THE STANDING COMMISSION OF THE RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT AND ITS MEMBERS

to sick and injured servicemen, prisoners of war and civilians needing relief. He made field
visits to France and Italy and introduced the first motor ambulances for use in France in
1914. Sir Arthur played a key part in the post-war discussions which led to the founding of
the League of Red Cross Societies (today known as the IFRC). In 1938, he chaired the XVIth
International Red Cross Conference in London, when he was elected to the Standing
Commission.
The outbreak of World War Two in 1939 saw Stanley again elected as chairman of the Joint
War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.
Stanley’s concerns were not confined to Britain. He was a key player in an initiative taken by
the American, British, French, Italian and Japanese Red Cross societies to expand the role of
the Red Cross from its focus on World War One relief by establishing the League of Red Cross
Societies, later the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Stanley was permanently disabled and frequently in pain after contracting rheumatic fever in
the 1880’s, but this did not hamper his activities throughout two world wars. 15 Sir Arthur
was renowned for his ability to charm committees and devoted his life with enthusiasm to
seeking the relief of suffering. He received numerous honours, including being made a
Commander of the Legion d’Honneur in 1920. 16 Sir Stanley was born on November 18 th 1869
in Watford and died on November 4 th 1947 in Eastbourne. 17
15 http://www.redcross.int/en/history/not_Stanley.asp
16 British Red Cross
17 Standing Commission
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