The Australian Women's Register

Summary

The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps was formed from the Royal Australian Army Nursing Service and the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service. Since being established members of the service have served in many theatres of war and other operations including Vietnam, the 1991 Gulf War, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bougainville and East Timor.

Events

• 2048

  In recognition of the service given in two world wars the title Royal was designated to the Service – now called Royal Australian Army Nursing Service.

• 2051 - 1951

  The Service was designated a Corps – now called the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC). In the same year the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS) was disbanded.

• 2003

  Ceremony, including a wreath-laying service and parade from the Nurses Memorial on Anzac Parade to the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial, held to celebrate the centenary of the RAANC and the RAAMC.

• 1970 - 1902

  The first nursing sisters to serve with Australian troops were those who travelled with the Colonial Military Forces to the South African (Boer War).

• 1904 - 1914

  A Lady Superintendent and Matron appointed to all states

• 1955 - 1969

  Members served in Malaya

• 2057

  Colonel A M Sage, CBE, RRC, FNM, was appointed as the first Honorary Colonel and Representative Honorary Colonel to the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps.

• 2058

  Approval was granted for the adoption of a corps flag for the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps.

• 1966 - 1969

  Nursing sisters sent to Papua New Guinea to care for the wives and families of the indigenous servicemen.

• 1902

  The General Order giving effect to an improved organisation for nurses was written in 1902 and promulgated on the 1st July 1903.

• 1967 - 1971

  In total 43 Officers served in Vietnam.

• 1970

  The first Alice Appleford award was presented. The award is present annually by the Ex-AAMWS to a non-commissioned member for proficiency in service.

• 2049

  Approval given to appoint female officers and enlist female Other Ranks into the Regular Army, to provide nursing staff for an overseas General Hospital and Camp Hospitals in Australia.

• 1952

  A Corps Badge with the motto Pro Humanitate – for Humanity was introduced.

• 2003 - 2048

  The Australian Army Nursing Service Reserve, which formed the basis of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps established.

• 1914 - 1918

  A total of 2139 sisters served overseas and another 423 served in Australia. 25 sisters died and 388 were decorated for their service which included 5 CBE, 10 OBE, 42 RRC and 23 foreign awards

• 1936

  The Matron-in-Chief and Principal matrons from each state were sent to England with the Coronation contingent.

• 1939 - 1945

  A total of 3477 joined the Service with 71 members losing their lives (23 battle casualties and 18 died as a result of accident or illness). 137 decorations were awarded including two George medals.

• 2043

  The Australian Army Nursing Service, formerly an auxiliary service, was incorporated as part of the Australian Military Forces.

• 1945

  Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, accepted the appointment of Honorary Colonel of the Australian Army Nursing Service.

• 2016 - 1916

  A Matron-in-Chief appointed to administer the service and advise the Director General of Medical Services (which controlled the Service) on service matters.

• 1979

  The first issue of the Corps Magazine “Grey and Scarlet” published. It is currently published annually.

• 1983

  Approval was granted for the traditional colours of grey and scarlet to be used for all Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps embellishments.

• 1990

  Nursing Officers sent as part of Australia’s commitment to the United Nations force to the Gulf War.

• 1992 - 2001

  Nursing Officers participated in all United Nations Deployments.

• 1997

  Head of Corps abolished.

• 2001

  Head of Corps re-appointed