How 200-strong army helped save victims of Nazi tyranny

Brave Stella one of the first civilians to step into Belsen

- Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

AS war raged across Europe, a crack team was being assembled on the home front.

Agile, able to operate in any environment and stay calm and composed under extreme pressure, they had elite survival skills.

But this was no ordinary fighting force. In fact, it was no fighting force at all. Amid the ruins of battle, their mission was to spread relief, hope and goodwill.

The Girlguiding army was set to spring into action once peace was declared, with the sole aim of helping those abroad whose lives had been ripped apart by conflict.

The Guide International Service taskforce was assembled after guiding top brass was flooded with members' letters asking how they could help their stricken sisters in occupied Europe.

In February 1941, International Guide Commissioner Rose Kerr said: "More important even than winning the war is the question of winning the subsequent peace.

"Whatever happens, Europe will be left weak and exhausted and will need an army of peace an army mostly composed of women.

"If we can begin now to collect our Army of Goodwill, what could they not do to bring healing and comfort to a stricken world?"

Dangerous

In April 1942, a committee was set up to organise the GIS scheme, composed of older Rangers and Guide leaders.

Many were already experienced team players who, living by their Be Prepared motto, were adept at improvising with little equipment.

Some had been involved with relief work after the First World War and knew the task that would confront them.