A FAMOUS LEGACY

Discover if your ancestors were among the tens of thousands of women, some of them household names, who volunteered for the Red Cross during the First World War

When we look back on our lives, we all want to feel like we made a difference. That’s part of what has spurred on those who have given their time to the British Red Cross since its establishment in 1870. It could be that during WWI, one of your relatives might even have been involved in the great volunteer effort.

And for many women, WWI signalled the end of compulsory homemaking. Up and down the country, women became an essential part of the workforce, filling the shoes of the men away fighting for king and country. Some became medics, farmers, teachers and bus conductors – others joined the ranks of the Red Cross as Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs).

The Red Cross VADs provided vital aid to naval and military forces, caring for sick and wounded soldiers, sailors and airmen, driving ambulances and carrying out important support duties. At one time, there were a staggering 90,000 volunteers working at home and abroad – and nearly three-quarters of them were women.

PASSING THE BATON

Today, the British Red Cross has 20,500 volunteers and 4,000 staff helping millions of people to cope with all kinds of crises – from responding to major disasters abroad to supporting people in a street like your own. Much of this simply wouldn’t be possible without today’s wonderful volunteers, and the generosity of people who leave a gift in their will.

Gifts in wills help make sure volunteers and staff are ready as soon as an emergency strikes, whether that’s an earthquake, a conflict or someone in the UK needing to get home from hospital. The kindness of people like you is essential in funding everything the Red Cross does, and ensuring it can continue to support vulnerable people for many years to come.