Cornwall In The First World War

During this month, each weekday I'll be posting a different image showing aspects of Cornwall's First World War.

In 1916 the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital was created in Truro’s workhouse at the top of Tregolls Road, initially with 150 beds; the usual inmates were moved out. Already, since June 1915 the Royal Cornwall Infirmary at Truro had been treating wounded servicemen. Here, it's Christmas and the ward has been decorated with small trees. Patients wear a light cotton uniform indicating their status as wounded servicemen, and pose for the photo with some of the nursing staff.

More hospital facilities were pressed into use at Falmouth, Launceston and Penzance, as well as Camborne, Fowey, Newquay and Scorrier. Local people opened canteens for the walking wounded, and many welcomed recuperating men into their homes. Schools and public halls were requisitioned for additional temporary nursing care; some reached a dreadful longevity. 

My book, 'Cornwall In The First World War', is published by Truran. With 112 pages and 100 images, you'll find it in bookshops across the Duchy. It's also available through Amazon: http://amzn.to/19JbtZm