RAF Hospital Uxbridge
Near Uxbridge, Greater London in England
RAF Hospital Uxbridge is located in Greater London
RAF Hospital Uxbridge
RAF Hospital Uxbridge
Shown within Greater London
Coordinates51°32′45″N 000°28′17″W / 51.54583°N 0.47139°W / 51.54583; -0.47139
TypeRoyal Air Force Hospital
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
OperatorRoyal Air Force
Site history
Built1925 (1925)
In use1925-2010 (2010)

RAF Hospital Uxbridge was a military hospital within the Royal Air Force station RAF Uxbridge.

History

Douglas Bader arrived at the hospital in 1932 to recover after the amputation of both of his legs following a flying accident. It was during his stay that he met the Desoutter brothers who were pioneering the use of lightweight aluminium for the production of prosthetic limbs.[1] Bader was fitted with the new style of legs and returned to active service with the RAF, to become known as "the legless pilot".[2]

In early 1940, the officers' hospital on the station became the Women's Auxiliary Air Force Hospital,[3] with the Officers' hospital moving to the RAF Hospital Torquay.[4]

References

Citations
  1. ↑ "Sir Douglas Bader CBE, DSO, DFC". London Borough of Hillingdon. 1 March 2011. Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  2. ↑ Alexander, Clare (22 July 2008). "Funny, sad, amazing stories of spies and Douglas Bader". Uxbridge Gazette. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  3. ↑ Crozier 2007, p. 15
  4. ↑ Mackie, Mary (2001). Sky wards : a history of the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service. London: Robert Hale. p. 103. ISBN 0-7090-6976-6.
Bibliography
  • Crozier, Hazel. (2007) RAF Uxbridge 90th Anniversary 1917–2007. RAF High Wycombe: Air Command Media Services
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