| Place | Oceania: New Guinea1, Papua New Guinea |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL46367 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Aluminuim, Brass |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Source credit to | This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government. |
Identity discs : Colonel P M McCarthy, Australian Army Nursing Service
Description
Pair of aluminium identity discs on a plated brass ball and link chain. One of the discs is round while the second is octagonal. Both are impressed 'F2/2 / RC / MCCARTHY PM' on the obverse and 'ABI' on the reverse. The chain's plate has worn off in parts, exposing the brass.
History / Summary
Worn by F22 Colonel Perditta Majorie McCarthy, Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) during her Second World War service in Papua New Guinea. She next served with the AANS (later designated the Royal Australian Army Nursing Service) with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. She saw further service with the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) in Korea, Malaya and Vietnam.
McCarthy was awarded the Associate Royal Red Cross on 10 June 1954. Her last appointment was as Matron-in-Chief of the RAANC and before her retirement she was promoted to brigadier, the only nursing officer to obtain such a rank. On 1 January 1972, she was awarded the Royal Red Cross, First Class and retired that year after 31 years of service. In 1975 she was appointed honorary Colonel of the Army Nursing Corps.