Henry Pomerory Davison 1867-1922

To commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the creation of the IFRC (formerly known as the League of Red Cross Societies), we commissioned two historians to write a short biography of Henry Pomeroy Davison, our visionary
founder.

In the aftermath of the First World War, he sought to develop the Red Cross Movement across the world, to improve health, prevent disease and relieve suffering in peacetime. Using a range of archival sources and images, the book charts the story of Henry Davison from small town America to uncompromising Wall Street Banker and global philanthropist and humanitarian. He had the capacity to bring people together, to lead with talent and passion, and to encourage others with his energy and commitment to the Red Cross Movement.

The book provides us with a fascinating insight into the character of our founder and outlines the historical background to the first years of what became the IFRC,
that today has more than 190 national society members and 13.7 million volunteers.