The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “St Thomas’s Hospital goes underground. Picture shows a view of part of the men’s ward, which has been improvised underground from what was once the electrical department.”
Between September 1940 and May 1941, St Thomas’ Hospital was bombed six times, but despite large amounts of bomb damage the hospital remained open throughout the Second World War. The most destructive bombing occurred on 15th September 1940, the third bombing of the hospital and only a week after the start of the Blitz: a bomb hit the main hospital corridor, causing the medical outpatients’ block to collapse, and destroying the kitchen, canteen, dispensary and administrative block. During the Blitz, much of the hospital’s work was transferred to the basement, and the blackout and undependable light sources meant staff sometimes carried out their work in near-darkness. See also MED01/01/0977-0978 and MED01/01/0980-0986. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Hospital, Hospital Ward, Underground Hospital, Second World War, Health And Welfare
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