| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL33567 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | White metal |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1888-1900s |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) Australian Colonial Forces, 1854-1900 |
Hat badge: NSW Medical Staff Corps
Description
A voided Geneva Cross in the centre of a Garter belt within a laurel wreath upon a large eight pointed star surmounted by a Victorian crown. The badge has three attachment lugs on the reverse, but is lacking the crimson fabric backing (a replica backing has been added for display purposes) to the central voided geneva cross.
History / Summary
The original owner of this badge is not known. The NSW Medical Staff Corps was raised in 1888, and consisted of a single small permanent section of one officer and ten NCOs and men. A further partially-paid section of three officers and 113 men was also raised, the idea being to produce a nucleus from which a larger medical service could quickly be organised if necessary. The outbreak of the Boer War in 1900 saw just such a necessity, and NSW was able to provide an entire Field Hospital, as well as two other contingents, (1900 and 1902) for service in South Africa. The NSW badge was worn during this service, but was superceded after their return to Australia.