Great Britain declared war on Germany at 11 p.m. Tuesday, 4th August, 1914. The brilliant summer days were darkened by the news of the First World War. In a matter of days thousands of men had volunteered to join the army, including many local men. Some of these men were so unfit they failed the medical and were turned away. The government began a huge recruitment drive, urging young men to enlist. By the end of the following year posters were pasted on every available hoarding showing a picture of Field Marshal Lord Kitchener pointing a stern finger at the passing crowds with the words "Join your Country's Army!". Over the next few months floods of volunteers began to enlist. The most terrible worry for every family in wartime was whether their loved ones would return home safely.
Within months, The Rotherham Advertiser began reporting the news of the local
casualties and even more sadly, of the service men that had died in action. Wounded
soldiers were treated on the front line and some were returned home on leave. Local
soldiers were treated mainly in Doncaster Gate Hospital. Some men suffered horrible battle
wounds, some of which had never been seen by local doctors. As the war casualties
increased, there became a need for a convalescent home.
When Mr Colin M. Smith kindly offered Oakwood Hall as a convalescent home for the wounded soldiers, the town's prayers were answered. Oakwood Hall was a magnificent mansion on Whiston Road. The Rotherham Women's Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) soon accepted the offer from Mr Smith and quickly got into action to get the hospital up and running. By the beginning of November 1914, the building came under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Connell. But much still needed to be done regarding equipment and sound finances to run the hospital. A good financial basis was needed before it could be taken over by the military authorities.
|
|
|
An appeal to raise £500 was soon launched; one of the most devoted fundraisers was Miss Baker, of Oakwood Grange. She devoted all her time and energy to raise money and gifts. Any donations of money, clothing or furniture could be addressed to her at Oakwood Grange. This led to a generous response from the people of Rotherham. However, more was still needed, along with additional Government grants. Many gentlemen, hospital staff, factory and colliery workers soon started to subscribe to the hospital fund. A V.A.D. Ladies committee was soon established, under the presidency of Mrs. Coward, with Miss Baker, as secretary and Mrs Whitfield as treasurer. The lady's committee spared no effort in raising money for equipment and furnishings for the hospital. The ladies took the up most pride in their fine linen and linen room. Members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade also gave up their evenings and weekends to assist the ladies in their work. The public continued to give generous support to the many public events that were held around the town.
© Neil and Janet Croft 2005