How come the Red Cross charged for doughnuts in World War II?
During the war, all English and Australian men in uniforms had to pay for off base food and lodging because voluntary giving (which is characteristic of the United States) was not the pattern in other countries. The American Red Cross had been asked to establish club facilities for U.S. service members overseas where troops from all allied forces would be welcome. The British High Command made an official request that U.S. service members be required to pay for whatever they received, just as their men had to pay. The Red Cross was opposed to this concept and protested vehemently. But they lost the fight when a request came from the Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson. His letter was tantamount to a command.
During the war, all English and Australian men in uniforms had to pay for off base food and lodging because voluntary giving (which is characteristic of the United States) was not the pattern in other countries. The American Red Cross had been asked to establish club facilities for U.S. service members overseas where troops from all allied forces would be welcome. The British High Command made an official request that U.S. service members be required to pay for whatever they received, just as their men had to pay. The Red Cross was opposed to this concept and protested vehemently. But they lost the fight when a “request” came from the Secretary of War, Henry L Stimson. His letter was tantamount to a command.
