Accession Number

2022.007.006

Description

A sepia-toned photograph depicting the south and west facades of Craigdarroch, the Castle surrounded by people, others on the veranda and balcony, a Red Ensign flag on the main west gable finial.

Narrative

This photograph depicts the September 25, 1919 opening of Craigdarroch Military Hospital by HRH Prince of Wales. 

On the morning of the visit, Joan Crescent was closed to traffic. Shortly before the Prince arrived in his open limousine, returned soldiers (veterans of the Great War) assembled on the driveway and formed a line on each side of his intended path. The royal car arrived at 10:30 a.m., but contrary to plans, the Prince stepped out of it and onto Joan Crescent. He walked onto Craigdarroch’s grounds through the newly made concrete gates and under an archway of purple and white bunting, laurel leaves, and fir branches surmounted by his royal crest.

As he walked with his staff along the north driveway and toward the Castle`s south side, he was crisply saluted by numerous Highland sentries. Hundreds stood cheering and waving as he appeared before the assembled crowd. At the south side, he climbed the Castle’s broad granite steps onto the south verandah before passing through the west garden entrance and into the building. This photograph was probably taken a moment or two after the Prince had entered the building. 

In the foreground, the first crop of vegetables grown by the hospital's patients is visible. Gardening was a curative occupation for some of the healthier veterans. The vegetables were cooked in the hospital kitchen.

The photographer was E.W.A. Crocker, owner of the Trio studio of Victoria, B.C.

This print was made from the same negative as 2007.023 but is cropped differently to provide more information on the left and right sides.

Date

September 25 1919

Dimensions

13 x 18.2 cm

Subject/Image

Craigdarroch Military Hospital

Country of Origin

Canada