After the fire it was impossible to make another start in Oakwood Hall until rebuilding work had been completed. However it was possible to continue some nursing by using a marquee and the open-air ward subsequently the V.A.D. hospital could be reopened making provisions for 54 patients. The reopening took place on the 21st August 1918. The conduct of the soldiers throughout their stay was said to be very peaceful and appropriate. Miss Elizabeth Sinclair White and her staff coped really well despite the difficult conditions. The kindness of the townspeople never wavered with its generous support of the hospital allowing no lack of necessities or even luxuries at any time. As the war finally came to an end on the 11th November 1918 the joy of the occasion swept through Oakwood Hall marquees.
The hospital continued to have social gatherings or entertainment nights. One such event occurred on the 15th February 1919, when the ladies of Sitwell Park Golf Club gave an enjoyable whist drive. The ladies gave out cigarettes, chocolates and cakes to the patients. The evening was followed by musical entertainment by Mr. Tordoff and his friends. Mr Tordoff gave a selection of music and songs on the piano, which delighted the soldiers. Miss Rodgers also contributed songs popular at the time. This was one of many such arrangements. This entertainment was finally stopped by a War Officer when an order to forbid all social outings came in March 1919 because of the influenza epidemic. The epidemic affected three-quarters of the British population and altogether 15,000 people were killed. It is unclear if the epidemic or the negotiations going on between the Rotherham Corporation, V.A.D. Committee and Mr. Colin Smith the owner of Oakwood Hall swayed the decision to close the hospital but it was finally made.
To mark the closing a special meal was given by the committee on Shrove Tuesday. Patients sat down to a roast chicken dinner with sausage, bread sauce, mashed potatoes followed by plum pudding and brandy sauce. Toasts to The King and also to the hospitals committee were given. Hospital staff and soldiers provided a musical evening. Afterwards a whist drive was held and the committee provided a prize to each patient. Coffee and cake was served to close the night. On 6th March 1919 a joyful social evening was arranged where patients and staff joined in a sing-along. The following morning all thirty-three patients left for the Base Hospital at Sheffield and the Auxiliary Hospital at Moorgate.
© Neil and Janet Croft 2005