Birmingham: The History (Research) of The Friends’ Ambulance Unit

The History (Research) of The Friends’ Ambulance Unit
The Motor Ambulance Convoys and its Members during WW1.

Presenter – Paul Handford MBE

The talk looks at the experiences of those individuals who, for conscience and other reasons, chose to serve in the non-combatant Friends’ Ambulance Unit (Quakers) during 1st World War. Todays speaker will explore the evolution of the Unit, the main area of work of the Unit – Motorised Ambulance Convoys recovering the wounded, and the impact conscription had on the individuals and the organization, including the experiences of Laurence Cadbury of the famous Cadbury family. Paul will also reflect on those members who lost their lives while serving with the FAU.

This presentation is supported by many rare original photographs from the speaker’s own private  collection and will also consider the research opportunities for this subject.

Taking place in the BMI, the John Peek Room on the first floor

Paul is President of the Birmingham Medal Society, a member of The Orders and Medals Research Society, Chair of the Military History Society of West Midlands Police, and serves on the committee of the West Midlands Police Museum. Along with his wife Su, Paul has travelled extensively along the entire length of the Western Front in pursuit of his research.