Life in East Grinstead

Despite the seriousness of the work being done in the Canadian Ward of the Queen Victoria Hospital, Douglas Hicks wrote:  "Life in this hospital was a joy.  Most of the patients were mobile; an unwritten code was that we would do most of the small chores, take care of the occupants, and generally assist to the best of our capabilities.  We would fetch bedpans, help with the feeding and do a number of chores that were easy to do and would free up the hospital staff…  The response from the patients always made our efforts very rewarding."

The hospital grounds were attractively landscaped and a baseball diamond was built for the enjoyment of the patients.  The hospital staff ensured that all patients who were able to participate, would.  Hicks also recalled time spent in town:  "The inhabitants of East Grinstead, where the hospital was located, were well aware of the appearances of hospital patients.  Those with burns were not only ugly in their appearance, but many of their features were horrible disfigured or undergoing repairs.  Pedicles of skin would be hanging loosely from various parts of the body.  Noses and ears would have appendages growing, skin grafts and transplants were in full evidence.  Not a pretty sight.  Even so, the villagers accepted us all as family...  All in the town were not only sympathetic to these airmen but opened not only their hearts but their houses, their recreation facilities and the pubs to all of these unfortunate individuals."