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: “Free French Convalescent Hospital. Picture shows Mrs. Honor Carr distributing gifts to the men of the Free French Force – the gifts being provided by lovers of Free France.”
Between 1941 and 1944 Beaconsfield served as a recovery centre for the Free French Forces, with Butler’s Court being used as a convalescent home. A number of other houses were used as nursing homes and officers’ accommodation. The Free French Convalescent Hospital was run by the British Red Cross under the auspices of the “French in Great Britain Fund”. 600 patients, many of whom were submariners with tuberculosis, were treated at Beaconsfield. 34 members of the Free French Forces died at Beaconsfield during the Second World War, most from tuberculosis and two in car accidents. See also MED01/01/1995-1999 and MED01/01/2001. 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: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Convalescent Hospital, Auxiliary Hospital, Health And Welfare, Second World War