Catalogue description Dame Ann Bryans DBE

Ts diary (114pp) kept from March 1944 until May 1945 during her service as Red Cross Commissioner (the only woman to hold this appointment during the Second World War) for the Middle East and providing details of her duties, which included liaison with both the British military authorities and voluntary societies operating in the area, particularly the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), and the recruitment of welfare officers and other personnel matters. The diary also includes notes on her visit to London (December 1944 - January 1945) and her report on the work of her Commission to the British Red Cross, on arrangements for the reception of released prisoners of war (February - March 1945) and on their morale.

See also SR

Bryans, Ann, fl 1945

Unrestricted

• United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration
• Middle East
• Second World War, 1939-1945

Dame Anne Bryans was the only woman to be appointed a Red Cross Commissioner during the Second World War. Her work in this capacity involved close liaison with both the British military authorities and with voluntary societies operating in the Middle East. She was also responsible for Red Cross personnel in the Commission. Dame Anne took a particular interest in the development of facilities for convalescent patients and many of her entries about personnel questions relate to the appointment of suitable welfare officers.

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