Auxiliary Hospital Penrith

[rickpreston@nasuwt.net]

Today is the centenary of the opening of this modest size Auxiliary Hospital . 100 years ago it received its first 50 wounded, the majority with arm upper torso arm or head injuries. For the next 4 years and 6 days it would continue to receive wounded men the majority from France though there was a train load who had originated from Gallipoli. It also received 14 soldiers who were injoured at Gretna in My 1915. At first the trains came from Southhampton taking around 9 hours to get to Penrith but laterly some train loads came from Dover. The hospital had a staff of over 250 some male but the majority female, split into 3 ward, ie 3 buildings two church halls and a large house each treating approx the same number of casualties, in total over 1200 during the time it was open. Indeed it was the second largest number in Cumbria with the Kendal Auxiliary Hospital treating over 2000. Other hospitals would open up as time went on all near railway lines until in total there were 32 in total, 28 dealing with Other ranks and 4 for Officers.