British Red Cross Nurses in a Hampshire Hospital: A 1914 Photograph on the Eve of WW1

Explore a rare 1914 photograph of British Red Cross nurses in a Hampshire hospital, capturing the atmosphere just days before WW1 and the early lives of VAD and trained nurses. Always on the lookout for old photos, this one caught my eye. The sepia tinge seems in keeping with the age of the photo.

A Rare Pre‑WW1 Photograph of a Hampshire Hospital

This old photo of an English hospital has a Victorian feel. The interior shows wooden rafters, open plan with an air of high discipline judging by the postures of the nurses and the starchy British Cross uniforms. See all the nurses standing neatly in a row.

British Red Cross Nurses in a Hampshire Hospital Prior to WW1

At the back of the photograph, a nurse called Gracie writes the date, which is 31 July 1914, although the date displayed on the front gives the date 27 May 1914. Hants, discloses the location being Hampshire, a county on the south coast of England.

The Life and Work of British Red Cross Nurses

The date on the rear would have been 3 days after war broke out, which was July 28 1914. A cloud of uncertainty and dread must have pervaded over the room. But the belief of doing right by your country would have bolstered morale.

The wards would have comprised a mixture of trained nurses, and volunteers, known as Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD). Matrons and sisters would have presided.

A Personal Message from Nurse Grace

Notice this message dating back to before the First World War

The handwritten note from Gracie on the back of the photograph reads:

“Ear Ida,

I have marked myself and my special friend. I am the short one, of course. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Please write.

Love, Gracie”.

Beneath is the note: “received last night”.

It's little inscriptions like these that brings the image to life. A clearer picture can be seen of the times and of the people.