Orpington Hospital has paid tribute to its military past at an unveiling of a new memorial garden.

The Deputy High Commissioner of the Canadian High Commission and the Bishop of Rochester joined staff from past and present to commemorate its role in the First World War on Friday (Aug 8).

Organised by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Friends of Orpington Hospital, more than 100 people gathered to honour its historic past.

Orpington Hospital is the former Ontario Military Hospital and was set up by the Government of Ontario in 1916 to care for wounded soldiers in the First World War.

A hundred years since the outbreak of the war, this year the community has re-dedicated the garden in memory, restored the original clock tower, and planted a maple tree at the front of the site in remembrance of the international link.

Chief executive at the King's Tim Smart said: "Between 1916 and 1919, this hospital’s achievements were considerable.

"Of the nearly 30,000 admissions, there were only 182 deaths. Even by today’s standards, this is remarkable."

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Tim Smart and Alan Kessel 

Deputy High Commissioner Alan Kessel added: "I am honoured to be here today to remember the sacrifices that so many Canadians, Britons and Commonwealth troops made during WW1.

"I am grateful to you who are present here today for continuing to keep the memory of those brave soldiers and medical personnel alive."

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Read more about the history of Orpington Hospital and see old photographs here.