Portable altar cross

In September 1915, a hospital was opened in Étaples to help serve the front line in the First World War. In early 1917, a chapel was built following fundraising efforts by the Order of St John's Ladies' Committee. Later in 1917, on the nights of the 19th and 31st May, the hospital was damaged by enemy air raids, and this altar cross was recovered from the wreckage, bent at the base.

This object is on display

Object type

Metalwork

Date

Production (possible): 1917

Subject(s)

War
Hospitals

Associated organisation

St John Ambulance Brigade

Associated activity

War

Associated event

War: First World War (28 July 1914 - 11 November 1918)

Dimensions

Height x width x depth: 456 x 138 x 102mm

Related place(s)

Étaples
France

Themes

The St John Ambulance Brigade Hospital Étaples 1915-1919

References

Foakes, Tom, ed. Treasures: Faith, Care, Valour: Highlights from the Collection of the Museum of the Order of St John. Priory of England and the Islands of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, 2019.
Page 78

Catalogue number

SJA1352.5

Portable altar cross

Related items