BOOKS & DIGITAL PICKS

This month’s family history inspiration

We’re all familiar with the stories of VADs, the nursing members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments who tended the sick and injured during the First World War in the UK and overseas. Although important, they were just one element of the colossal contribution made by civilian volunteers and charity workers to the war effort.

Sally White’s new book is the first to take an in-depth look at the extraordinary achievements of British civilian volunteers and charity workers during the war. Perhaps the most surprising thing is the sheer breadth of services they offered.

From welcoming Belgian refugees, making medical supplies in the War Hospital Supply Depot and collecting eggs for the troops, through to working in the Voluntary Aid Detachments as cooks, telephone operators, X-ray attendants and drivers, everyone could do something to help. Men, women and children from all social classes were galvanised into action, and every community in Britain was involved in some way.

There are some particularly interesting chapters on the railway station buffets in the UK that served mobilised troops day and night; the canteens set up in the war zone to boost morale; and the comforts provided to the Allied armies in the form of mittens, mufflers, tobacco, books and other luxuries. Other chapters include voluntary work in the Balkans, and how charities supported veterans after the Armistice plus prisoners of war and internees in the UK.

The author quotes extensively from sources such as letters and diaries which give personal points of view from the “ordinary heroes” and provide a valuable human perspective. However, these sources are not referenced, so it is difficult to follow them up. Otherwise, this book is a thoroughly absorbing read and a fitting tribute to the civilians whose sterling efforts helped to win the First World War.