Continuing with our series on World War II Behind the Scenes, we have with us today war historian Clare Colburn.0:04
Clare is going to tell us about the work of the Red Cross Girls, as they were called during the war.0:12
I'm very pleased to be here.0:20
Let's start off by talking about what the Red Cross is and what it does.0:23
The International Red Cross coordinates the activities of the 188 countries with national Red Cross societies, such as the American Red Cross.0:29
The essential feature of the International Red Cross is that it is a neutral organisation, which provides assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts.0:39
So, who were the Red Cross Girls?0:51
They were American women volunteers, selected by the American Red Cross to go overseas to offer moral support to the soldiers.0:54
Their first job was to operate clubhouses, which were places near or on army bases, for soldiers to relax and take a break from the stress of war.1:03
What did the women do there?1:13
They provided snacks and coffee.1:15
The women put on events such as dances, which were very popular.1:18
The soldiers would gather at clubhouses to play cards, listen to music, and socialise.1:22
The Red Cross Girls were always there to cheer up the troops and listen to tales from the war zone.1:28
Tell us though, could any woman volunteer to be one?1:35
That's a good question.1:39
It wasn't easy to be accepted for a posting as a Red Cross Girl.1:41
Applicants had to be college graduates.1:45
They had to pass a physical examination and provide letters of reference.1:47
Finally, they had to pass a personal interview.1:52
Only 1 in 6 applicants was accepted.1:56
Why such a difficult selection process?1:59
Well, these women had to be smart and know how to deal with the suffering of war.2:03
The job required excellent interpersonal skills with the soldiers.2:08
Their work was so successful that the Red Cross started using buses called Clubmobiles.2:13
Fitted with coffee and doughnut-making equipment, in order to access remote army bases.2:18
So, the girls went on the road to serve doughnuts and coffee?2:23
Well, not just that, but that is how they got the name Doughnut Dollies.2:28
They not only served doughnuts, they played music and gave out books.2:33
But most importantly, they gave out lots of encouragement.2:38
There were 3 women working in each Club Mobile.2:42
There was even a Clubmobile that acted as a cinema.2:45
The troops must have really looked forward to seeing one of those buses arrive at their camp.2:48
It was like a touch of home that they so desperately needed.2:55
There were close to 100 Clubmobiles that circulated around Britain, but only 80 of these Clubmobiles actually followed behind the troops into continental Europe and the battlefront.2:59
The service of the Clubmobiles was essential, and these women risked their lives to help the soldiers through this horrible time.3:10
They were definitely brave women.3:18
Thank you for sharing the fascinating story of the Red Cross Girls with us today, Clare.3:20
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