Grim Memories of Bombing in 1944
Hitler really had it in for Benenden Hospital during the Second World War. The Hospital was situated in an area of West Kent known as Bomb Alley and in 1944 it was under continuous attack.
The Hospital Administrator at the time, Mr Terence Barnett said ‘The hospital suffered slightly when ten bombs fell near it in 1943 but it suffered much more as a result of enemy action on two occasions in 1944.’
On 17 June 1944 the Assistant Steward, his wife and daughter were killed on the hospital estate; six patients and members of staff received injuries, one reported as serious.
On 4 August 1944 the nurses and domestic home wing, the catering department, dining room and administration block were badly damaged by a bomb landing by the Post Offfice. The buildings were declared unsafe and the Sanatorium was evacuated to temporary accommodation in Tunbridge Wells.
Benenden Heritage Project - Remembering the Past - Securing the Future 