The wartime adventures of two of the first Red Cross nurses

Emma Pearson was born in Norfolk in 1828 and was the daughter of a Royal Navy Captain. Her partner Louisa McLaughlin was born 1836, the daughter of a Shropshire clergyman. Louisa trained as a nurse with Sister Dora who assisted the poor industrial workers of the English Midlands. Both Louisa and Emma began working for the National Health Society when it was created in 1869, assisting the poor of London under the management of Elizabeth Blackwell, Europe’s first modern female doctor. At the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, both women went to France at the behest of the organisation which became known as the Red Cross. They arrived shortly after the Battle of Gravelotte and were soon caring for the wounded from the Battle of Sedan. The two women worked tirelessly in field hospitals earning the respect and admiration of both sides. In fact, both women were awarded medals by France and Prussia in recognition of their humanitarian services. This book was originally published in two volumes which have been united in this good value Leonaur edition.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.