Readers of The Herbalist’s Daughters (the standalone book 2 in The Wise Women series), might remember that one of the daughters, Rose, was a VAD nurse in France during WW1.
The Gift of Belonging, which is Rose’s story and my work-in-progress, therefore has to follow this through. Quite a lot of research involved, especially sorting out the timeline of what happened when, but I think I’ve finally got there!
Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned:
Early days
The British Red Cross initially established VAD (Voluntary Auxiliary Defence) units in 1909 as a way of preparing civilians – women in particular – for useful roles in the event of war (any war, they hadn’t started thinking about WW1 then). Well-off middle and upper class women found the units appealing, with meetings being generally held in someone’s posh drawing room.
Basic first aid and home nursing care were the key teachings.
War comes!
When WW1 arrived, they were ready! Thousands of these units across Britain swung into action rolling bandages, knitting socks and rugs, and continuing their first aid studies. In many cases they also prepared village halls, the aforementioned posh drawing rooms, and other suitable places as hospitals, waiting for the call.
In October 1914 the government mobilised the VAD hospitals, sending them the walking wounded and recuperating soldiers. Staffed by volunteers with little training, these hospitals relieved much of the pressure on the military hospitals both in Europe and England.
Despite their genteel backgrounds, the VADs met the challenge with enthusiasm. They did such a sterling job that in early 1915 the government asked them to assist the professional nurses in the ‘real’ hospitals. The volunteers had to be aged between 23 and 28, and were paid about £20 pa plus a uniform allowance. They also had bed and board, although hardly luxurious!
Here is one description as written by A VAD in a letter home:
This is in the UK hospital Waverley Abbey Military Hospital in Farnham, Surrey:
I am sleeping in what is known as the Cubicles. It is a large room divided into seven cubicles and is just above the stables. Now the stables are used as a laundry, so you can imagine there is no fear of my being cold at night. They really are awfully nice cubicles, and the bed is a very comfy one, but I’m exceedingly glad I had the electric torch with me that Daddy gave me on my birthday as you have to find your way in the dark across a very cobbly and at present very puddly courtyard, through the wash tubs of the laundry and up a sort of wooden staircase!The fun comes when you want a bath and have to run across the afore said courtyard in your nightdress (I usually put on a coat!) with your towels etc.
The professional nurses were initially wary of these upstart young ladies playing at nurse. Through the horror and strain of the war years the bond became increasingly close. The VADs learned on the job, baptisms by fire, and earned huge respect from medical staff and patients alike.
Background reading
As well as hours on the internet, I’ve read various books while researching this topic. One was Vera Brittain’s Testament of Youth. I confess I found this very much of its time and a little hard-going, but full of brilliant detail. Another was The Roses of No Man’s Land. This is a wonderful collection of first hand accounts put together by Lyn Macdonald and published in 1980. Riveting reading. If you’re interested, google it as there are various options for buying it.
To catch up, you can find The Herbalist’s Daughters here.