Embroidered Australian Army Nursing Service Badge

Circular cotton hand embroidered Australian Army Nursing Service sleeve badge. The badge is of grey wool with white and red embroidery. At the centre is a red Cross of Geneva with embroidery between the arms. Outside the cross, in a circular frame, are the words, 'AUSTRALIAN ARMY NURSING SERVICE'. Outside this is a laurel wreath and above is a King's crown with red embroidery. The badge has a black silk backing.

Prior to Australia's Federation in 1901, each colony controlled its own defence force, of which the nursing services formed a part. In July 1903 the nursing services of each colony joined together to form the Australian Army Nursing Service. The Service which was part of the Australian Army Medical Corps was made up of volunteer trained nurses who were willing to serve in times of a national emergency.
At the outbreak of World War I staff were recruited from both the nursing service and the civilian workforce. They served at field and base hospitals in Australia as well as in Egypt, England, France, Belgium, Greece, Salonika, Palestine, Mesopotamia and India. After the war the Australian Army Nursing Service returned to a reserve status.