THE WORCESTERSHIRE World War One Hundred team is coming to Upton-upon-Severn for a special open day to remember the voluntary aid detachment (VAD) hospitals.
‘Hospital Histories’ takes place at the former Red Cross VAD Hospital, The Boynes Care Centre, on Saturday, April 22 from 11am to 2pm.
The event sees the culmination of a three month project between the Worcester Medical Museums and teachers and pupils at Hanley Swan St Gabriel’s with St. Mary’s CofE Primary School.
During the project, re-enactment group Discover History worked with pupils to help them understand what would happen to a wounded soldier during the First World War and the importance of stretcher bearers and the casualty evacuation chain in a soldier’s treatment.
As part of the project pupils visited the exhibition ‘A Happy Convalescence’ at Hartlebury Castle, used as a Red Cross VAD Hospital during the First World War.
In the classroom, images from autograph books signed by the soldiers cared for at Battenhall Mount Red Cross VAD Hospital were used, along with poems and illustrations created by recovering soldiers.
In addition to the work by pupils, activities on the day will include the Worcestershire World War One Hundred Bell Tent Casualty Clearing Station with re-enactors Discover History, timed poetry performances from Charley Barnes, Worcestershire-based writer and poet, timed tours of the former VAD hospital and lawn games.
Louise Price, curator at George Marshall Medical Museum, said: “There is an incredible history of wounded soldiers who were cared for in Worcestershire and The Boynes is one of the estimated 38 Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment hospitals across the County.
“We are particularly proud to share the work created by pupils who have been learning about medicine during World War One and who have responded incredibly well to the experiences of convalescing soldiers one hundred years ago.
“We look forward to sharing the history of The Boynes as well as the stories of those who were treated, worked and volunteered there, in what should be a fun day of activities.”
