By: Alyssa Guidugli
I guess I had never really given much thought about the anatomy of a hospital car, especially on a train track. What it boils down to is how much of a necessity they really are in aiding wars. We have our own here at the RailPark, and you start to wonder about the history kept inside that metal.
The Hospital Car #89456 was built in 1942, a pivotal year in World War II. In fact, 200 cars were commissioned this year to meet the high demand. The main purpose of these “Wards” was to ensure the soldier got the proper care while being dispatched to a hospital close to home. What is also an interesting fact about this is that a soldier did not have to be wounded to receive treatment. Ailments were a very common reason a passenger was onboard. A very fascinating journey to say the least. Many veterans have expressed their experiences in WWII units.
Upon reading an article about a WWII vet’s travels into the unknown, it was astonishing how he overcame fear, but he ended up in comfort. He fell ill and traveled across-country to make his way back home. He wrote the news to his family, and he was hopeful that his grandfather would be waiting for him. One long journey later, he made it to the hospital with the love he embraced from his grandfather.
Knowing that information, it’s evident that our Car has seen plenty of life in its 84 years. Maybe even a story of how loved ones were reunited amid war, a story of hope. While things may look different now, there still needs to be recognition for the railway. Many people do not know the vital role the Hospital Cars played in not only WWII, but also in modern-day hospitals. Think of it this way, we would not have our ambulances if it were not for ambulance trains or hospital cars. And that is something we can all appreciate!
