Dunsdale Red Cross Hospital, Belgian soldiers in recuperation

Known officially as Kent 38, Westerham, Dunsdale was registered in 1911.  On mobilisation the large empty house, then the property of the family of the late Norman Watney, was converted into a Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) Red Cross hospital with fifty beds. By October 14th 1914 everything was ready for the forty-eight injured Belgian soldiers who arrived. A motor ambulance, provided by Mr. John Laird Busk, had been most useful in bringing in the more serious cases. The National Service Committee of Westerham gave stores and equipment and many volunteers assisted with motors for transport.