International Nurses Day
On the 12th of May we celebrate International Nurses Day, recognising the invaluable contribution nurses have made to our society.
Nurses have played a vital role in Australia’s military history for more than 100 years. Today, both men and women serve as Australian military nurses, working in remote and dangerous places, and providing medical treatment to those affected by war or natural disasters in peacekeeping missions.
Memorial Articles
Learn about Australian nurses in Korea, the remarkable Perditta McCarthy, Vivian Bullwinkel, the Flying Sisters and many more.
Dedication to duty above self
Highly skilled Australian nurses and medics can be found bravely accompanying every Australian military combat or peacekeeping deployment.
Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan
Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan was on display at the Memorial from 2 December 2011 until 17 October 2012. The exhibition explored the involvement of nurses from the first known Australian in the Zulu War of 1879, right up to the experiences of the male and female nurses serving in recent conflicts and peace keeping operations.
The following articles are sources from this exhibition and the Memorial’s rich collection.
Boer War
The New South Wales Army Nursing Service Reserve, formed in 1899, was the first Australian women's military nursing body.
Great War
More than 3,000 Australian civilian nurses volunteered for active service during the First World War.
Second World War
When the Second World War broke out, nurses again volunteered, motivated by a sense of duty and a desire to “do their bit”.
Cold War
The Cold War dominated international affairs for 30 years after the Second World War.
Modern Conflicts
Today nursing officers have completed a university degree and have at least two years' experience on entry to the service of their choice.
Photos from the Collection
Nursing Sister Blanche Due, RAAF Nursing Service of South Yarra, Vic, bandages the hand of Leading Aircraftman Albert (Nobby) Clark of Essex, England, of No. 54 (Spitfire) Squadron RAF. Darwin, NT. 1943-12.
Informal portrait of four hospital nursing staff of the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) and four officers of the British Army. The hospital, at Bushire on the Persian Gulf, was the only one near the Mesopotamia front staffed by Australian nurses.
Informal outdoor portrait of Matron Ellen Julia "Nellie" Gould serving tea and sugar to Captain Horace Fredrick Kingsmill at Mena Hospital. Cairo c.1915
Lieutenant A.H.F McCulloch, Australian Army Nursing Service, 2/5 General Hospital, preparing a penicillin injection. Moratai, 16 May 1945.
Members of the Australian Army Nursing Service of 2/1st Australian General Hospital undergoing physical exercises whilst returning to Australia after service in the Middle East.
Three nurses aboard the Empress of Japan. 11 December 1939.
Informal group portrait of three nurses and five service personnel outside a hospital building. South Africa. c.1900.
Nurse Lieutenant Margaret Ahern of Leeton, NSW, with a Vietnamese child at the village of Hoa Long. Vietnam. 1967-06
Warrant Officer 1 G.R. Gardiner instructs Sister Betty Crocker, Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) (left), Sister M.M. Lakin (middle) and an unknown nurse during rifle training at the Army Camp before their departure for Korea. Sr Crocker and Sr Lakin both served in Japan and Korea.
RAAF Sister Julie McCormack prepares for a flight in a two-seater Meteor trainer of No.77 Squadron RAAF. Kimpo, South Korea 1953.
An unidentified serviceman has a wound dressed by an unidentified sister from the Royal Australian Army Nursing Service (RAANS), at the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) General Hospital in Kure, Japan. October 1950.
Studio portrait of an unidentified sister of the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS).
A group of Australian Army Nursing Service nurses at the 52nd British General Hospital at Kalamaria ready for night duty wearing headdress provided for protection against mosquitoes. Salonica, Greece. c. 1918.
RAAF Nursing Service Senior Sister Joan Kelly of East St Kilda, Vic, carrying her tin helmet as she leaves the hospital ward for a rest in the nurses' lodge at a hospital in the North-West Area. Darwin, NT. 1943-12.
Sister Joan Sandison gives a shampoo to Sister Winifred Bleney in New Guinea. April 1943.
A group of nurses marching past the saluting base during the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) Victory parade. Melbourne, Victoria. 29 Nov 1945.
Australian Nursing Sisters enjoy a few minutes rest before returning to duty.
Two of the 'Fab 4' nurses in a helicopter. Vietnam 1967.
Australian nurses writing letters home. Malaya, September 1941.
Amplify
The Australian War Memorial holds a rich collection of interviews with people who have served in Australia's military forces. Amplify is a State Library NSW platform allowing volunteers to listen to and transcribe oral histories. Over 30 interviews with nurses from the Australian Army are ready to be transcribed.
Help us record their stories.