Did you know that the Former Royal Naval Hospital Gibraltar was nicknamed the Wedgwood Castle? Its light blue exterior gave it that charming name. Right here before us stands this impressive building a testament to Gibraltar’s rich military and medical history.
The Former Royal Naval Hospital initially opened around 1903. It served British military personnel and local sailors. It was a vital healthcare facility providing much-needed medical attention. The hospital consisted of three large three-story buildings. It boasted a capacity of around three hundred beds. Imagine the bustling activity within its walls.
The hospital played a crucial role during World War I. It treated a constant flow of wounded soldiers from Gallipoli. So many arrived that satellite hospitals had to be set up. The sheer number of injured overwhelmed the main facility. A sea voyage was the only other alternative. The hospital’s importance extended beyond the Great War.
During the Spanish Civil War the hospital cared for casualties. Among them were 55 men from the German cruiser Deutschland. The Deutschland was bombed while anchored off Ibiza. The hospital was already at full capacity. This was due to casualties from HMS Hunter which struck a mine near Almeria. The overworked staff also cared for patients from HM Maine a hospital ship. Many suffered severe burns. The influx of patients was so great that four nurses arrived by flying boat. One of these nurses received a German Red Cross Decoration and a certificate from Hitler himself a truly remarkable fact.
World War II saw the hospital again crucial. It treated casualties from the Malta area while ships were repaired. The most common injuries were burns. Fear of air raids led to the construction of a second hospital. Gort’s Hospital was built deep within The Rock’s tunnel systems. This was a wise precaution. Other underground hospitals were established as well. These include Fordham’s Hospital Monkey’s Cave Convalescent Hospital and Flat Bastion Road Hospital.
In 1963 the hospital transferred to the Royal Navy. It was then renamed the Royal Naval Hospital Gibraltar. The Royal Navy’s presence in Gibraltar diminished in later decades. Conversion of parts of the hospital into apartments began around 2006. By 2007 the hospital only had 25 beds. Remarkably in that same year it became the first military hospital to receive UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Award. The Governor of Gibraltar presented this award a significant achievement for the hospital.
After over a century of service the hospital closed in 2008. It was one of the last Royal Naval Hospitals. The move to the new Princess Royal Medical Centre happened over two weeks. The hospital remained open during this transition. The phased conversion to residential apartments is called The Cliftons. It is named after Clifton in Bristol and Clifton Beach in Cape Town. Block A was renovated while the hospital was still operational. This phase became Orchid House with eleven luxury apartments. The transformation of the Former Royal Naval Hospital is ongoing. It continues to transform its legacy.