Work for the Society of Friends, FEWVRC

In 1922, Mackenzie left his post as Assistant Port Health Officer in Liverpool to assist with the famine relief efforts in Russia, focusing on the control of typhus. Mackenzie travelled to Russia on behalf of the Society of Friends, as a member of Friends Emergency & War Victims Relief Committee (FEWVRC) to assist with medical relief for the Russian Famine Relief Expedition. The Relief Expedition was conducted under the auspices of the British and American Red Cross, the Epidemiological Section of the League of Nations, the Imperial Russian Relief Fund and the Friends' Relief Committee.

While in Russia, Mackenzie worked to manage outbreaks of cholera and typhus fever, supplying rations and medical supplies and advice on controlling and preventing the spread of diseases. By December 1922, the Friends Relief Unit had established an Epidemic Hospital in Russia, as well as a Bacteriological Laboratory to undertake examinations of blood and specimens.

After two years in Russia, Mackenzie was invalided home with relapsing fever and malaria.

The papers include personal accounts of life in Russia during the famine; reports on the situation in Russia; letters sent home by Mackenzie; correspondence relating to his appointment to the Russian Famine Relief Unit.

1922-1923

10 files, 1 digital item 488 MB (512439449 bytes)