How Laois volunteers saved lives in war

The work of Laois volunteers in treating injured British soldiers during World War I is the feature of a Heritage Week event in Laois.

World War I Volunteer Aid Detachment (VADs) of Queen’s County, Portlaoise Library, is the name of the event by historian Regina Dunne.

She has been researching the Volunteer Aid Detachments (VADs) of Laois for several years now and has gathered information on over 300 volunteers with addresses registered in County Laois.

The Detachments were a voluntary units of civilians who provided nursing care for military personnel in the United Kingdom and various other countries in the British Empire.

The most important periods of operation for these units were during World War I and World War II. Of the 74,000 VAD members in 1914, two-thirds were women and girls.

This talk will focus on Ms Dunne's research to date, highlighting the women who worked on the front lines or military hospitals in France, England and Ireland.

Some of these women were mentioned in dispatches and awarded medals but have been relatively forgotten about until now. Ms Dunne hopes her research will encourage relations and local history enthusiasts to further explore the role of these women
in Laois society in the early twentieth century.

The talk takes place on Wednesday, August 16 at 7pm in Portlaoise Library but booking is required.

To reserve a place call 087 415 4769 or email  wlawler@laoiscoco.ie

Farming for the future on the Heritage Week menu

The event is organised by Laois Libraries as part of Heritage Week which runs from August 12 to 20.