The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
War-Time Fundraising
Fundraising services and events for Cambridgeshire British Red Cross and St John Ambulance volunteers, captured by filmmaker William King, in 1943.
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Overview
William King filmed a number of events throughout the Cambridgeshire region including this footage showing the many many Red Cross and St John Ambulance volunteers attending church services which aimed to raise funds for the war effort, including one being held at the University of Cambridge’s Great St Mary’s Church, and Ely Cathedral. Charles Adeane, Lord Lt. of Cambridge hosts an event at home. There is also an event at a Red Cross Convalescent Home for injured soldiers.
Made up entirely of volunteers, the British Red Cross treated anyone caught up in the conflict, Allied or Axis. When war was declared, the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance joined efforts to deliver relief in the most efficient and economic way as they had done in WWI, collectively known as the Joint War Organisation. At the start of the war the British Red Cross only had £2,000 and desperately needed funds; an Appeal was launched immediately. The appeal was aimed largely at wage earners; people were encouraged to donate a penny of their weekly wage (£10 on average).
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