Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871
Production date
1870-1871
Description
Papers and printed material relating to the National Society's operations during the Franco-Prussian war. It mainly includes letters to Colonel and Mrs. Loyd-Lindsay outlining the work done by the Agents acting on behalf of the society, appeals for help and letters of gratitude for aid given. There are also reports and notes of the Committees with accounts and ledgers documenting supplies and gifts recieved from the public and supplies sent to France and Prussia.
Collection Type
Archives
Level of Current Record
sub-fonds
History
On 15 July 1870 the Franco-Prussian war broke out between Napoleon III and Otto Von Bismarck, who recognized that a victorious war would help complete the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. France declared war without preparation and co-ordination, and even without allies but felt victory would be assured due to previous military victories.
There was sympathy and support for both sides as France had been a staunch ally during the Crimean War, but the Royal Family had many German connections.
On the formation of the National Society, Colonel Loyd-Lindsay helped to set up and oversee an efficient administrative and financial system. The Central and Ladies committee were installed at St Martin's Place, a wing of the disused St Martin's Workhouse was annexed for the stores. On the continent the Society established commissions with Captain Henry Brackenbury appointed as chief commissioner of the North Eastern District; Major-General Sir Vincent Eyre chief commissioner of the North Western District; and Colonel Elphinstone chief commissioner of the Western District.
Within three weeks of the outbreak there were 40 surgeons on the battlefields and by the end of September 110 people were engaged in the service of the National Society. By the end of September nearly £200,000 had been donated so £40,000 was divided between France and Germany for the benefit of the sick and wounded, with Colonel Loyd-Lindsay entrusted with delivering it to both sides.
Although optimistic at the start, the French suffered massive defeats at Weissenburg and Worth where German numbers overwhelmed the French, and at Forbach which led to a French retreat. In September the siege of Paris began which finally gave way in January 1871, ending the war.
The surplus money which was left over at the end of the War was invested to form a permanent reserve to use in subsequent wars, and some was set aside to the train women nurses at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
There was sympathy and support for both sides as France had been a staunch ally during the Crimean War, but the Royal Family had many German connections.
On the formation of the National Society, Colonel Loyd-Lindsay helped to set up and oversee an efficient administrative and financial system. The Central and Ladies committee were installed at St Martin's Place, a wing of the disused St Martin's Workhouse was annexed for the stores. On the continent the Society established commissions with Captain Henry Brackenbury appointed as chief commissioner of the North Eastern District; Major-General Sir Vincent Eyre chief commissioner of the North Western District; and Colonel Elphinstone chief commissioner of the Western District.
Within three weeks of the outbreak there were 40 surgeons on the battlefields and by the end of September 110 people were engaged in the service of the National Society. By the end of September nearly £200,000 had been donated so £40,000 was divided between France and Germany for the benefit of the sick and wounded, with Colonel Loyd-Lindsay entrusted with delivering it to both sides.
Although optimistic at the start, the French suffered massive defeats at Weissenburg and Worth where German numbers overwhelmed the French, and at Forbach which led to a French retreat. In September the siege of Paris began which finally gave way in January 1871, ending the war.
The surplus money which was left over at the end of the War was invested to form a permanent reserve to use in subsequent wars, and some was set aside to the train women nurses at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Catalogue Number
WAN/1