9 Months of my Life Spent Here
I was a boy sargeant soldier at Arborfield AAS when I came down with a serious illness and rushed into Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot and when I defied the odds and lived , it was discovered that I had pulmonary TB of the right lung. I was transferred to Connaught Military Sanatorium at Hindhead ,Surrey which I believe is the hospital featured in the photo ref.67886 although I do not recognise the angle it is taken from.
I got to know many of the patients and staff and although the hospital by this time was already condemned I received very good and kind treatment and the male orderlies competence and kindness motivated me into becoming a male qualified nurse. I am now 76yrs.old and am still working as an RGN in old folks homes in Lincolnshire, but I shall never forget those 9 mths months in Connaught Military Hospital ,Hindhead where I was restored to health from near death.
Thanks to any of the staff who may still be alive and who cared for me and who should read this. I remember Frank Tapp -orderly - RAMC. John Drew -orderly - RAMC . `Taffy Maddox` - patient- Royal Pioneer Corp. Cpl Roy Neal - patient (Next bed to me.)- (Who sadly died) `Copper `Corporal Longden (Patient) RCMP
McKinley - patient- Airborne. Major Edwards RAMC Commanding Officer. Later becam Senior Chest Physician for Leeds.
Clifford Charlesworth Ex - A/Sgt. Army Apprentice School. Arborfield.
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RE: RE: 9 Months of my Life Spent Here
I've worked at this building from 2007 to the present under the ownership of De Vere Venues, I'm currently doing a local project on Haslemere and stumbling across this photo was the catalyst of some lengthy research into the history of Hilder's. So far I have acknowledged it was only a miltary hospital until 1917 and in the 1920s became Hilder's Preparatory School. It was originally owned by Lord and Lady Aberconway, and other than the addition of the conference centre and renovated 'courtyard' in the 1970s that have earn't the building its listed Grade II status, the main lounge and ground floor rooms, and indeed the grounds, have changed very little, even the fireplace that was in the main hospital ward has remained the same. I would be grateful to hear any more information anyone may have on this building.
Comment from Fiona Blades on Tuesday, 27th January 2009.
RE: RE: 9 Months of my Life Spent Here
I lived in a childrens' home called Hillgarth and went to school in Beacon Hill. I used to go and stay with Mrs Crawford of Thatch Cottage in Kingsley Green,I used to help the baker who was called David in the general store and help him make bread and delivery it, plus milking the cows. I do remember Mrs Barlow who had two horses called Jimmy and George and a daughter named Pru who married James who was in the RAF. Mrs Crawford had her husband, Captain Crawford, and Cecil Wormsley living there too. Captain Crawford had lost his leg and was confined to bed, there was also an Irish setter called Bracken.
If anyone remembers me I would like to hear from you as these were the only childhood memories I remember. My name at that time was John Crossman.
Comment from Name withheld on Saturday, 31st January 2009.