First World War VAD Recruitment poster
Maker and role
Joyce Dennys (b.1893, d.1991): Artist
Production date
1914-1918
Audio tour
See full details
Details
Description
This well-known poster was designed for the recruitment of Voluntary Aid Detachments, or VADs, during the First World War. The poster features three VADs in uniform - a member of the British Red Cross, of the Territorial Force and the Order of St Johns. This poster is believed to be the only one designed for the recruitment of VADs during the First World War; the response was so great that another poster design was not necessary.
In 1909, following the passing of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, the British Red Cross began establishing Voluntary Aid Detachments in each country. Women played a vital role during the First World War. Out of the 90,000 VADs, 66,000 were women.
The artist for this poster was Joyce Dennys. She was also a VAD with the British Red Cross during the war. Joyce was a ward maid and served for a year in 1914 at Budleigh Salterton Auxiliary Hospital and then a nurse in a hospital in Exeter for ten months in 1916. She was also an illustrator, playwright and author of Henrietta’s War.
For me, this is an iconic image. The number of countries and variety of the roles listed emphasises the sheer magnitude of support needed. The enormous response from people signing up is very humbling. In a time of such strife, it is heartening to see the humanity and compassion shown by those who signed up to be a VAD.
Audio recording by Alison Faraday (Volunteer Development Manager, British Red Cross).
In 1909, following the passing of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, the British Red Cross began establishing Voluntary Aid Detachments in each country. Women played a vital role during the First World War. Out of the 90,000 VADs, 66,000 were women.
The artist for this poster was Joyce Dennys. She was also a VAD with the British Red Cross during the war. Joyce was a ward maid and served for a year in 1914 at Budleigh Salterton Auxiliary Hospital and then a nurse in a hospital in Exeter for ten months in 1916. She was also an illustrator, playwright and author of Henrietta’s War.
For me, this is an iconic image. The number of countries and variety of the roles listed emphasises the sheer magnitude of support needed. The enormous response from people signing up is very humbling. In a time of such strife, it is heartening to see the humanity and compassion shown by those who signed up to be a VAD.
Audio recording by Alison Faraday (Volunteer Development Manager, British Red Cross).
Collection Type
Objects
Media/Materials
Catalogue Number
2355/1
Associated Person and Role
Joyce Dennys (b.1893, d.1991)
Associated Person
Subject auto tags
Object Types
Part of 1 highlight set
Share
All images are the property of the British Red Cross Museum and Archives (unless otherwise indicated), and cannot be used without permission. For queries about permission to use images, please contact enquiry@redcross.org.uk.