Red Cross

The Pentland family who lived at the corner of Dunbarton Street were very much involved with the Red Cross. Many people in the town felt that this family should have received some honour for their service to the war effort. They were the owners of the silent picture-house in Gilford where old Mrs Pentland would have accompanied the films on piano.

During the war the Pentland family allowed these premises to be used for picture shows and Red Cross parties. They organised concerts and many other functions to raise money for various causes, e.g. Spitfire Fund, Warships week, Wings and Victory week, Red Cross Parcels etc.

Nancy Uprichard, (mother of Albert), Eadie Davidson and Fleta Law are particularly remembered for their work for the Red Cross. They were responsible for making up the Red Cross parcels which were sent to the soldiers, sailors and airmen from Gilford who were abroad and also serving with the Home Forces. Often the parcels contained soap, condensed milk, tinned meats, cigarettes, and on many occasions hand-knitted socks, mitts or scarves.

The following names are taken from the Gilford Red Cross Diary of 1942, which lists not only names, but further details of the Gilford men who received parcels:-

RED CROSS PARCEL LISTS – JANUARY 1942