RHN’s Historical Role in the World War Efforts: A Tribute to Courage and Care

As we pause to honour veterans and all those who served during the world wars, we take a moment to reflect on the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability’s (RHN) significant role during World War II. RHN’s place in history is more than just a location; it represents resilience, dedication, and a legacy of care stretching back 170 years.

When war broke out in 1939, the hospital’s staff became unsung heroes, adapting to wartime conditions and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients in the face of significant challenges. Among them was Audrey Firth, a former nurse whose story paints a vivid picture of life at RHN during the blitz. Audrey not only served the hospital during those trying times but later joined the RAF’s medical section, taking her commitment to care to the front lines.

“When war was declared in 1939, I stayed on and served through the blitz,” Audrey recalls. “The hospital never received a direct hit, but bombs and land mines fell close by, shattering windows frequently. We worked around the clock, and often fire-watched on the roof, ready to tackle incendiary bombs with just a stirrup pump, water bucket, and sand.”

Nurses like Audrey displayed remarkable courage and resilience. Alongside their duties of basic patient care—administering bedpans, blanket baths, and bed-making—they also took on the vital role of providing stability and compassion amidst the chaos of war. Despite shattered windows and the constant threat of bombings, RHN remained a haven of care and comfort.

Beyond the walls of the hospital, RHN staff were called to support the war effort. A 1941 report indicates that the number of male porters, crucial to daily hospital operations, dwindled as they were drafted into service. The permanent nursing staff similarly dropped from 63 to 37, placing an even greater burden on those who remained.

One particularly harrowing memory was the Sunday during a church service when flying bombs forced an evacuation. In response, 72 patients were transferred to Lennox Castle Emergency Hospital in Glasgow. The long, taxing journey by train was a difficult experience for the patients, leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of RHN for the uncertainties of war.

Through these stories, we honor the legacy of RHN’s staff and their unshakable commitment to care during one of the most challenging periods in history. Their bravery and selflessness continue to inspire, reminding us that RHN’s heritage is built on more than bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to the people who rose to the occasion in times of need.