Letter from Katharine Furse, B.R.C.S., the Commandant-in-Chief, Women's V.A.D.s, to each WW1 VAD Nurse, followed by a list of required Clothing and Equipment .

DOCUMENT GIVEN TO EVERY VAD CALLED UP TO ACTIVE SERVICE THROUGH DEVONSHIRE HOUSE.

This paper is to be considered by each V.A.D. member as confidential and to be kept in her Pocket Book.

You are being sent to work for the Red Cross. You have to perform a task which will need your courage, your energy, your patience, your humility, your determination to overcome all difficulties.

Remember that the honour of the V.A.D. organisation depends on your individual conduct. It will be your duty not only to set an example of discipline and perfect steadiness of character, but also to maintain the most courteous relations with those whom you are helping in this great struggle.

Be invariably courteous, unselfish and kind. Remember that whatever duty you undertake, you must carry it out faithfully, loyally, and to the best of your ability.

Rules and regulations are necessary in whatever formation you join. Comply with them without grumble or criticism and try to believe that there is reason at the back of them, though at the time you may not understand the necessity.

Sacrifices may be asked of you. Give generously and wholeheartedly, grudging nothing, but remembering that you are giving because your Country needs your help. If you see others in better circumstances than yourself, be patient and think of the men who are fighting amid discomfort and who are often in great pain.

Those of you who are paid can give to the Red Cross Society which is your Mother and which needs more and more money to carry on its great work. their Mother Society and thus to the Sick and Wounded.

Let our mottos be 'Willing to do anything' and 'The People give gladly'. If we live up to these, the V.A.D. members will come out of this world war triumphant.

Do your duty loyally

Fear God

Honour the King

Katharine Furse

Commandant-in-Chief,

B.R.C.S.

Women's V.A.D.

(BRCS ACC 513)

THE FOLLOWING PRAYER WAS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE LETTER:

And only the Master shall praise us,

and only the Master shall blame.

And no one shall work for money, and

no one shall work for fame,

But each for the joy of working, and

each in his separate star,

Shall draw the thing as he sees

it for the God of things as they are.

[THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A PRAYER WRITTEN BY RACHEL CROWDY, COMMANDANT OF VADS IN FRANCE]

Lord, who once born your own Cross shoulder high to save mankind, help us to bear our Red Cross banner high with clean hands unafraid.

To those who tend the wounded and sick give health and courage, that they of their store, may give to those who lie awake in pain with strength and courage gone.

Teach us no task can be too great, no work too small, for those who die or suffer pain for us and their Country. Give unto those who rule a gentle justice and a wisely guiding hand, remembering "Blessed are the Merciful." And when Peace comes, grant neither deed nor word of ours has thrown a shadow on the Cross, nor stained the flag of England

List of required Clothing and Equipment

(# Total; A: Worn; B: in Trunk; C: in Handbag; D: in bread bag)

*) To be worn on a cord under the clothing.

**) When issued

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