In April 1917, the entry of America into the war brought new hopes and purpose to this bloody and what seemed an endless fight. On the 17th April, due to increasing demands on the hospital a new wing was opened. On a fairly pleasant April morning a number of people gathered to see the opening of the new wing. The large crowd stood in their best Sunday clothes, ladies in their new look dresses. The economy of war and a growing shortage of materials led to this new look, a shorter skirt (still well below the knee) and less filled out dresses. Their now small picture hats in the styles of the time would make the perfect outfit for any lady on such a fine occasion. The gentlemen were bearded or moustached and stood proud in their black top hats and long coats. The Mayor joined the crowd; noticeable with his heavy gold chain hung with precision on his dark winter coat.
By now the large gathering crowd included wounded soldiers who were already receiving treatment at the hospital. Col, Duncombe, the country director of the V.A.D. was well received by the crowds as he started his speech. Standing very upright with an air of military importance Col Duncombe began by thanking everyone for making this day possible. He congratulated them on behalf of the Country Association for making such a beautiful place possible. After a lengthy but well received speech, the crowd remained gathered to listen to a short but well-spoken speech by Mr Wells.
The new wing comprised of what was once formally the conservatory; this had been altered and extended to bring the accommodation at the hospital up to 100 beds. A special feature of the wing was to provide the men with treatment under the open-air system. It had been found that men recovered more quickly if treated in open-air surroundings. All the wards were well ventilated but it was believed no open windows could compensate for treatment on an open-air ward.
Heavy fighting in France ten days before the new hospital wing opened had clearly shown the need for the extra beds. Heavy fighting would continue to bring a very large number of casualties from the front line. A new recruitment drive for additional V.A.D. members and nurses was soon called for. A large number of V.A.D. staff had now joined other medical and supporting staff in France and this had led to a shortage of experienced matrons and nursing staff locally. Despite all the day-to-day problems of running a hospital for wounded and recuperating soldiers, most patients were said to have unfailing cheerfulness during their stay. The men appreciated the extra comforts the hospital could provide. Patients who were fit enough took great pleasure walking around the hospital's beautiful surroundings. The hospital had received many letters of thanks from soldiers who had stayed there, no doubt enjoying the peace and quiet, with no sounds of gunfire, or men's cries for help. The people of Rotherham would continue to put their hands into their pockets and give very enthusiastically to help the wounded soldiers, even though the war was now bringing much hardship to the Nation.
At this time Miss Elizabeth Sinclair White was awarded the Royal Red Cross of the second class, in recognition of her valuable service on behalf of the wounded soldiers. Miss Sinclair White and the staff at Oakwood hall were delighted at this special award. Dr. Sinclair White, a doctor at the Sheffield hospital watched his sister Elizabeth receive the award.
© Neil and Janet Croft 2005