A Homefront Snapshot - Various Volunteer Services

The Joint War Organisation World War II Re-Enactment Group

At the start of the Great War of 1914 – 18 the venerable and charitable organisations of the Order
of St. John and The British Red Cross Society joined forces in raising funds and providing assistance to the sick and the injured on home shores and abroad during this time of national emergency. The two organisations went their separate ways at the end of the war but vowed to collaborate again should ever the need arise.

That need did indeed arise in on September 3rd 1939 when Britain declared war on Nazi Germany.

During the course of the Second World War the Joint War Organisation (JWO) were not only entrusted with the Medical Care and Physical Wellbeing of the Civilian population during Air
Raids but also took on the responsibility of the Welfare of all Commonwealth Prisoners of War incarcerated in POW camps in Europe, Asia and The Far East, ensuring the supply of Food and Medical parcels to inmates as well as providing a search and contact service for worried relatives in the UK. When the Allies invaded Germany in early 1945 and liberated the Nazi concentration camps, JWO members were despatched in their thousands as welfare workers to provide medical care and psychiatric help to the beleaguered prisoners.

The Joint War Organisation World War II Re-Enactment Group (JWO) was set up in
The autumn of 2000 by several members of the St. John Ambulance Humberside County staff
In order to raise awareness of the contribution made by the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the British Red Cross Society during the Second World War both on the Home Front and Overseas.

Since then the group has gone from strength to strength and now has more than 20 members who not only Re-Enact St. John Ambulance and British Red Cross members but also Army, Navy, RAF, Civil Defence, WVS, Police, Fire Brigade, Home Guard and a whole host of minor organisations who all played their part, however small, to defend this island against the Nazi threat.

As all of our members have differing interests within the scope of the Second World War period,
We have access to a vast array of information and items relating to the era enabling us to provide displays of Uniforms, Equipment, Ephemera and Memorabilia and to give talks and lectures on a wide variety of Civilian, Home Front and Military themes.

If you are interested in joining us in our endeavours or would simply like more information please feel free to contact us at jointwarorg@hotmail.co.uk we look forward to hearing from you.