Second Lieutenant Cyril Edwards’ in a wheelchair Endsleigh Palace Hospital, September 1917. (b/w photo)

Second Lieutenant Cyril Edwards’ in a wheelchair Endsleigh Palace Hospital, September 1917. Photograph, World War One (1914-1918), Endsleigh Palace Hospital, 1917. Edwards (1893-1978) a member of the 2/7th Battalion The Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) was wounded in action in July 1917 when he stood on a hand grenade to save the life of his NCO. Edward’s foot was blown off, but he became the first officer to receive and survive a blood transfusion at a front line hospital. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his bravery. Edwards was admitted to Endsleigh Palace Hospital on Gordon Street in London between September and November 1917. Like many British hospitals for wounded servicemen, it was formerly a hotel, and had been requisitioned specifically for the treatment of injured officers.