In the summer of 1917, shortly after the United States entered World War I, a group of Richmond physicians, nurses, and enlisted men mobilized to form Hospital Unit E, Richmond’s first organized medical effort for the war. This unit would expand to become the United States Base Hospital No. 45 (Medical College of Virginia Unit). Commanded by Dr. Stuart McGuire, then-dean of the Medical College of Virginia, the hospital’s 17 officers and detachment of 200 men reached the shores of France on July 21, 1918. A contingent of 106 nurses arrived early in September.

The home of Base Hospital No. 45 was the converted infantry barracks in Toul, France. Located eight miles from the front, it had the distinction of being the first base hospital located in the zone of advance. There was rarely an empty bed at the hospital, and while 17,438 casualties were admitted during the war, only 350 lives were lost. Relieved of duty on January 29, 1919, the last personnel of Base Hospital No. 45 arrived in Richmond on April 26, 1919. Cited by the Army Surgeon General for their “Readiness for service, devotion to duty, and professional excellence,” Base Hospital No. 45 reflected the valor and resolution of those medical professionals to whom lives were entrusted.

In honor of the 100-year anniversary of the Great War, this online exhibition presents a glimpse into the operations of Base Hospital No. 45, as well as the lives of the men and women who composed the staff of the hospital. For further questions or comments regarding Base Hospital No. 45 or this exhibition, please email the Special Collections and Archives staff.

Base Hospital No. 45 Timeline

April 11, 1917- The Richmond Red Cross chapter is formed.

July 1917- The Red Cross and the Medical College of Virginia begin recruitment for “Base Hospital No. 45”.

February 28, 1918- Base Hospital 45 is mobilized for active duty under the leadership of Stuart McGuire and moves to Camp Lee.

April 1918- U.S. Army sends Major Alexander W. Williams to replace McGuire as commander.

July 3-21, 1918- Personnel from Base Hospital 45 travel across the Atlantic to Autun, France.

August 1918- Williams declares Base Hospital 45 unfit for duty and requests an army inspection, which results in McGuire relieving Williams.

August 20, 1918- Base Hospital No. 45 departs for Toul, France.

September 9, 1918- Most of the nurses arrive in Toul.

September 12-16, 1918- The Saint-Mihiel offensive begins and 8,000 wounded pass through the doors of Base Hospital No. 45 in just 4 days.

September 26, 1918- Base Hospital 45 begins continuous operation to care for the casualties from the Meuse-Argonne offensive.

October, 1918- Influenza epidemic strikes the Toul area and Base Hospital 45 treats 4,004 influenza patients.

November 11, 1918- The First Armistice of Compiègne takes effect, ending the fighting and marking the defeat of the Germans.

January 18, 1919- First staff of Base Hospital 45 returns to the United States as operations of the hospital are turned over to Base Hospital 82.

February 18, 1919- The hospital ceases operation and a majority of the staff heads for a French port for deportation.

April 9, 1919- The last of the unit in France departed for America.

April 29, 1919- Final discharge at Camp Lee.