During WWI, Manuel II, King of Portugal in exile, asked, from London, to be incorporated as a soldier in the Portuguese Republican forces fighting against Germany. The Republic declined the ex-King intentions. Manuel attempted to make Himself available to the Allies, wherever they saw use, but was disappointed When He was assigned to a post in the British Red Cross.
Characteristically He put all his
efforts into the role, participating in conferences, fund drives, visits to hospitals and the wounded soldiers on the front, which ultimately gave him a lot of gratification. The visits to the front were difficult on the French government, but his friendship with George V was sufficient enough to alleviate their concerns. Regardless, most of his efforts were not credited, years later, in an interview to António Ferro, he lamented, "The operating room in the Portuguese Hospital in Paris, During the War, was constructed by Me. Do you know what they put on the plaque? 'From a Portuguese in London.' " A proof of his recognition by the British was by his friend George V, who invited him to be with the King During the victory celebrations During the parade of soldiers in 1919.
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