| Number | AMHAM: OBJECT.1374.6 |
|---|---|
| Date | 1939-1941 |
| About this object | This red cross medal was awarded to Caroline ‘Car’ Richardson (1873 – 1959) of Bois Lane, Chesham Bois. Red Cross medals are prestigious awards recognizing exceptional humanitarian service, courage, and dedication in medical and disaster relief efforts. Car Richardson was an artist and teacher who served with the Red Cross as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) during both world wars. Her service record during the First World War shows that she worked as a nurse in hospitals in Wainfleet, Lincoln, Brighton and Boxmoor. During the Second World War she worked as an occupational art therapist at the Emergency Service Hospital in Amersham and at RAF Halton. She llived in Chesham Bois from 1915 until her death in 1959. During her life Car produced hundreds of portraits and landscapes including much work based on scenes in Buckinghamshire as well as European scenes from her extensive travels. She was also a prolific war artist and some of her sketches and paintings are from the maternity unit at Shardeloes House. |
| Physical Description | The medal has a prominent red cross, and this emblem is an international symbol of neutrality and protection during armed conflicts. The red cross is on a white shield made of enamel. This is mounted on a circular bronze metal with a red enamel edge on which the words The British Red Cross Society are embossed in capital letters. Above the round metal medal there is a decorative bronze scroll shaped mount which has the words County of Buckingham embossed in red, again in capital letters. The two elements of the medal are connected by a circular linking ring. The medal is in good condition and is 3.1cm in width and 4.7cm in height. |
| Inscription | County of Buckingham; The British Red Cross Society |
| Find Out More | Women at War #1: Car and Josephine Richardson - Amersham Museum Caroline Beatrice Richardson (1873 - 1959) – Richardson paintings The Richardson Sisters - Amersham Museum Richardson-sisters-1st-draft-CdeC-CB-11-jan.pdf |