‘Hospital Blues’ Nursing during the First World War

Luke Mouland, a freelance genealogist, researcher and speaker based in Dorset makes a very welcome first visit to the Wessex WFA branch with his talk ‘Hospital Blues’ Nursing during the First World War.  

During the First World War, an estimated 60,000 volunteers served with the British Red Cross Society in auxiliary hospitals across the United Kingdom, providing much-needed care for sick and wounded servicemen returning from the Front.

Using hospitals in Dorset as a case study, this talk explores the pivotal role played by the VADs during the war and highlights how this remarkable contribution was largely sustained through the efforts of female voluntary labour.

Luke regularly gives talks across Somerset and Dorset; he is chairman of Sherbourne Museum Board of Trustees. Volunteering to catalogue and manage the museums archive, Luke has also contributed to TV series, notably ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ and numerous Family History and Genealogical journals.