Canada, Commonwealth. A First War Red Cross Group To Voluntary Aid Detachment, E. Young-Scott

A Royal Red Cross Medal, II Class, in silver and red enamels, measures 35.6mm (w) x 40.9mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 20.7 grams (including ribbon), worn on a bow ribbon with pin on reverse, enamels intact, dark patina, in better than extremely fine condition. Contained in its case of issue, a black hardshell case with exterior impressed R.R.C. 2ND, interior lid in white silk marked GARRARD & Co., with a blue velvet recessed medalbed, measures 125mm (w) x 95mm (l) x 22mm (d), minor wear, in extremely fine condition.

First War Medal Bar, with singular horizontal pin, measuring 100mm (w), weighs 104.2 grams, consisting of:

1914-15 Star, in bronze, reverse impressed E. YOUNG-SCOTT V.A.D., minor wear, in extremely fine condition.

War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed E. YOUNG-SCOTT V.A.D., dark patina, contact marks from neighbouring medals, remains in extremely fine condition.

Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed E. YOUNG-SCOTT V.A.D., gilt wear on obverse, light contact, in near extremely fine condition.

Contained in the bar’s case of issue, of black leatherette exterior and silk interior lid marked THE GOLSDSMITHS & SILVERSMITHS COMPANY LTD, and blue velvet medalbed, measures 150mm (w) x 125mm (l) x 22mm (d), exterior lid shows some damage, remains in very fine condition.

Footnote: Voluntary Aid Detachments emerged in 1914, with the intention of being an emergency reserve of trained men and women who would support military medical services. Following the outbreak of war, the VAD quickly became a female volunteer nursing corps who served on the homeland and overseas. Detachment members served as nurses’ aides, ambulance drivers, clerical staff, and many other auxiliary capacities during the Great War. These individuals were also instrumental following the Halifax explosion and during the “Spanish” influenza. Canadian VAD nurses continued to aid soldiers after the war, until official demobilization in 1920.