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How blood banks saved Britain in WW2

How blood banks saved Britain in WW2

Roderick Bailey tells the story of how Britain led the way in blood supply and transfusion during the war – and how the symbol of the bat was used to guide surgeons to the blood they needed for wounded soldiers

Dr David Musgrove, FSA

Published: July 29, 2026 at 1:31 PM

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How did the sign of the Red Vampire help British surgeons during the Second World War? Roderick Bailey, author of The Life Savers, explains to David Musgrove how Britain led the way in blood banks during the war, and how such prowess saved lives, strengthened the war effort, and boosted morale.

Authors

Dr David Musgrove, FSAContent director

David Musgrove is the content director at HistoryExtra

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