American Red Cross Clubmobile Service

GMC 6x6 US Army Field Red Cross Canteen, 4169405-S pic1

American Red Cross Clubmobile Service

The American Red Cross Clubmobile Service was a program initiated by the American Red Cross during World War II to provide morale and recreational services to the United States Armed Forces stationed in Europe. The Clubmobiles were specially modified vehicles, often buses or trucks, equipped to serve coffee, doughnuts, and other refreshments to soldiers. They also provided a place for soldiers to relax and enjoy entertainment such as music and movies.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of the Clubmobile was developed in 1942 by Harvey D. Gibson, the American Red Cross Commissioner to Great Britain. The first Clubmobiles were deployed in England in 1942, and they followed the troops through the D-Day invasion and subsequent campaigns in France, Belgium, and Germany.

Operations[edit | edit source]

Each Clubmobile was staffed by three American Red Cross women, known as "Clubmobile girls," who were responsible for driving the vehicle, preparing and serving refreshments, and providing a friendly and comforting presence to the soldiers. The Clubmobiles were equipped with a kitchen area for making coffee and doughnuts, a phonograph for playing records, and sometimes even a small library of books and magazines.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The Clubmobile Service played a significant role in boosting the morale of American troops during the war. The presence of the Clubmobile girls and the comforts they provided were a welcome respite from the hardships of combat. The service continued until the end of the war in 1945, and its legacy is remembered as a unique and important aspect of the American Red Cross's contributions during World War II.