The Second World War began in September 1939 and, almost immediately, authorities requisitioned Stranmillis College, Belfast for use as a Military Hospital. The Stranmillis Military Hospital operated throughout the war.
The College was established in 1922 to provide training for Elementary School teachers. Classes for trainee teachers moved to The Royal Portrush Hotel, Portrush, Co. Antrim during the Second World War. In 1930, the Duchess of Atholl M.P. officially opened a new main building. This is the building that became the hub of the hospital.
Stranmillis House, sometimes referred to as the Batt House also formed part of the Hospital complex. The Principal’s Residence became an Officers’ Mess for medical staff. Other structures such as Nissen Huts, later replaced with the Orchard Building, and “The Bungalows”, now the site of the library were used by hospital staff. In 1944, the Henry Garrett Building was built next to Stranmillis House. Due to wartime shortages, no wood was used in the construction.
British Newspaper Archive Photograph: Patients play card games at Stranmillis Military Hospital, Belfast under the watchful eye of Major D. McVicker, Lieutenant H.K.B. Armstrong, and Matron Miss Bamber. Copyright Belfast Telegraph - Friday 13th October 1939.
By October 1939, Officer Commanding at Stranmillis Military Hospital was Major D. McVicker, assisted by Lieutenant H.K.B. Armstrong. The Matron was a Miss Bamber. Records show a Matron by the name of Miss Miller in July 1940. In 1939, the hospital was still in its infancy and some patients found it lacking in social activities.
Sir, I would be very grateful if we could have such as cards and darts, etc. for the boys in Stranmillis Military Hospital to play with to pass away the time, as there is nothing for them to do. It is rather a long day when you have no games, and as this hospital has just been opened, they find it very difficult to get everything they require. It is not very nice walking and lying in bed all day with nothing to do.
Belfast Telegraph, 11th October 1939.
A further appeal in October 1939 came from Mr. Herbert Lindsay, Clerk to the Rector of St. Batholomew’s, Stranmillis, Belfast. He requested papers, books, old wireless sets, and even a piano.
British Newspaper Archive Photograph: Major Howard Crozier, Captain Vandersyde, and members of staff at Stranmillis Military Hospital, Belfast who attended a dance organised by Mr. Marshall McAllister in aid of the Comforts Fund. Copyright Northern Whig - Tuesday 21st May 1940.
In January 1940, Air Raid Precautions Wardens from Stranmillis Post, N. Group hosted a variety performance for the patients in the Military Hospital. Group Warden Miss Evelyn Smith organised the event, which featured the talents of famed B.B.C. entertainer Mr. Tom Reynolds. Then, Mr. E. Clark at the piano lead a communal singalong.
Conjurer, magician, and mystic performer “Professor Hercat” performed a clever variation of the Indian Rope Trick. Other performances included Miss Winnie Smith’s action songs, Miss Betty Norman’s recitation, and songs from Miss Doris Chisholm. Miss Polly and Mr. Harry Stewart and his Orchestra also performed a range of musical numbers. Following the show, A.R.P. Wardens distributed cigarettes to the patients.
By May 1940, the social activities of patients were once again taking up column inches in the local press:
Sir, As patients of Stranmillis Military Hospital, we appeal to you to publish this little item. From the outbreak of war, this hospital, as well as other military hospitals in Belfast, has given passes to its patients which allow them out for a few hours daily.
Owing to one or two patients coming in a little late or drunk, the passes at Stranmillis Hospital have been stopped – not only for the offenders, but all the patients. Is this playing the game?
Two-thirds of the patients here are men of the B.E.F., and we think that they, if not all others, should be allowed out for a few hours. Discipline here has become very strict recently. Not very long ago, we were allowed to walk around all the hospital grounds. Now we can only go around one-third of them. It takes exactly 14 minutes to walk around that one-third. We are not allowed to go near the hospital gates, which was once a patient’s privilege.
Northern Whig, 14th May 1940.
A Royal Visit in 1942
On 14th October 1942, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal visited Stranmillis Military Hospital, Belfast where she spoke with the senior officials including Lieutenant Colonel Grant, nursing staff, and patients.
Other names known to be associated with the Stranmillis Military Hospital are Major Frazer (Surgeon in Charge) and Miss Emma Duffin (Commandant of the Voluntary Aid Detachment). The latter is known for her detailed diary-keeping during both World Wars and, in particular, during the Belfast Blitz.
Stranmillis Military Hospital, Belfast remained in use until May 1944.