RAF Hospital Torquay

RAF Hospital Torquay
A road leading down a slight incline with buildings on the right
Palace Hotel, Torquay; used as an RAF hospital
Map
Geography
LocationBabbacombe, Torquay, Devon, England
Coordinates50°28′19″N 3°30′18″W / 50.472°N 3.505°W / 50.472; -3.505
Organisation
Care systemMilitary
FundingGovernment hospital
Services
Beds249 (1939)
History
OpenedOctober 1939
ClosedJanuary 1943
Demolished2020
Links
ListsHospitals in England

The RAF Hospital Torquay (also known as the RAF Officer's Convalescent Hospital), was a medical facility run by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Torquay suburb of Babbacombe, Devon, England, during the Second World War. The RAF requisitioned the Palace Hotel, and set about converting it into a hospital, which opened in 1939. The hospital was subjected to at least two bombing raids in October 1942 and January 1943. The first raid resulted in at least 21 deaths, with the function of the hospital ceasing immediately and all work being transferred to other RAF Hospitals. It was never used as a hospital again, and after the war, was returned to civilian use.