a cobbler at the Royal Victoria Hospital and under instruction from the surgeon, made the first Thomas Splint**.


**This splint revolutionised the manner in which men injured in the Great War were treated.  It reduced the rate of mortality from fractures (of the femur in particular).  It was originally designed by Hugh Owen Thomas, considered the father of orthopaedic surgery in Britain, with the intention that it would stabilise a fracture and prevent infection.  It was not fully appreciated until his nephew, Robert Jones, introduced it for use in the war in 1916.

Extracted from a National Archives Blog; "Notes on Military Orthopaedics" by Robert Jones

Sergeant Campbell wounded in Netley Hospital
Welsh Hospital at Netley Staff posted overseas
Below are extracts from Lieutenant W Sorley Brown's Diary which featured in the 
Hawick Express on 11/08/1916.

"Hospital Life at Netley"
Hospital Life at Netley August 1916
Hospital Life at Netley August 1916
Hospital Life at Netley August 1916

Sergeant A Phillips, son of Mrs Phillips of 85 St Thomas's Road, Hastings (or St Leonard's) has for a third time been wounded at the Front.  It is a gunshot wound in his chest.


Although only 26 years of age, Sergeant Phillips has just entered his 11th year of army service,

having joined the King's Royal Rifles in 1905.   

He is now in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.

Hastings + St Leonards Observer 12/08/1916

Derbyshire VADs working at Netley Hospital

Dr H Cameron Wilson has been appointed Surgeon to the Royal Victoria Military Hospital at Netley.  

He hails from Maidenhead.

Reading Mercury 12/08/1916

Driver Thomas Smith Morgan

Service No T4/174154

Army Service Corps


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 15/08/1916

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Westmorland Hut at Netley Red Cross Hospital
Funds arrive from Trinidad for Netley Red Cross

Private William Armstrong, Service No S/9429 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders

He died at Netley Hospital on 29/08/1916.  He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery.


Rifleman Frederick John Avards , Service No 8472, 7th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps.  

He was born in Lamberhurst, Sussex.  Enlisted in 1915.  He died at Netley Hospital on 30/08/1916 of wounds received in action.  He is buried at St Peter St Paul, Aylesford, Kent.


Corporal Joseph Balderston , Service No 1922, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment 

He died at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley on 02/09/1916. 

He is buried in Ulverston Cemetery.

All - Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, via Julie

Womens' Hostels at Netley Hospital 1916
Medical Orderlies at Netley Hospital
Welsh Hospital Funds get a boost
How do you get to Netley Hospital?
How to get to Netley Hospital by train in 1916

Private William Deas Lumsden

Australian Expeditionary Force


He died at Netley Hospital on 30/07/1916 from wounds received.

He was born in Linlithgow, 23 years earlier. He went to Australia in 1912 and enlisted there at the outbreak of the war. 


He was at the first landing in Gallipoli where he was wounded. He recovered from his wounds and returned to the fighting line and fought on until the evacuation of the Peninsula. He next went to France where he was again wounded and this time invalided home to England.

His father, James Lumsden of St Magdalenes, requested his son’s body be brought home to Linlithgow for burial but through some misunderstanding, he was interred in Netley Cemetery.

After considerable delay, the body was exhumed and brought home. 

He was buried at Linlithgow Cemetery on Wednesday 13/09/1916. 

West Lothian Courier 15/09/1916 - text and photo


Looking for a particular name?  Why not use this website's Google Search box?

It can be found on the Introduction and Who Lived in your House Pages!

Private Kilbride  - at Netley September 1916

Private James Kilbride  

[His Regiment is currently unknown - can you help?]

He is from Kingscavil, Linlithgow. He enlisted in September 1914 and so has served 2 years. 


He is now in Netley suffering with gunshot wounds sustained in action on 01/09/1916. 


He was a player for Champfleurie United Football Club and pre-enlistment, was a pony driver in one of the shale mines of James Ross + Co, Philipstoun Oil Works. 


He is 19 years old.

West Lothian Courier 15/09/1916

Pte E Evenden - at Netley Hospital September 1916
Photo of Pte Evenden - at Netley Hospital 1916

The Southampton Class Teachers' Association, who are now such general favourites with the inmates of 

the three hospitals at Netley, again paid a visit to the British Red Cross Hospital 

last Saturday evening when they performed before a crowded and appreciative

"house" of patients and nurses."

Hampshire Advertiser 23/09/1916

Private Peter Grubb

Methil Soldier dies of wounds at Netley Hospital
Cowfold organises another sale in aid of Netley Hospital

Beds, Huts, Huts, Beds and 

even better, more Funds!

Herefordshire Beds at Netley Red Cross Hospital
Proposed Evesham Hut at Netley Red Cross Hospital
Sussex No 1 Hut at Netley Red Cross Hospital
Batavia Cricket Club donates to its Netley Hospital Bed
Yacht Cecilia helping at Netley Hospital 1916

Private Stanley Sisson

King's Royal Rifle Corps


Son of Mr Sisson, 84 Sussex Road, Harrow, he enlisted in November 1915 and was sent to France last February.


He is in Netley hospital severely wounded, having had his right foot blown off six inches below the knee.

Harrow Observer 13/10/1916


Pte Stanley Sisson at Netley Hospital 1916

Private/Rifleman Frank Vernon Green

Service No 5840, 21st Battalion City of London Regiment

Service No S/15149 Rifle Brigade


He died at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley on Saturday 07/10/1916, age 23. 


His Mother lived at Avenue Road, Ramsgate. 

He suffered from a serious malady but succeeded in joining the Army and after having been at

the Front for some time, he was wounded in the thigh and lungs on 10/09/1916.

For 5 days he lay in “no man’s land” before being rescued. 

 

Though he afterwards made progress towards recovery, a relapse took place and he passed

away soon after his mother arrived at the hospital. 

Thanet Advertiser 14/10/1916

Pte/Rifleman Frank V Green at Netley Hospital in 1916
Pte/Rifleman Frank V Green at Netley Hospital in 1916
Netley Red Cross Hospital - Evesham Hut 1916

Both articles are from the same newspaper on the same date but the one below is clearly an update -

Evesham Hut at Red Cross Hospital Netley 1916

Private Owen B Alvey 

Service No 192985

13th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec). 


He was born in Nottingham, the son of Samuel and Harriet Alvey of 121 St Saviour’s Road East, Leicester. 


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 23/10/1916, aged 25. 


He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref N375.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Private S Foster, Black Watch

Pte Foster, Black Watch at Netley Hospital 1916

"Netley Hospital in War Time" 

a Lecture by the Rev G W Kerr, BA, Chaplain to the Forces at Netley Hospital 

at the Garden Suburb Institute on 01/11/1916.


"Mr Kerr dealt with the many phases of hospital life. He referred to the triumphs of the surgical profession and to the self-sacrificing work of the doctors, some of whom had given up practices worth from £5000 to £10000 a year for the Army pay of 24s a day in order to assist in restoring the health of those who had suffered in the service of their country.  He also said he could not speak too highly of the work of the nursing sisters and while war was hell, their presence was, in the language of the patients, "a little bit of heaven".  They did work which no servant would undertake, and received a wage which the ordinary domestic would refuse.


Many stories were told of the heroic spirit of the British soldier.  

One Irish lad who had lost both legs, an arm and an eye, never lost his sense of humour and

suggested that if he could only get walking exercise, he would be all right.


Mr Kerr also gave some useful information as to the kind of books the soldiers liked to read.  

Entertainment of all kinds were provided for the patients.  Many of the men preferred lectures to concerts, others enjoyed sermons (which were never to long) in preference to amusements.


The attendee at the lecture came away with an excellent impression of life in a military hospital

and full of thankfulness that everything possible was being done for those who had suffered

so much in defence of King and country."

Hendon + Finchley Times 03/11/1916

The Droxford Hut at British Red Cross Hospital 1916
Miss Cottie's plea for Droxford Hut at Red cross Hospital Netley 1916
The Droxford Hut at BRC Netley 1916 photo

Driver Cyril Lund Glassbrook

Service no 116030

11th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery


He enlisted at Bolton on 08/12/1915. 

He is the son of John Thomas Glassbrook of 103 Queensgate Bolton, Lancs.

He was wounded in October 1917 and underwent treatment at No 2 Canadian General Hospital

at Le Treport, France.


He was then transferred to Netley Hospital in November having had his left leg amputated

just above the knee and suffering from wounds in the left arm and shell shock,

caused by a shell dropped from an aeroplane.

Bolton War Memorials on "Bolton Remembers" website

Cardiff Chapels' Bed for Welsh Hospital 1916

Denis Meighan

Service No 2/5463

Royal Munster Fusiliers


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 12/11/1916.

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie

Rifleman T Heeley

King's Royal Rifles


He died at Netley Hospital.

Rifleman T Heeley at Netley Hospital 1916

Private John E Edwards

Service No 193052

Highland Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force

Pte J E Edwards died at Netley 1916

He died at Netley Hospital on 13/11/1916 from his wounds.  

He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N378.

War Graves of the British Empire

Picture of the Cook-House at Netley Hospital

Picture on the left is a busy scene outside one of the cook-houses at Netley Hospital.  The orderlies, in their linen overalls, are hurrying forth with the patients' dinners, packed in hot boxes for transit to the wards.


Already large before the war, Netley is now a veritable City of Healing, so greatly has it extended its borders.

Leeds Mercury 16/11/1916

Private Frederick Alfred Axten, Middlesex Regiment
He was wounded in June this year and is now a patient at Netley Hospital. He has undergone four operations and is making favourable but slow progress to recovery. His left hand has been amputated. 

He enlisted at the Gazette Office in September 1914 and has seen service at Gibraltar, in Egypt, and also on the Western Front. 

The family home is 7 Glenfield Terrace, West Ealing. 
He attended St John's School, was a member of St John's Choir and secured situations at both Messrs Cocks and Bosher. He had a brother. Lance Corporal William Herbert Axten, Royal Fusiliers, 22 years old. He was killed when he was buried beneath a fall of earth caused by an enemy shell, death being instantaneous.
[Ealing Gazette + West Middlesex Observer 16/11/1916 - both text and photo]
Private F A Axten, wounded, at Netley Hospital
Bettws-y-coed raises funds for Welsh Hospital
Netley Wounded Handicrafts Exhibition in London

Private William John Allen

Army Service Corps, Remount Dept


An Inquest was held at the Library in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on Thursday 30/11/1916

concerning his death. 


He was stationed at the Swaythling Remount Depot. Whilst he was watering mules on Friday night, one of the animals kicked him severely in the abdomen.


After receiving local attention, he was removed to Netley Hospital.

It was found necessary to operate and this was apparently successful but unfortunately

peritonitis set in and death supervened. 


The verdict was returned as “accidental death.”

Portsmouth Evening News 01/12/1916

YWCA Hostel at Redmile, Abbey Hill, Netley
The YWCA Hostel was established at "Redmile", No 6 Abbey Hill, Netley Abbey to provide overnight accommodation for female visitors to the wounded at Netley Hospital.
The Hampshire Advertiser gave us these three articles on 02/12/1916
Netley Charitable Fund donations
Netley Garrison Orchestra at Jubilee Hall, Netley

Commanding Officer Lt Colonel H G Cook 's Christmas 1916 Appeal

on behalf of the Welsh Hospital at Netley

Lt Col Cook's Christmas Appeal for Welsh Hospital
Netley Hospital in the winter of 1916 photo

Private Samuel Ashton

Service No 1981

Cheshire Regiment. 

He was a Patient at the Royal Victoria Hospital in

December 1916. 


He died at Netley Hospital on 11/12/1916 and was buried at Cheadle Cemetery, Cheshire.  

Ancestry: Death, Burial Records


Lance-Corporal Frederick George Coles

Service No 5559

Worcestershire Regiment


He received a gunshot wound to the spine and was admitted to Netley on 21/11/1916 with a bladder infection attributed to his wounds.  


He was 30 years old, the son of William John and Emma Jane Coles, 30 Lower St Dartmouth. 


He died at Netley on 13/12/1916 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1880.

War Graves of the British Empire


British Red Cross Hospital in Winter 1916 photo
Pte William Canning at Netley Hospital 1916

Private William Francis Canning (left)

Service No 205

1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry


He is the husband of Mrs Edith Canning, George Street, Cardiff.


He died at Netley Hospital on 19/12/1916 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1888.

[War Graves of the British Empire; Western Mail 23/12/1916]

Sapper Herbert W Liptrot

Service No 8775

Royal Engineers


He received a gunshot to the head on 11/12/1916 and was admitted to Netley on 12/12/1916 with a shattered cranial vault, facial paralysis and in an unconscious state. He underwent an operation -

scalp excised and loose fragments removed on 12/12/1916. A hernia developed on 22/12/1916. 


He died on 26/12/1916.  He was 34 years of age.


His file at the National Archives includes a medical case sheet, doctor’s notes and 2 clinical case sheets and

a sketch of his wound. 

National Archive Folio 199 - 202 MH 106/2110/87

I couldn't resist putting this advertiser in, allowing for all the egg-y articles we have had; 
it just somehow seemed appropriate (and it filled a gap!) 
1917 looms!  Time to introduce some more members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment:

Miss Margaret Elspeth Gaisford, serving as a Nurse and X-ray Worker at the Welsh Hospital from 08/12/1916 to 01/06/1918.  She left Netley to serve in France.  She lived at Conynger Hurst, Ulverton in Lancashire.

Mrs Dorothy Collinson, nee Arnold, worked as a Clerk-typist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley from 14/01/1916 to 13/02/1918.  She was a local lady living at 2 Middlesborough Cottages, Hound Road, Netley Abbey.

Edwin George Harman, served as an Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital Netley from 04/12/1916 to 24/08/1917. He lived at 103 Manor Road, Hastings.  He was 42 years of age when he started at Netley. Starting pay was 28/-; leaving pay was 29/-.
Following on from the previous image a couple of inches up -
There I was, scrambling around to find a suitable final article for 1916 and this was 
egg-actly what I needed. So I "poached" it!
Egg Collections for Netley Hospital Patients

Private Benjamin Aithwaite

Service No 3927

Durham Light Infantry


He was born in 1896 at Thornaby-on-Tees, Co Durham.  His Father's name was Thomas.  

He died at Netley Hospital on 07/01/1917 and is buried at Thornaby Cemetery.

Ancestry: Death + Burial Records

RAMC Staff and families' Christmas Party
Staff Christmas Party at Netley Hospital
More funding for Hertfordshire Hut at Netley Hospital

Exhibition of Crafts made at Netley Hospital

Sergeant Albert John Woolcott

Service No 193

Shropshire Light Infantry

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 19/01/1917.

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects 

Private James Coomber

Service No 25475

2nd Battalion Hampshire Regiment

He died at the British Red Cross Hospital Netley on 21/01/1917

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Driver David Carrick

Service No 3

Royal Army Medical Ambulance Corps

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley on 25/01/1917

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Hatchford and Downside Bed at Netley Red Cross Hospital

Lt Charles Leonard Parlett Heming

2nd Battalion 109th Foot

Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), formerly 60th Rifles

Patient at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley in February 1917

Photo Lt Charles L P Heming at Netley Hospital 1917

He was born on 04/04/1897.

He is the elder son of Francis Charles and Edith Heming of 62 Gordon Road, Ealing.


He was gazetted 2nd Lt on 15/06/1915 and promoted to Lieutenant on 05/04/1916. He served in Ireland during the Rebellion in April 1916.


In September 1916 he went to France with his Regiment to take his turn in the trenches.

On 10/01/1917, he led his platoon on a raid on the German line at Loos and was seriously wounded behind the ear, chin, arm and side by a bomb. 


He died at the British Red Cross Hospital on 12/02/1917, age 19, from pneumonia following his wounds.


His body lay in Canterbury Cathedral with a full military funeral there today. Interment will be in St Martin's Churchyard.

Middlesex County Times 17/02/1917


Lt Charles L P Heming at Netley Hospital in 1917
Lt Charles L P Heming at Netley Hospital in 1917

Driver John Pearce

Service No 53246,

Royal Field Artillery

At the Welsh Hospital, Netley between 12/02/917 - 20/02/1917


Aged 47, he was admitted from Salonika suffering with malaria.

He also suffered from varicose veins in both legs and had ‘very bad’ teeth.

Further details are in his National Archive file, including a medical case sheet.

He was discharged on furlough and to duty on 20/02/1917.

National Archives MH106/2178/60; Folio 134

Netley Nurses receive Royal Red Cross Awards
Welsh Hospital Nurses in 1917
Welsh Hospital Nurses at Netley  in 1917
History of Netley Hospital during the Great War
Private Charles Armstrong at Netley 1917

Private Charles Armstrong

Service No 808789

10th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Alberta)


He was born on 10/08/1889 at Dumbartonshire.

Son of Alexander Duff and Jane Darach Armstrong

of Calgary Alberta, he enlisted at Calgary on 28/03/1916. 


He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley on 15/03/1917 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N384.

[Photo and text - Virtual War Memorial at veterans.gc.ca; War Graves of the British Empire]

If you or a family member have a connection to any of the Netley Hospitals mentioned in this website, 

I would love to hear from you!  

Please make initial contact via Contact Me.  

I only need copies of any documents and/or photos you are happy to share with me.  

You must keep the originals!  

Private William McKelvy Johnston

Service No 136349

74th 52nd Battalion Canadian Infantry

(Manitoba Regiment)


He was born on 09/03/1889 at Lurgan, Co Armagh.  

Pre-enlistment, he was a Painter. 


He enlisted on 17/09/1915 at Niagara, Ontario, Canada.  He departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 29/02/1916, arriving in the UK on 09/04/1916. 


He was wounded on 16/09/1916.  

He died at Netley Hospital on 10/03/1917 from the gunshot wound to his left shoulder and was buried at Netley Military Cemetery,

Grave Ref N383 on 16/03/1917. 

Pte Johnston at Netley Hospital 1916
Appleby Bed in Westmorland Hut at Netley Hospital
Flowers for the wounded at Netley Hospital
Inquest at Netley Hospital on Charles Purcell
"Wounded soldiers survive torpedoed 
Hospital Ship" 
HMHS Gloucester Castle was a steam ship originally built for the Union-Castle Line but was requisitioned as a British Hospital Ship in WW1.  

On 31/03/1917, she was torpedoed off the Isle of Wight by German U-boat UB-32.  Three died during the transfer of crew and wounded but she was able to be towed back to port after two weeks.
[en.m.wikipedia.org]
Corporal Page at Netley Hospital
Pte Kennedy  at Netley Hospital in 1917

Mrs Smith of 40 Hunloke Road, Holmewood has received news that her husband, Private George Smith, Northumberland Fusiliers, has been wounded in the right foot and is a present in Netley Hospital. He has been in France for three months.

Derbyshire Courier 01/05/1917

The funeral of Private Curle , KOSB, who died in Netley Hospital of wounds received in action last August, took place with military honours at Berwick yesterday.  He went to the front on the outbreak of war.

     Shields Daily News, 01/05/1917

Eggs-ellent supply continues!
More Eggs for the wounded at Netley Hospital
Welsh Choir funds Welsh Hospital at Netley
VAD Nurse's talk about Netley Red Cross Hospital

Lieutenant Douglas Leckie, son of Mr and Mrs Peter Leckie, of Buskett Fletchwood, Lyndhurst Road, Colbury,

has been home for a few days' leave, on his discharge from Netley Hospital and has now returned to duty.

Hampshire Advertiser 12/05/1917

Role of RAMC at the Front and at Netley Hospital
Role of the RAMC at the Front and Netley Hospital
From Grantham to the Rhondda and everywhere in between. Donations from whist drives, dances, concerts, garden fetes, flooded in to the Welsh Hospital, the British Red Cross Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Whist Drive at Grantham to raise funds for Netley
Ynyswen School in Rhondda aids Welsh Hospital

Private James Kennedy

King's Own Scottish Borderers



His wife and family reside in Stewart Street, Carluke.

He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and was previously a general dealer to trade.

He went out to France in February 1914. He has four brothers - two are still serving and two are wounded.

He died at Netley on 22/05/1917 after being wounded by shell fire in France at the beginning of May. 

He was interred at Wilton Cemetery yesterday.

[Hamilton Advertiser 26/05/1917]

Cricket anyone?
Cricket at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley
The Hampshire Advertiser of 26/05/1917 gave us these 
three articles
The Herts Hut at Netley Hospital
Exhibition of Handicrafts from Netley wounded

Private Alec Tyson, Royal West Kent Regiment

"He is a well-known Maidenhead pianist. He was rather badly wounded on 21/05/1917. He was caught by a shell on the left side, his face, arm, knee and leg being injured by shrapnel. He is now in the Welsh Hospital and is progressing satisfactorily."

Reading Mercury 02/06/1917


Corporal Bert Warren , Cambridgeshire Regiment

He received a gunshot wound in the head and a compound fracture of both ankles on 28/05/1917. He is now in Netley Hospital. It has been necessary to amputate both feet. He is, however, going on well. He makes no mention of the wound in his head. The report from the Cambridgeshire Regiment speaks very highly of him. The officers state that there could not be a better soldier or a better bayonet fighter. He is 33 years old and has 4 children, They live in Newnham, Burwell.

    Cambridgeshire Daily News 08/06/1917

Miss Godfrey's Concert Party at Netley Hospital
General Hospital No 3 at 
Le Treport, France
Le Treport General Hospital No 3
Gunner Harry Brierley
Gunner Brierley at Netley Hospital 1917
     Bombardier Thomas Turner
Bombadier Thomas Turner at Netley Hospital 1917

Private George Webster

Service No SS/12122

Army Service Corps, HS + L No 1 Labour Company


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 15/06/1917. 

He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1914.

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Private Arthur Brown

Service No 202912

4th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment


He was admitted to the Welsh Hospital on 21/06/1917 suffering with a shrapnel wound to his left arm,

received on 16/06/1917 near Lens, “when lying face downwards, digging a trench”. 


Under a course of treatment, he underwent an operation for the removal of a foreign body.

Chain of evacuation and further details of treatment are given in his file at National Archives.

He was recommended for transfer to Convalescent Hospital. Outcome not stated.

File contains a sketch of patient’s wound and a medical case sheet.

Age 27. Discharged on 05/07/1917.

National Archives Folio 79 MH 106/2172/44


Promotion for Dr F Soule!
British Red Cross Hospital Netley
New Verandahs for Welsh Hospital Netley!
Mrs Lloyd George visits Welsh Hospital Netley
Donations continued to come into the Hospitals from all directions ...
Welsh Hospital Netley Benefited from Welsh Concert
South Lincolnshire sends funds to Red Cross Hospital
More funds for Irish Hospital at Netley

On 16 July 1917, King George V renounced all his German connections and changed the name of the UK Royal Family from the alien Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the acceptable English-sounding "Windsor".


He instructed his Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham to come up with an alternative family name.  

The more historic names of Tudor, Plantagenet and Stuart having been rejected, Lord Stamfordham

who was working in the study of Windsor Castle at the time, looked around for inspiration and thought

"why not Windsor?"  


The monarchy had used the castle since it was built in the 11th century and the name exuded Englishness.

www.onthisday.com

More funds!
Horsham Hut at Netley Hospital gets more funds
Whist Drive in Boston for Lincolnshire Huts at Netley
Lincolnshire Hut at Netley Military Hospital 1917
British Farmers support for Netley Hospitals
Left - "Cigarette Race" - what? How far you can run before you're out of breath?
Private Ernest Arnold Marlow, Service No SS/16881, 24th Labour Company, Army Service Corps
He died at Netley, age 43 on 27/07/1917 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery CE1919. 
He is the son of Robert Henry and Ella Marlow. 
[Casualty Search for Netley Military Cemetery, cwgc.org]
The Patients learn new skills and crafts ... 
Wounded patients at Netley learning new skills
On the reverse of this piece of Embroidery is written "worked by F Burlace Turpin in Netley Military Hospital 1917".  {Photo courtesy of Julie Green]
Embroidery by F Burlace Turpin at Netley in 1917

Royal Visit to Netley Hospital

Their Majesties, with Princess Mary, journeyed by special train to Netley Hospital

to visit the patients there.

Text and Photos below are taken from The Graphic of 04/08/1917 and the Illustrated War News 08/08/1917

Their Majesties visit the patients at Netley Hospital
Their Majesties visit Netley Hospital 1917
The King + Queen at Netley Hospital 1917
Visit of the King and Queen to Netley War Hospital

Private William Gibbin

Service No 11859

Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 10/08/1917.  

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers'Effects

Hippodrome artistes visit Netley Hospital 1917
British Farmers Red Cross Fund for Netley Hospital
More funding for Netley Red Cross Hospital
The British Public continued to support fund-raising events to both the Red Cross Hospital and the Welsh Hospital. 
Baby Show at Pengam for funds for Welsh Hospital

Driver C Pankhurst, "Australians", formerly of Hartfield.

He has been sent home with a very weak heart and admitted to Netley Hospital.

He is an Old Boy of Hartfield School. He is progressing favourably.

Kent + Sussex Courier 31/08/1917

Gloucester War Hospital Supply Depot aids Netley
Bath Orderlies at Netley Hospital
Quartermaster Sergeant Hidden, Royal Army Service Corps, did "clever conjuring feats" as part of an event in the Concert Room of the British Red Cross Hospital.
[Hampshire Advertiser 15/09/1917]

Lt-Col Sir R W Crook-Lawless
Lt-Col Sir R W Crook-Lawless Commandant Red Cross Hospital
Corporal Longton, Private Lovett 
and Private Brown
Miss Godfrey's Concert Party are back at Netley
Gunner Leslie Gordon Barnes
Gunner Barnes wounded in Netley Hospital

Private Frank Scott

Service No 46641

11th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

He died at Netley on 03/10/1917, age 31 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N395.

Son of Edwin Scott, of 280, Fell Lane, Keighley, Yorkshire.

Casualty search for Netley Military Cemetery, cwgc.org


Corporal Arthur Sharwin

Service No 240776

2nd/5th Leicestershire Regiment

He was admitted on 01/10/1917 suffering with a gunshot wound to the left forearm and a fractured

radius both of which he received at Ypres on 26/09/1917. Chain of evacuation and further details of his condition, a sketch of his wounds and a medical case sheet are all in his file at the National Archives.

He was transferred to an auxiliary hospital on 12/10/1917. Outcome not stated. He was 20.

National Archives Folio 928 MH 106/2172/406

Fruit for the wounded at Netley Red Cross Hospital
Auguste Le Carpentier at Netley in October 1917
Pat Roux (thank you!) contacted me via Facebook to share information about her Grandfather -  Auguste Le Carpentier.

He was with the 8th Battalion Devonshire Regiment.  He was injured in his legs at Ypres and invalided home to Netley Hospital in October 1917. 

This photo of him is taken in the grounds of the Hospital.  He has crutches.  
The Royal Victoria Hospital network in 1917

Miss Mary Ellen Herbert

She was born at Llangeitho.  

She worked as a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment from 1917 to 1919.  

In May 1917, she was the Chief Dispenser to the military hospital in Whitchurch,

Shropshire and in October 1917, she transferred to the Welsh Hospital and continued to

work in the Dispensary.

www.womenandwar.wales  

More funds for the Netley Red Cross Hospital Huts
NSW Railways + Tramways support for Red Cross Hospital

Netley Hospital failed to find a substitute Clerk
Ex-Nursing Sister throws a Ward Party for her patients!
Ex-Sister throws a Ward Party at Netley Hospital
A couple of concerts for the wounded!
Concert at YMCA Hut at Netley Hospital
Variety Entertainment at Netley Hospital
These 5 articles were all reported in the Hampshire Advertiser of 10/11/1917

Private Frederick Adams

Service No M/205934

Army Service Corps


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 10/11/1917.  He is buried at Kinston Cemetery, Portsmouth.  

His wife's name was Jeanette.

Fold3 Soldiers' Effects



Corporal Arthur James Duncan

Service No S/31185

Army Service Corps, Supply Company, Hong Kong


He died at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley on 22/11/1917. 

He was awarded the Military Service Medal.  He was 21 years old, the son of Mrs H Duncan of 8 Marine Terrace, Folkestone.  He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1933.

cwgc.org.uk

"Will o' Wisp" Concert Party visits the Red Cross Theatre!
Will o' the Wisp Concert Party at Netley Red Cross Theatre
British Farmers Red Cross funds more Netley Beds

Duncan McDonald

Service No 333150

Highland Light Infantry

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 26/11/1917. 

Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

Sale of Work of the Handicrafts made by the Patients
Sale of Work at Royal Victoria Hospital Netley
Blue Cross Choir entertained in YMCA Hut at Netley
The Scotsman of 05/12/1917 announced that Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Sir W R Crooke-Lawless, CB, CIE, MD, of the Red Cross Hospital, Netley is to be Commander.
Miss Hewitt at the Welsh Hospital Netley

Private William Leeds, Service No 62031, then 27904, Royal Army Service Corps, 104 Labour Company attached to 35th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.


He died at Netley Hospital on 18/12/1917 and is buried at Netley Military cemetery, Grave Ref CE1934.

Army Registers of Soldiers'Effects

Private H Ansell, Service No 41735, 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment


Son of Mrs Martha Ansell, 9 Spenar Street, Hertford.


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 22/12/1917 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE1935.

War Graves of the British Empire

Private Richard Jones

Service No 54620

Royal Welch Fusiliers

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 24/12/1917.

Ancestry Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Successful Sale of Work!
Sale of Work at Netley Hospital successful
Christmas at Netley Hospital
Heading out of 1917 towards 1918, let's meet some more VAD members -

John Frederick Hobbs served as an Orderly at the British Red Cross Hospital from 26/11/1917 to 03/07/1918. He was 17 years old and lived at 18 Henry Street, Nuneaton.

Miss Lilian Annie Nye served as a Clerk at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley from 30/11/1917 and was still there in March 1919.  She was a local lady who lived at "Hazelmere", Station Road, Netley Abbey.

Miss Alice Maud Scorey served as a House Maid at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley from 15/11/1917 and was still there in March 1919.  She lived at 11 May Tree Road, Bitterne, Southampton.
The Pier at Netley Hospital in 1917

Fredrick W Bert

Service No 46729

Worcestershire Regiment

He died at Netley Hospital on 02/01/1918.

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects


Acting Sergeant T B Carter

Royal Army Medical Corps

He was presented with the DCM and the Russian Order of St George by General McGregor on

Monday 31/12/1917 at a Ceremony in Southampton. 

Hampshire Advertiser 05/01/1918

Corporal Randolph D Tait

Royal Army Medical Corps

He is the son of Sergeant-Major Robert Tait, Berwick volunteers, licensee of the Blenheim Hotel, Spittal.


He is on duty at Netley Hospital, the huge Army "mending house" on the Solent near Southampton, where probably 2000 patients can be housed and receive the best skills and attention that Humanity can give.


Corporal Tait writes in "RAMC Magazine" on Nursing and says - "Military Nursing has been to a very great extent benefitted and improved by experience during the present great European conflict, as also it was in a lesser degree by previous wars."

Berwickshire News + General Advertiser 08/01/1918 - text + photo

Corporal Randolph Tait at Netley January 1918
Concert held at the Red Cross Hospital Recreation Hut 
Concert at the British Red Cross Hospital, Netley 1918
Burgees Hill Play in aid of Netley Red Cross Beds

Hospital Supplies from Duffield

"During the last three months there have been forwarded from the Ladies of this village to the County Clearing House at Bakewell, 3500 sphagnum moss swabs, 1000 assorted bandages and various other articles, and to the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, 1740 gauze bandages."

Derbyshire Daily Times 19/01/1918

Bombardier John Webster

Service No 34163

"D" Battery 156th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.


1914 Gunner;

1917 Acting Bombardier;

1918 Bombardier


Born in Keith, Banffshire about 1887.  Husband of Marion B McNeill Webster of 130 MacLean Street, Plantation, Glasgow


He died at Netley Hospital on 21/01/1918

from shell gas burns.  

Ancestry Register of Soldiers' Effects; Forces War Records

Concert Party at Garrison Theatre

Netley Garrison Theatre concert in 1918
Musical Instruments needed for Netley wounded

Private Frederick Fouracres

Service No 267035

Army Service Corps Remounts


An Inquest was held at the Royal Victoria Hospital. 

The Patient was admitted to Netley on 28/01/1918 in a semi-comatose condition after receiving a kick 

by a mule which he was attempting to mount.    An operation was done that night. 


 Blood poisoning due to wound infection set in and he died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 04/02/1918.  

Cause of death was returned as "Meningitis following extensive injuries to the head 

received by being accidentally kicked by a mule”. 

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects; Hampshire Advertiser 09/02/1918

Wounded soldier at Netley loses his medal?
Netley Railways + Tramways and Oakenden Huts

Miss Dorothy Ayling was a member of the VAD working at Netley Hospital as an Assistant Cook 

between 24/04/1916 and 28/02/1918 when she was transferred to No 1 NZ Hospital at Brockenhurst. 

She lived c/o Lane End School, Longwood, Winchester and The Mithouse, Privett, Nr Alton. 

www.vad.redcross.org.uk

Concert Party at Netley Hospital 1918

Private Thomas Allcock

Service No MS/512, Royal Army Service Corps

He died at Netley Hospital on 05/03/1918.

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

The Hampshire Telegraph of 15/03/1918 confirmed the following nursing staff of the British Red Cross Society, based at the Red Cross Hospital Netley, had been mentioned for valuable services rendered in connection with the war -

Sister Milly A Bradford; Sister Miss L Bale; Sister Miss E Coates; 
Sister Miss M Fogerty; Sister Miss L E Hewitt and Sister Miss A F Pardoe
More fund-raising, this time in aid of the Egham Bed!
Whist Drive in aid of Egham Bed at Netley Hospital
Neuroses Study at Netley Hospital 1918

Contributions have been received of £110 from the Hertfordshire Red Cross Society for the maintenance of a hut at Netley Hospital and of £66 from Miss E M Shaft, for the maintenance of a bed there.

Hampshire Advertiser 30/03/1918

Lieutenant James Smith

1st/6th Seaforth Highlanders, (attached Labour Corps) 

After 30 years of military service, he has died at Netley Hospital, Southampton on 01/04/1918

from trench fever contracted on active service.  He was 53 years of age.

He was buried with full military honours in Elgin Cemetery on 05/04/1918.    

He leaves a widow, Annie and two sons and two daughters.  The family home was 8 Bellavista Terrace, Perth. He is remembered on the Members Roll of Honour at Elgin Golf Club.  

Aberdeen Press + Journal 05/04/1918; Daily Record 08/04/1918

Oakendene + Horsham Huts at Netley Red Cross
                       Private Jack Marsom
Private Marsom at Netley Hospital 1918
New Bed for Welsh Hospital, Netley

Princess Helena Victoria visits Netley Hospital

Private George Albert Banks

Service No 48279, 

2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment


Born about 1895 at Seaford, Essex. 

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 27/04/1918 and is buried at Seaford Cemetery, Lewes.

Ancestry Burial Records



Gunner Strudley at Netley with gas poisoning

Alexander Hutchinson

Service No 21971

Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers


He died at Netley on 01/05/1918.

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie



Gunner Robert William Gowler

Service No 30691

Royal Field Artillery


He died at Netley on 10/05/1918.

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie

The Hampshire Advertiser gives us the three articles below on the dates shown -
Entertainment + donations at Netley Red Cross
The Grand Theatre and Palace Theatre performers entertain in the Recreation Room at the Red Cross Hospital!
Grand Theatre visits Netley Red Cross Hospital
Pte Yea RAMC + Hertfordshire Hut at Netley Hospital

Lt-Colonel Stringer, RAMC, once based at Netley Hospital is awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
Lt-Col Stringer, RAMC Netley awarded the DSO
The "War-time VAD's Poem"
Wanted! Folk to mend clothes for the Netley Hospital Patients.
Mending garments for the wounded at Netley
Second Lt G Tunnell
2nd-Lt Tunnell at Netley Hospital with gas poisoning
Coaltrimmers and the Welsh Hospital, Netley
If you can help either filling in any gaps or giving me further information on any names shown on this page or indeed the website, please drop me a line via Contact Me on the left.  
Sometimes the newspaper article is incomplete, perhaps not giving the initials of the soldier 
or his rank or Regiment or simply it shows incorrect information.  Thank you.

Private Albert Charles Crow Service No 325439

Essex Regiment


He died at Netley Hospital on 07/06/1918.

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie


Corporal Etheridge aat Netley Hospital 1918
Private Freeland at Netley Hospital in 1918

Gunner Alfred Oliver Johnson Service No 32943

Machine Gun Corps


He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 09/06/1918.

Ancestry Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects via Julie


Private Leigh at Netley Hospital - gas burns
Miss Emily G Evans, Matron of the Welsh Hospital -
Miss Evans, Matron of the Welsh Hospital bids farewell
There is a photo of Miss Evans (in 1914) further up on this webpage. 

She was awarded the Royal Red Cross 2nd Class on 23/10/1916.  

The Western Mail on 31/07/1917 reported that by July 1917, a total of 3485 patients had been treated in the Welsh Hospital since its opening.

Miss Evans was then mentioned in a list by the Secretary of State for War for "her meritorious services during the war" in October 1917.

Private William Thomas White

Service No 267473

1st/6th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment


He was born in Alresford. His parents were John Dorey White, butcher and watercress grower

and Elizabeth White.  He is the husband of Kate Hillary, formerly White of 10 Grange Road,

Alresford, Hampshire. 


He had served in the trenches for 8 months before being wounded and invalided home

from France to Netley. 

He died at Netley Hospital on 29/06/1918, age 29 and is buried in New Alresford (St John the Baptist) Churchyard Extension.  He leaves a widow and three children.

Fold3 Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Miss Lever Assistant Administrator at Netley 1918
Woolston Tennis Club take on RAMC at Netley
Day out at Barnfield for Netley wounded
Netley Hospital 1918

"To be Temp Hon Captain - James Brereton-Barry, late Temp Captain of RAMC whilst employed 

at the Welsh Hospital, Netley (July 25, 1918)"

Western Mail 25/07/1918

Entertainment at Netley Hospital 1918

The Mummers - or Guisers - were troupes of amateur actors, 

traditionally all male. 

  wikipedia.org.uk

Netley Hospitals' Mail Bags get stolen
Private Ross at Netley Hospital in 1918
Gunner George F Jones at Netley in 1918
Scroll down for more info on the 
Hospital Ship "Warilda"

Major German's Activity


Although seeking health at Barmouth, Major James German, JP, is unable to remain quiet whilst the call of charity is still great.  Together with Mr Owen Parry of Barmouth, he organised a flag day there for the benefit of Netley Hospital and realised £150.


The inevitable auction was held and £12 was realised for pipes which were bought earlier by the Major for 18s whilst a paper necklace made by a little girl visitor brought £4.


In the evening, Major German spoke at the local theatre after the Premier's message was read and a collection realised £18.  The total will endow three beds at Netley for twelve months.

Western Mail 10/08/1918

Ill-fated Warilda patients at Netley Hospital 1918
Ill-fated Warilda patients at Netley Hospital 1918

HMAT "Warilda" was en route from Le Havre to Southampton on 03/08/1918 when she was torpedoed by the German submarine UC-48 despite being marked clearly with the Red Cross.  The ship sank in about two hours and of the 801 persons onboard, 123 lost their lives. 

The wreck lies in the English Channel.

en.wikipedia.org.uk/wiki/HMAT_Warilda

HMAT = His Majesty's Australian Transport

Private A Bannister

Service No 10243

6th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 22/08/1918 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery

in the Roman Catholic sector.

War Graves of the British Empire

Lloyd George Autograph sold in aid of Welsh Hospital
Lady Mond, Commandant at Melchet Court Auxiliary Hospital intends to purchase windmill crafted by one of her 
Netley patients for her grandson.
Wounded Soldier' Handicrafts at Melchet Court

"Just Keep Marching Along"


On 29/08/1918, the Stage reported - 

"Never before have we published a song that has jumped right from the unknown into popularity 

without any boosting or particular effort on our part.


It is being demanded by the public so you must sing it.


In Blackpool during the last few weeks, the sales have been phenomenal.  It is the public's own song - the one they have chosen from all the rest as echoing their own sentiments."


To listen to a 1917 recording of this song, please click Play!


Okay, sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't, so it's Work-in-Progress!

In my defence, I couldn't check it until I published the Page

[Hint - refreshing your screen should reset it.]



Fete at Cardiff Roath Park for Welsh Hospital
           Frederick Smith
More wounded for Netley Hospital 1918

Abercynon Carnival in aid of Welsh Hospital Netley
      Private David Dixon Watt
Private David Dixon Watt at Netley Hospital 1918
So, here comes the drama about the German PoWs getting the beds in the ancient, draughty, out of date but secure Royal Victoria Hospital main building and the wounded "Tommies" being moved into the much more hygienic, modern, heated, better-equipped wards of the British Red Cross and Welsh Hospitals ...

I read the above somewhere when I first started researching the Hospital etc but I'm blowed if I can find the article again despite the hundreds of hours spent trawling through the newspapers for this website - 
but I will, one day! 

Anyway, clearly at the time, this was not how those patriotic Thorneycroft workers and the British man-in-the-street saw it.  Every newspaper in the country reported on it; I've only picked out a few different ones.
Thorneycroft workers at Netley Hospital
Thorneycroft workers protesting at Netley Hospital
And on behalf of the 
Welsh Nation:
Welsh Hospital Committee Secretary any about PoWs

Private L K Scott

Suffolk Regiment


He is the eldest son of Mr Harry Scott, formerly for many years in business at Northfield Avenue 

but now living at 50 Lynton Avenue, West Ealing. 

 Private Scott came home last November 1917 suffering from trench feet and dysentery. 


In April this year, he came home once more having been wounded in the shoulder. 

 Now he is wounded in his left forearm. 

 He has been operated on in France.  He is now in Netley Hospital and has been x-rayed. 


He has a brother who is serving with the Honourable Artillery Company.

Ealing Gazette and West Middlesex Observer 07/09/1918

Thorneycroft workers' protest about Netley continues
Indignation contines re Germans at Netley Hospital
Meanwhile, secure in the knowledge there are no Germans in the Welsh Hospital, fundraising continues -
Pengam Bed at Netley Welsh Hospital
Drapery Store at Netley Hospital
Boxing Bouts at Netley Hospital WW1
The Pier at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley
Ambulance Train at Netley Hospital Station (photo)
Complaint against Netley Hospital confirmed
Cardiff Fete in aid of Welsh Hospital Netley
Below - what the German newspapers are reporting about British treatment of their soldiers
Germans at Netley Hospital
Netley Military Hospital 1914 - 1918
Netley Military Hospital 1914 - 1918
Netley Military Hospital 1914 - 1918

Private W Annetts, eldest son of Mr + Mrs Fred Annetts, South Road, Southall, is lying at Netley Hospital 

suffering from shrapnel wounds.  Pre-enlistment, he was a valued member of the Gazette staff. 

[Middlesex Gazette 26/09/1918] 

Wimshurst, X-ray Expert late of Netley Hospital
Miss Biggs at Netley Hospital 1918
Lt-Col CE Holroyd at Netley 1918

Lieutenant Griffith T Board , (Regiment currently unknown - can you help?) 

His parents are Mr + Mrs R T Board, Home Farm, Merthyrmawr, Bridgend.

He is currently in Netley Hospital suffering from the effects of gas.

He had been wounded twice previously.

Western Mail 28/09/1918

F S Ferris discharged as "physically unfit"
Discharge at Netley for Mr Ferris
Miss Stewart, Matron of the Welsh Hospital Netley

Private George Dixon

Tank Corps

He is now in Netley Hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound in the left arm and a severe fracture of the skull.  He is going on as well as can be expected and has written a cheerful letter home.

He is a brother of Mr J Dixon, the well-known Lincoln referee and brother-in-law of

PC Newman, Lincoln City Police.

Lincolnshire Echo 29/10/1918

Whirlpool Baths come to Netley Hospital - helping to reduce the pain of gas burns and accelerating towards a more speedy recovery ...
Continuous Bath system at Netley Hospital
Whirlpool Baths at Netley Hospital 1918
Continuous Bath System at Netley Hospital 1918

On Monday 11/11/1918, the Derby Daily Telegraph, as did every other newspaper, declared -


THE WAR IS OVER AT LAST!

At five o'clock this morning, or six hours before the period of grace had expired, the Armistice was signed.


The conditions laid down by the Allies and submitted in their name to the German  plenipotentiaries by Marshall Foch and Admiral Wemyss were accepted, and the enemy has bowed with the best grace he could command to the inexorable logic of events.  What those conditions are, the world does not for the moment know, but that they are severe may be taken absolutely for granted.


"Never again," as Mr Lloyd George said, and to make that resolution effective it was necessary to take the most stringent precautions against a resumption of hostilities.



The following article is the first and only one I have so far found on British Newspaper Archive's website, 

regarding Netley Hospital and the announcement of the Armistice.

Netley Military Hospital 1914 - 1918 Armistice
Netley Military Hospital 1914 - 1918 Armistice
2nd Lt Harwood at Netley November 1918
Captain Walter Rhind
Captain Walter Rhind at Netley Hospital 1918
Miss Rita Bennetts at Netley November 1918

Private E F Hall

Service No G/28563, 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment

He died at Netley Hospital on 19/11/1918 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref N414.

Casualty Search for Netley Military Cemetery - cgwc.org.uk

Handicrafts made by Netley Wounded 1918
Private Herriman at Netley November 1918
Annual Sale of Work of Netley Hospital Handicrafts

Private David J Mitchell

Service No 345660

14th Royal Highlanders - Black Watch


He was the third son of Mr + Mrs W Stephen Mitchell, Bents Road, Montrose.  

Pre-enlistment, he was a Law Clerk with Mr Alex Lyell, Solicitors, Montrose.


He died at Netley Hospital on 14/12/1918 from severe wounds received in September in France.  

His funeral took place at St Peter's Churchyard, Montrose on 19/12/1918.

Dundee Courier 20/12/1918; Ancestry Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

Netley Operatic Society's
Netley's Walking Wounded going hime!
Netley Hospital post-Armistice 1918

Private Frederick Gray

Service No 44819

2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

He was the son of William and Jane Gray, The Raikes, Hartington, Buxton.

He died at Netley on 20/12/1918, age 27 and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref CE 1998.

Ancestry Army Register of Soldiers' Effects


Private W H Brownhill

Service No 55863

24th Battalion Welch Regiment (Pembroke + Glamorgan Yeomanry)

He died at Netley Hospital on 21/12/1918 and is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref C1997.

War Graves of the British Empire

And so, dear Reader, here comes to an end the longest-ever Page on anybody's website.  

I hope you have enjoyed the journey through the Lives and Times of the 

Royal Victoria Military Hospital and the Welsh, Irish and British Red Cross Hospitals

as much as I have, compiling it.


Did you know you can now leave feedback on the website?  Just click on Contact Me.

Royal Victoria Hospital pre Red Cross Hutted Hospital
Ambulance Trains at Netley Hospital
Sign post to the Royal Victoria Hospital
Photo of Royal Victoria Hospital post-1915
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