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The British Red Cross - offering a helping hand for nearly 150 years

The British Red Cross is one of the UK’s bestknown and longest-standing humanitarian or organisations. is tios Its initial aim was to help victims of war, but as the nature of conflict has changed over time, its services have expanded to help people in peacetime as well. Volunteers and donations are vital in making sure the Red Cross can continue the work it does both at home and abroad, and leaving a gift in your will is an invaluable way to lend your support.

1870

Establishment The organisation was founded on 4 August 1870, following the outbreak of the FrancoPrussian War during a period of frequent conflict and bloodshed.

1899—1902

The Second Boer War This conflict led to the British Red Cross’ most extensive humanitarian work outside of Europe between its conception and WW1.

1914—1918

The First World War More than 90,000 Volunteer Aid Detachment ( VAD) volunteers supported the organisation during WW1.

1918—1919

The Spanish Flu This pandemic marks the point when the British Red Cross first became involved in non-conflict-based humanitarian work. In 1919 it was given its ‘supplemental charter’, which officially expanded its remit to peacetime relief work.

1939—1945

The Second World War The British Red Cross played a pivotal role in WW2, both in the UK and internationally, helping on the home front and supporting the armed forces, civilian internees and prisoners of war.