First World War female ambulance driver's storm cap
Maker and role
John Sharp and Co: Manufacturer
Production date
1914-1918
Audio tour
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Details
Description
A First World War British Red Cross female ambulance driver’s uniform cap.
Women played an important role contributing to the work of the British Red Cross during the First World War. Out of the 90,000 VADs, or Voluntary Aid Detachments, 66,000 were women, who undertook a variety of work during the war as VAD nurses, clerks, cooks, and ambulance drivers.
The first ever motorised ambulances to transport wounded people were used during the First World War. The British Red Cross established the motor ambulance department, which sent 3,446 motor vehicles, including 2,171 motor ambulances, to various destinations throughout the conflict.
As more men enlisted in the armed forces, many women volunteered as ambulance drivers. British Red Cross ambulance drivers had to wear a particular uniform, including a long coat or jacket, skirt, blouse, tie, belt, gloves, and this cap, which bears a badge with the Red Cross emblem.
The reason I chose this cap is because I think it’s representative of a really pivotal moment for women in history. At the start of the 20th Century a woman driving a vehicle would have been seen as a real act of independence and freedom - this at a time when there was a real resistance towards women stepping out of their place. So for women in their masses to be driving ambulances on the frontline was really quite incredible, and this cap reminds you of the bravery and courage that would have been required to do that. I think it demonstrates the start of a shift in the women’s suffrage movement and is a symbol of what’s yet to come.
Audio recording by Kate Phillips (Actress).
Women played an important role contributing to the work of the British Red Cross during the First World War. Out of the 90,000 VADs, or Voluntary Aid Detachments, 66,000 were women, who undertook a variety of work during the war as VAD nurses, clerks, cooks, and ambulance drivers.
The first ever motorised ambulances to transport wounded people were used during the First World War. The British Red Cross established the motor ambulance department, which sent 3,446 motor vehicles, including 2,171 motor ambulances, to various destinations throughout the conflict.
As more men enlisted in the armed forces, many women volunteered as ambulance drivers. British Red Cross ambulance drivers had to wear a particular uniform, including a long coat or jacket, skirt, blouse, tie, belt, gloves, and this cap, which bears a badge with the Red Cross emblem.
The reason I chose this cap is because I think it’s representative of a really pivotal moment for women in history. At the start of the 20th Century a woman driving a vehicle would have been seen as a real act of independence and freedom - this at a time when there was a real resistance towards women stepping out of their place. So for women in their masses to be driving ambulances on the frontline was really quite incredible, and this cap reminds you of the bravery and courage that would have been required to do that. I think it demonstrates the start of a shift in the women’s suffrage movement and is a symbol of what’s yet to come.
Audio recording by Kate Phillips (Actress).
Collection Type
Objects
Production Place
Catalogue Number
1532/1
Maker
Subject auto tags
Object Types
Place Made
Part of 1 highlight set
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