20th May, 2025 9:30
Homes and Interiors (with Arms and Militaria)
227
A World War Two Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse's cape
owned by Joyce Rycroft (1918-2009), 1940s, navy wool with scarlet lining decorated with cloth formation signs and shoulder titles from UK, US and Canadian units, and tartan strips, together with,
a collection of five 'The British Red Cross Society' enamelled badges (3 years service, Merit, Proficiency in Red Cross First Aid, Proficiency in Red Cross Nursing), four named 'J Rycroft', two pairs of brass 'Red Cross Cheshire' shoulder badges, a '3 years service slide', four 1942-1945 enamelled badges 'Red Cross Nursing', an enamelled Free French supporters 'Resurgam 1940' badge, a WVS Civil Defence badge, a British Blood Donor lapel badge, The British Red Cross Society brass and enamelled cap badge, two gorget cloth patches, a 'Mobile VAD' cloth badge, two buttons, an East Africa cloth Majors' rank slide, and a brass 'The King's African Rifles' cap badge, and a miniature George VI Defence Medal,
and further ephemera, including her 'Soldier's Service Pay book, ATS and VAD Release book, handwritten and typed lecture cards, Red Cross certificates, (qty)
Joyce Rycroft (1918-2009) served in the VAD as a nurse between 1942-1945. From extracts of her diary kept by her family, she was based at Capesthorne Hall, Nr Siddington, Cheshire, Woolton Towers, and Moston, then later at the Chester Military Hospital. On 26th October 1943, she noted that a large convoy of repatriated POW's arrived, many of whom died of Tuberculosis. In January 1944 she transferred to the Chester Military Hospital, again caring for many sick patients. She was very popular with the patients and was apparently called 'Honey Pot'.
On D-Day, 6th June, the colonel-in-charge celebrated by sharing a bottle of champagne with the staff in the ward kitchen. She was demobbed on 4th February 1946.
Her daughter notes that she worked extremely hard, was upset by some of the injuries she treated, but found solace in getting to know the patients and kept in contact with many of them. The diary recalls trips to dances, the cinema and dinners at the Grosvenor Hotel in Chester.
This is an online only auction and lots will not be available to view at our auction rooms, however, all items are comprehensively illustrated. If you require further information please request a condition report.
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
Sold for £4,000
Condition Report
Fair overall. Wear to the collar and loose hanger tab
Badges with some chips and wear.
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Auction: Homes and Interiors (with Arms and Militaria), 20th May, 2025
Our regular Homes & Interiors sales showcase an array of different periods and styles all under one roof, juxtaposing old with new, items rich in history displayed next to works of art by emerging artists, and emphasising just how effortlessly they complement one another. There is undoubtedly something to suit all tastes and budgets within these live online auctions.
Viewing
VIEWING
This is an online only auction and lots will not be available to view at our auction rooms, however, all items are comprehensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
REMOVAL OF LOTS
We operate a booking system for collections. You must book your appointment online at least 24 hours in advance, to ensure your items are ready when you arrive:
Items will be available to collect from the day after the sale at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex CM24 8GE. Please select ‘Collection’ as your appointment type when booking your collection time.
FURNITURE AND CARPETS
Furniture and carpets not collected by 5pm on Friday 23 May 2025 will incur storage charges (£10+VAT administration per invoice and £2+VAT per day, per lot)
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