Sarum Ward and New Sarum ward were built just before 1923 when a number of "Service Patients" were admitted. These were former members of the armed forces who had sustained a mental disorder, in most cases from World War I, although others had served in the Boer War and a few in the Crimean War. A further influx of Service Patients were admitted in 1931 from the Ministry of Pensions Hospital in Kirkburton, West Yorkshire. These were all lower ranks and were housed in the aforementioned wards. Some officers from Latchmere House in Surrey were also admitted around this time and they were accommodated in Bemerton Lodge, the former residence of William Corbin Finch and Sir Cecil Chubb. Service patients were treated as private patients and their charges were met by the Ministry of Pensions. Within the constraints of the institution they lived fairly comfortable lives with a range of hobbies, a weekly film show in the ballroom, and other social diversions available as well as annual trips to public entertainments courtesy of the Not Forgotten Association.
