My mother was a nurse, initially at Shotley Bridge(County Durham) and later at Morpeth(Northumberland) during the war years. She talked about nursing airmen who had suffered burns and of course other injuries. Back in England (I'm currently living and working in China) I have some photographs of her and airmen from both sides but mainly Polish, which I will share in June when I return. I guess that all hospitals were busier than normal during those years but the way my mother spoke about Shotley Bridge has lead me to believe it may have had a special burns unit. Any information would be welcome. Of course with my fathers return from RAF service abroad my mothers nursing career was interupted by my birth in 1946!! We lived out in the countryside, to the west of Morpeth, in a village named Hartburn. Nearby there are country estates at Meldon and Angerton. I well remember a fairly large block of perhaps 20 or 30 army huts adjoining the estate at Meldon. They remained until maybe the early 60's. Between Hartburn and Angerton a small suspension type bridge was built 'by the army' over the Hart burn(river), it remained there too until the mid to late 60's. Are there any records of 'activities' in these areas?
Hello I am reading "The reconstruction of Warriors" by E.R Mayhew. It tells the story of the Guinea Pig Club. The name given to aircrew who had severe burns and required reconstructive surgery at a small hospital near East Grinstead by innovative Plastic Surgeon Archibald McIndoe. I havent come across any mention of Shotley Bridge, but if I do Ill let you know. The huts you mention can't have been far from RAF Tranwell/Morpeth, perhaps they were connected. Peter
