Women's Voluntary Service

Women's Voluntary Service. The Women's Voluntary Service was a major British voluntary organisation established on the eve of the Second World War. Founded by Stella Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading, it mobilised women across the United Kingdom to support the civilian population and the war effort. Its members, recognisable in their distinctive green uniforms, became a ubiquitous and essential part of the home front, undertaking a vast array of critical services.

History and formation

The organisation was founded in May 1938 under the auspices of the Home Office, as the threat of conflict with Nazi Germany loomed. Its creation was inspired by the need to prepare for the massive civilian casualties predicted from aerial bombardment during any future war. The driving force was Stella Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading, who was appointed its first chairman. The model was influenced by the structure of the Women's Institute and aimed to recruit women for air raid precautions work. Initial support came from key figures like Sir Samuel Hoare and the organisation quickly gained the patronage of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who remained its president for decades. Its formation preceded the official establishment of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and other female military services, positioning it as a primary channel for female voluntary effort.

Organisation and structure

The service was organised on a national scale with a central office in London, but its strength lay in a decentralised network of local branches. These were established in every county and major town, coordinated by regional administrators. Membership was open to all women over the age of eighteen, and at its peak it enrolled over one million volunteers. A hierarchical structure existed, with members progressing through ranks such as Leader and Centre Organiser. Key to its operations were the WVS Headquarters and the training centres established across the country, which provided instruction in first aid, emergency feeding, and clothing distribution. The organisation worked closely with, but remained independent from, official bodies like the Air Raid Precautions service and local borough councils.

Activities and roles during wartime

During the Second World War, its volunteers undertook an extraordinarily diverse range of duties central to home front resilience. Following the Blitz, they operated mobile canteens and rest centres for those bombed out of their homes, providing emergency food, clothing, and comfort. They played a vital role in the evacuation of children from cities like London and Liverpool, meeting trains and billeting evacuees. Members staffed salvage drives collecting materials like aluminium and paper, organised knitting parties for the Royal Navy, and ran British Restaurants offering affordable meals. They also assisted with the distribution of gas masks, organised blood donor sessions, and provided support to soldiers at railway stations and to the victims of incidents like the Bethnal Green tube station disaster.

Post-war evolution and legacy

After Victory in Europe Day, the organisation did not disband but adapted to the needs of the post-war period, including supporting reconstruction and the National Health Service. It continued its welfare work during subsequent conflicts like the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency, and during domestic crises such as the North Sea flood of 1953. In 1966, the organisation was renamed the **Women's Royal Voluntary Service** in recognition of its sustained service, with the honour conferred by Queen Elizabeth II. This change reflected its continued evolution into a modern charitable organisation, focusing on community support for the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Its legacy is carried forward today by the Royal Voluntary Service, which maintains its founding ethos of voluntary service.

Recognition and honours

The immense contribution of its members was widely recognised throughout its existence. Its founder, Lady Reading, was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire and later elevated to the House of Lords. The organisation's work was frequently praised by political leaders including Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee. In 1961, it was awarded the prestigious George Cross, an honour usually reserved for individuals, for its "outstanding devotion and steadfastness" during the Second World War and after. Many individual members received awards such as the British Empire Medal for their local service. The granting of the "Royal" prefix in 1966 by Queen Elizabeth II stands as a lasting mark of official gratitude and national esteem.

Category:Organisations based in the United Kingdom Category:World War II home front Category:Voluntary organisations