Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-080-001
This volume, compiled by Kathleen Kennedy, chronicles her service as a Staff Assistant for the American Red Cross in London, England, during World War II, primarily between May and July, 1943. A handwritten note in pencil on the front cover reads, “Kathleen Hartington / [Keep/Keys(?)] Keep RFK / July 1949.” Diary entries are inscribed directly on the pre-printed ruled pages in pencil and black ink, as well as typed on the back of American Red Cross notepaper sheets. In her diary entries, Kathleen writes about the completion of her Red Cross training; her preparations for and departure to England, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the R.M.S. Queen Mary, converted to a troopship; her work at American Red Cross service clubs in London; and dinners, parties, weekend trips, and other social events. Of note is an undated, unstamped, and blank telegram with a handwritten note in black ink signed, "Your loving brother : Kennedy," inserted at the front of the book. Also of note are three handwritten letters written in black or blue ink between Kathleen and her husband, William “Billy” Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington, placed in an envelope addressed to “Capt. : The Marquess of Hartington : 5th Bn.: Coldstream Guards : British Liberation Army,” in Kathleen’s hand, postmarked July 17, 1944. This volume contains 30 telegrams, 10 typed diary entries, five handwritten letters, four newspaper clippings, three photographic prints, two magazine clippings, and various printed ephemera, including a schedule, vaccine card, matchbox, invitation, shipping ticket, menu, handwritten notes, and miscellaneous booklets and pamphlets.