Formation of the Central British Red Cross Committee 1898-1899
Production date
1898
Description
Letters and reports relating to the formation of the Central British Red Cross Committee.
Collection Type
Archives
Level of Current Record
sub-fonds
History
After the Sixth International Congress of Red Cross Societies it was pointed out in a report by Major W. G. Macpherson, Britain's delegate that the lack of central organisation between voluntary aid societies and the Army Medical Department in Britain might have a negative effect on the ability of the Army Medical Department, along with these societies to function in times of war.
In response to this report, representatives from the National Society, the Army Nursing Reserve and St John's Ambulance were invited to the War Office to attend an informal conference to discuss the possibilities of a central committee which met in times of peace to co-ordinate, so that in times of war they could operate more efficiently.
The Central British Red Cross Committee was given official recognition by Lord Lansdowne on 19 January 1899, with Lord Wantage appointed at Chairman, Sir John Furley as Honorary Treasurer and Major Macpherson as Honorary Secretary. On 10 August HRH Alexandra, Princess of Wales accepted the appointment as Honorary President.
In a letter to ‘The Times’ Lord Wantage further explained that although the Central British Red Cross Society also worked to offer assistance to the sick and wounded in wars, it only extended to engagements of British troops, leaving the National Society free to continue its work in international conflicts.
In response to this report, representatives from the National Society, the Army Nursing Reserve and St John's Ambulance were invited to the War Office to attend an informal conference to discuss the possibilities of a central committee which met in times of peace to co-ordinate, so that in times of war they could operate more efficiently.
The Central British Red Cross Committee was given official recognition by Lord Lansdowne on 19 January 1899, with Lord Wantage appointed at Chairman, Sir John Furley as Honorary Treasurer and Major Macpherson as Honorary Secretary. On 10 August HRH Alexandra, Princess of Wales accepted the appointment as Honorary President.
In a letter to ‘The Times’ Lord Wantage further explained that although the Central British Red Cross Society also worked to offer assistance to the sick and wounded in wars, it only extended to engagements of British troops, leaving the National Society free to continue its work in international conflicts.
Catalogue Number
WAN/14