Former Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales has launched a book about the patients and staff of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building.

The new book, Great Ward Poetry, offers a new perspective on the First World War and tells the emotional story of men recovering from horrific injuries at the John Archer Way hospital and the nurses who cared for them.

The book, which features a selection of poetry and art, was launched by Prunella Scales on Wednesday, June 25, and pays homage to the hospital’s newsletter, which also featured wartime poetry.

Known as the 3rd London Hospital, it was one of the nation’s largest, treating 52,000 casualties, some of whom had suffered gas attacks or lost limbs.

The book will raise money for national military SSAFA.