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At the outbreak of war in August 1914 the St. John’s Ambulance Corps joined with the British Red Cross to form the Joint War Committee, which provided medical care for war casualties and help to the Armed Forces Medical Services.

Their work included the erection and running of the Base Hospital at Etaples, France. Many of the volunteers would go on to join the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Local members of the St. John’s Ambulance Corps volunteered to serve and the Derbyshire Courier, published on Saturday 8 August 1914 reported the event: “SOMERCOTES AMBULANCE VOLUNTEERS – Proceed to London – The few Terriers in Somercotes have joined their company at Ripley. A notice was issued to the Birchwood St. John’s Ambulance Corps on Monday calling upon all volunteers to meet Supt. Powis at the schools on Tuesday evening. There was a splendid response, and, on Thursday, the following proceeded to London: Wm. Powis (Supt.), J T Brewster (Sergt.), J F Goodall, J H Morley, Richard J Herberts, W H Waddoups, Sam Waller, Ernest Shipman, Geo E Holt, C F Stevenson, S A White, W Skinner, J T Parker, J H Lewis, W Miles, H Croson, E Manton, F Boultbee and Sergt. T Turton. The contingent will be under the command of Supt. Powis. Both in Riddings and Somercotes things are very quiet, with the exception of a general rush to stores for food supplies. Several shops have had to close their doors. There is a general cry out about the increased price of provisions.”

Many of the men listed in the newspaper article had family members who served and died in the war, and one, Frank Boultbee, joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, 9th Field Ambulance and died from injuries sustained on duty on 14 October 1917. He is listed on the WW1 soldiers’ page.

PHOTO: A Birchwood St. John's Ambulance and Scouts Parade, c.1910