British Red Cross ladies for Mobile VAD

Section Leader for the British Red Cross ladies suit jacket with black buttons and 'Mobile VAD' badges, 1939-1945

On the left side of the jacket are two ribbons showing that the wearer of this uniform received the 1939-1945 Star and the Military Service Medal for their service during the Second World War. One the left sleeve are the symbols of the British Red Cross and the VADs.

VADs or Voluntary Aid Detachment were set up in 1909 to provide support to the Territorial Medical Services. The Voluntary Aid Detachment or VAD worked in hospitals, trained in first aid and basic nursing duties or as transport. Additional training for using massage or x-ray technologies were also available. Professional nurses worked alongside VADs. The British Red Cross and the Order of St John formed the Joint War Committee to combine resources, funding, fundraising, and the organization of VADs. VAD units were set up in each English county. Mobile VADs worked wherever they were needed.

During both World Wars, VADs wore the red cross, a symbol of protection. The red cross symbol was first adopted under the Geneva Convention of 1864. It reverses the colour of the Swiss national flag of a white cross on a red background. Those wearing the red cross, crescent or crystal are protected under international law and symbolises they are there to give help. The Geneva Convention forms the basis of how soldiers and civilians should be treated during wartime.