War babies who came into the world at one of the north-east’s most treasured mansions returned to their first home at the weekend to commemorate a very special anniversary.
Around 50 ‘Haddo Babies’ who were born at the stately home near Tarves during World War II were reunited to celebrate 70 years since it was turned into working maternity hospital.
Together with their loved ones, they attended a lunch yesterday afternoon where they swapped stories in the very rooms they spent their first days.
Even mothers who gave birth were in attendance, as well as four generations of a ‘Haddo Baby’ family.
Last night, event organiser John Lemon – who had sent out an appeal to anyone who was born at the Georgian mansion between 1939 and 1945 – said he was incredibly proud of how the day went.
“They have even asked for another one to celebrate the 75th anniversary,” he added.
More than 1,250 children were born at Haddo House after it was turned into an emergency maternity unit in the 1940s.
Queen Victoria’s bedroom and the adjoining dressing room were used as birthing rooms, while The Marquis of Aberdeen gave a shilling of his own money to each of the babies born there.
Many of the mothers-to-be were from the north-east, but there were also several who were evacuated from London and Glasgow – and even one from Finland after a shipwreck.
Yesterday’s lunch was part of a series of events to mark 70 years since the historic house was turned into a maternity hospital.
On Saturday, talks were held for visitors to tell the story of Haddo’s vital role for mothers-in-need, followed by a tour of the birthing rooms.
The last commemoration event was held in 1987, and was only open to the babies and their mothers.
Yesterday’s event was been designed to be more inclusive, with partners, children and grandchildren all invited.
Mr Lemon said it was something very special to be able to say you were born at such a remarkable location.
Many of those who turned out yesterday even attended the 6pm service at Haddo House Chapel.
“Some people discovered they were born in the same month, while another lady thought she might have been the last Haddo baby to be born there,” he said.
“It was a beautiful day – everybody had a wonderful time.”
