Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History RAF WW2 aircrew connection - Rock Ferry Hospital

Dear Readers,

Hello there: this is my first 'post' here.
I'm a newbee and have been recommended to ask within your fabulous website to enquire about my late father's admission to "Rock Ferry Hospital" on the 21st April 1943.
His name was F/Sgt LCR Wayt. Aircrew - WOP/AG.

It's rather odd, but I'm having all sorts of difficulties trying to establish if in fact there was such a hospital that "Forces" personnel would be placed in.
Another interesting thing about my Dad's admission to the hospital (clearly noted in his RAF Record of Service) is on that very day he had been flying out of RAF Hooton Park (Number 11 Radio School) airfield on a Botha, hull number L6483 with a take-off of 10.10am.
His "Duty" as noted in his Log Book was "s.i. instructor".
My Dad had recently trained as an WOP/AG (Wireless Operator and Air gunner). His pilot was Sgt Heppinstall.
It seems that on the 21st April 1943 my Dad suffered some sort of illness/ailment that required him to be dispatched to the nearest hospital. It was a training sortie, so I doubt it was enemy action that caused a hospital admission.

My question is dear readers: was there in fact a hospital named Rock Ferry Hospital during my Dad's time (April 1943) and what sort of hospital was it?

Any information on that subject would be very gratefully received.
As a further note, my Dad was then taken from that hospital and transferred to RAF West Kirby Hospital with a date of admission noted as 17 May 1943.
Once again, if anybody can unfold more about WK hospital, I would be more than grateful.

My Dad went on to serve with 524 Sqn at RAF Bircham Newton on Wellington's.
He survived the war, and finally 'went to sleep' on the 2 July 1992. RIP Dad "Ops Complete. DCO".

Thank you for looking (and even more thanks if you can help).
Kind wishes
TG

Hi! There I hope this helps.

RAF West Kirby Hospital

The West Kirby hospital used by the RAF was the old Leas School building on Meols drive demolished to make way for the new posh houses. An article in the Liverpool Daily Post dated 1944 stated that the Leas RAF Hospital treated almost 3000 airmen with 82% being returned to duty. The hospital was listed due to War Time restrictions as No2 Airmen’s Convalescent Depot. Public Records Office files show that the Leas became an RAF hospital on May 29th 1940. The senior medical officer was Squadron Leader ( acting Wing Commander ) HCS Pimblett, the acting Matron was Miss O Adamson. When the Leas was listed as The Leas School it is reported that during WWII the pupils at The Leas were relocated to the Lake District and the building was then occupied by the RAF.

I am told that Nicholas Monsarrat was a teacher at the Leas School, he of course wrote the book ‘ The Cruel Sea ‘ I am also told , sadly he did not enjoy his time at the school, but cannot confirm the statement.

The West Kirby Hospital or No2 Airmen’s Convalescent Depot served RAF West Kirby Base also known as No 5 Recruits Centre, the station was at Saughall Massie on the so called back road to West Kirby. There was a bus stop outside the base and the nearest railway station was Meols. The base opened in 1940 and closed in 1957, a commemorative propeller now marks the site of the main entrance, beyond which stood the Gloster Meteor aircraft. Not heard of Rock Ferry Hospital but will keep looking , hope this helps, Best Wishes

Hello,Ionic street school Rock Ferry was converted into a tempory military hospital during the 2nd war.Hope this helps.
Kind regards Pat (nanny witch)

Hello Reno37 & indeed Bluebell,

The WK Hospital info is very interesting and may well be the "convalescent" period of my Dad's recovery. I'm still wondering what was the underlying cause in the first place.

Bluebell: thanks for your info too about Rock Ferry [Ionic street school Rock Ferry was converted into a tempory military hospital during the 2nd war ]
Is your source just general knowledge or do you have a www "source" please?
Many thanks and kind wishes to both of you.
TG

Ionic Street school was used in WW1 for Northwest soldiers that were injured

It is listed in this doc.

Sorry I dont know about WWII though

Listed Here

I agree with Bluebell. Ionic street school was a hospital during the war. My grandmothers sister was a nurse there and indeed met and married an australian who was a patient.

Google Wirral Archives services. They have all sorts of records held there. Very helpful people too. Well worth a visit to anybody looking for information about their ancestors. Good luck.

Many thanks indeed for this valuable document - it helps a little get the feel for the whole of the needs of those suffering from ills/wounds/disease at the time.

Thanks

TG

Many thanks to all this who have tried to help me.........
Cools/Alonso/OxtonHill.

All good stuff and I will read all I can about the hints/advice/links.

Thanks
TG