Convalescent Hospital group photograph

Framed group black and white photograph, 'New Zealand Convalescent Hospital, Grey Towers, Hornchurch, July 1917, no1787'

Grey Towers was a mansion located in Hornchurch, East London, originally built for the owner of Hornchurch Brewery in 1876. After the last owner's death, it was purchased by the Army Council. It was used as a military depot before becoming the headquarters for the 23rd Royal Fusiliers and later the 26th Middlesex Regiment.

In 1916, it was the Comand Depot for New Zealand service personnel in England and was soon convetered to a hospital with 1500 beds. One thousand extra beds were added. By the end of 1918, 20,000 patients had been treated at the hospital and the last New Zealanders left on 16 February 1920.

The site was demolished in 1931.