On a windy Saturday afternoon the 22nd June 1918
while patients were being served with dinner, a fire
was discovered in the north wing of the building.
It was the smell of the fire that first attracted
the attention of the matron Miss E Sinclair White.
As she and some of the wounded soldiers who were recuperating
fought fearlessly with fire extinguishers and water
to douse the fire it proved useless against the flames
that had quickly taken hold of the roof. Although
heroic attempts were immediately made to dampen the
fire, the flames were fuelled by the force of the
wind. As the wind blew stronger and stronger the flames
of the fire seemed unstoppable. The staff and 100
recuperating wondered soldiers were quickly evacuated;
meanwhile the Fire Brigade had been contacted. Wounded
Soldiers, hospital staff and civilians fought to beat
the flames though this was hampered by the lack of
a sufficient supply of water. As the horse Drawn Fire
Engine quickly made its way from Swallownest more
heroic attempts were made by the soldiers to save
any hospital furniture and equipment. These attempts
were soon stopped as the fire raged on.
The firemen quickly got to work under the command
of Chief Inspector Green and later on Sergeant Cook
(Deputy Inspector) of the fire brigade. As the firemen
attempted to control the fire it seemed destined to
stay ablaze all day. The gusting fed the raging fire
which had now engulfed most of the building. The falling
roof and shattering glass made the firemen's work
difficult and dangerous. One fireman was badly burnt
by falling debris whilst working in one of the upstairs
rooms and he was quickly removed to Doncaster Gate
Hospital.
Meanwhile the fire was now spreading towards the
south wing. The tower roof was covered in flames that
forced their way through with such strength it caused
a loud roaring sound as the tower crashed its way
into the burning main building. The shattering windows
sprayed glass over the firemen and helpers. As everyone
ran out of danger one soldier was badly cut. Within
the first hour the upper floor and the front of the
building had already burnt itself out. The chief constable
Mr. E. Westhogg also visited the scene to give his
support. He had just returned from a fire at Swallownest.
It took firemen several more hours before the fire
was really under control and another few hours before
the building collapsed and the flames were finally
extinguished. The once beautiful building had suffered
the most incredible fire damage.
Saddened faces looked on to see the last flickering
flames subside. Everyone was exhausted by their fruitless
efforts. The fire had dealt a most cruel blow to this
once majestic and tranquil building. The whole of
the north wing, the kitchen and the administrative
building was completely burnt out. The stables and
veranda had also suffered damage. Every ward (except
the open-air wards) was burnt out. All that remained
was a charred and blackened skeleton of stones. A
large quantity of the hospital's furniture was saved
although many objects such as fixtures had been sacrificed.
Many soldiers lost their personal belongings; some
of these effects had gone through the war with them,
a sad and tragic irony.
Dr. Knight, the medical officer in charge of the
hospital was soon on the scene and remained throughout
giving assistance wherever possible. Major Yates,
with a fleet of ambulances, arrived from Sheffield's
Base hospital within three-quarters of an hour of
the outbreak of fire. Luckily all staff and soldiers
got to safety except sadly for one soldier who was
badly cut by falling glass. Patients were removed
to Moorgate, and the General Hospital on Doncaster
Road hospital however 13 males were left to sleep
in the conservatory or the dinning room until beds
could be found. The patient who was badly cut was
removed to the Base Hospital at Sheffield. West Riding
Police Officers under the direction of Inspector Hoyle
helped keep many civilian spectators at bay well away
from the fire. Miss Baker, quartermaster of the V.A.D,
was also amongst the helpers. The damage was estimated
from £5000 to £6000.
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