Medical care during WW1

The Red Cross provided vital medical care during WW1, from setting up field hospitals, to rehabilitating patients after the war.

One of the many important services that the Red Cross provided during the First World War were auxiliary hospitals and convalescent homes for wounded servicemen. They proved invaluable, providing comfort and care for numerous wounded soldiers across the UK.

The hospitals were staffed by voluntary nurses, who willingly gave their time to care for wounded patients. Red Cross volunteers also provided ambulances, transporting the sick and wounded to hospital, and loaned out medical equipment to the injured.

The Red Cross were also active abroad, and made food parcels for prisoners of war. On the home front, they welcomed and supported refugees.

Medical care during WW1

Norfolk War Hospital's main building

Auxiliary hospitals

British Red Cross hospitals proved vital in WW1, treating hundreds.

V.A.D. nurses with wounded soldiers in garden, Southmead, Bristol

British Red Cross nurses

Voluntary nurses provided medical care and emotional support to the wounded.

A Red Cross ambulance in Boulogne, 1916

British Red Cross transport

Volunteers transported the wounded by road, train and sea in WW1.

Ms M. Millbanke on camel with others in front of Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt.

Our work abroad during WW1

The Red Cross provided medical care and transport around the world.

Red Cross nurses and patients at Burton on Trent Town Hall Auxiliary Hospital, Staffordshire.

Missing and wounded service people

The Red Cross founded a 'wounded and missing' department in WW1.

A collection of historical items from a Red Cross wartime parcel

Food parcels for prisoners of war

British prisoners of war were in dire need of food and clothing during the First World War.

V.A.D. nurses with wounded soldiers in garden, Southmead, Bristol

Rehabilitation after the First World War

After the war, the Red Cross helped rehabilitate many wounded servicemen.

British Red Cross store in Etaples during the First World War.

Medical loan service

The Red Cross loaned wheelchairs and other aids to sick and wounded soldiers.