A legacy in action

FROM ITS WORK IN ITALY DURING WWII TO SENDING FOOD PARCELS TO SYRIA, THE BRITISH RED CROSS IS ALWAYS THERETO SUPPORT PEOPLE IN NEED

I n September 1943, the Western Allies launched the invasion of Italy, and in January 1944 (75 years ago this month) the British Red Cross arrived in the country. Its teams initially focused on civilian relief services, but as the war progressed, they were divided into ‘spearhead’ and ‘follow-up’ units. The spearhead teams distributed first aid kits and relief supplies, established emergency refugee centres, evacuated wounded civilians and helped to rebuild local voluntary aid societies. The followup units assisted refugees, helped to reorganise civilian hospitals and convalescent homes and reported on hygiene and sanitation.

As the war progressed, Italy became an important location for repatriating Allied prisoners of war. The British Red Cross worked closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross to offer support to Allied PoWs throughout WWII. The charity packed more than 19 million food relief parcels, helped to send off book and next-of-kin parcels and supplied ‘comforts’ such as clothing, soap and shaving kits. It also played a key role in supporting liberated PoWs as they waited to return home.

Exactly 75 years later, the work carried out by the British Red Cross is just as essential. It continues to send help to people in conflict zones such as Syria, to which more than 580,000 food items and 1.5 million nonfood items, including mattresses, blankets and tarpaulins, have been supplied since the country’s civil war began.

LEAVE YOUR OWN LEGACY

Only through the generosity of supporters can the British Red Cross always be ready to help those in crisis – whether they’re on the other side of the world or on your own street. By leaving a gift in your will, you can leave your own legacy and ensure this vital charity can support vulnerable people for many years to come.