RED CROSS WOMEN.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR.")
Sni,—We have read with interest the article that appeared in the Spectator a few weeks ago on " R,ed Cross Women." While we agree with all that was contained in same, we would point out that until the British Red Cross Society treat their V.A.D.'s in a manner consistent with fair play we are afraid very few girls will volunteer for further work. To explain ourselves, we are protesting against the treatment meted out to certain members for the reason that it is applied only to a number and not to the whole detachment. Practically the whole of our detachment is made up of girls who are in business and who have given the whole of their leisure to hospital work—week-ends, evenings, nights, and holidays—and who have to attend wherever they are posted. Some months ago we were all advised we should receive a gratuity, which was finally settled at £5. A percentage of our unit has received this grant, and in some instances a further £5 or £10. The remainder, however, are to get nothing because they worked in military wards in civilian hospitals and not in full military or auxiliary hospitals. This we contend is grossly unfair, for we have no option but to go where we are sent.
The matter was taken to the County Director by one of our officers, who states she can get no satisfaction whatsoever. It is reported that the Director asked her " What is £5, anyway?" and told her that her girls had done no more than was expected of them. We think perhaps it will be possible to understand our reason for refusing to do any further voluntary work for the Red Cross, for, considering that all that was done was absolutely voluntary and that we have had to pay for every bit of our uniform, fares, laundry, &c., we think we have been treated—to say the least—very shabbily.
Now that the war is over no further notice is taken of us. We have had no official disbandment, and do not even know now whether we are officially dismissed, nor have we received one word of thanks. We read the Boy Scouts have been presented with medals for sounding the " All Clear." While we admire their pluck, nobody mentions a medal or eertifigate,from Headquarters for us, although we had to turn out night after night and at times when no public warning was given—all voluntary and at our own risk.
Up till now we have been content to let the matter run on, but in view of your article we feel we mustexpress dissatisfaction with the methods of the British Red Cross Society. We could amplify this letter and quote numerous instances of the unfairness that has gone on, and we shall be greatly indebted to you if you will give this letter space in your paper to enable na to enlighten those who know nothing of what has gone on.— We are, Sir, &e., MEADIEHS OF A LONDON DETACIDERNT.
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