The Diss Red Cross Hospital at ’Uplands’, Walcot Road, Diss, opened on September 9th 1914. This was just 12 days after the start of World War One.  There were 20 - 30 beds for wounded soldiers and during the next four and a half years, the hospital cared for over 1300 patients.

The building was loaned by the owners free of charge.  Government Grants and donations from local people paid for the running of the hospital. Fund-raising events such as the Summer Garden Fete were held each year.

Three qualified medical staff and two office staff were helped by 24 others from the Voluntary Aid Detachment, known as V.A.D.’s.  The men and women who volunteered were given basic first aid training.  Some were further trained in nursing, cleaning, and cooking.  Mrs. Gaze was in charge of the women and Captain Gaze, the men.

The hospital closed in early 1919 and a furniture sale was held at T.W. Gaze’s Auction at the Corn Hall in Diss.

Some of the 49 photographs have names, but many do not.  The 4 drawings are not signed and may have been done by more than one person.

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Below is a selection of photographs. Click on the individual pictures to find out more about each one.