Brockenhurst - A World War 1 Village Hospital by Di Fletcher

While a subject known to many villagers Di, the Church Archivist, presented members with the opportunity to delve deep into local and personal connections.

The first to use Brockenhurst as a base and then a hospital were the Indian troops who Kitchener insisted were essential at the beginning of the war because they were battle hardened from border skirmishes in India. This proved correct as the Indians were dependable warriors on the front line winning more VCs than any other grouping in WW1. They suffered from the winter weather - bitterly cold in the war years. They were relocated to the Brighton area and had the privilege of occupying the Brighton Pavilion. The Indians were replaced by the New Zealanders and during the time the New Zealanders were in Brockenhurst deep connections were established. It is claimed that if you mention Brockenhurst in New Zealand it is almost certain they will know where you are talking about.

In addition to the history of the hospital Di gave details of royal visits to the hospital. She explained the story behind the Commemorative Window erected in St Nicholas Church in June 2016 and how it was gifted by the people of New Zealand as a lasting memorial to the hospital the local community. This magnificent window, built under the auspices of the Salisbury Cathedral Glass team can of course be seen at the Church where there is also a small WW1 exhibition. The centenary commemorations included a visit, in July 2016, by Queen Camilla to the hospital site at Tile Barn where she opened new camping pods for the use of service men and their families.