Khaki fall-front trousers : Australian Army Nursing Service

Pair of khaki cotton twill fall front trousers. The trousers have deep side splits at each hip which are secured with a vertical line of three buttons on both sides. Two belt lengths are sewn into the back of the trousers and fasten the waist with a metal buckle to improve the fit. The trousers have front pleats, a pocket on the front right hand side and darts at the back. The seam has been reinforced at the crotch. Attached to the waistband is the manufacturer's label 'V. 524 MADE / IN / AUSTRALIA / 1943 / SIZE'. Sewn onto the label is an embroidered name tag 'P. McCARTHY' in red thread. Also marked on the waistband is 'XYL' in black marker. The trousers are secured at the ankle with one button on each cuff and can be adjusted.

Worn by F22 Perditta Majorie McCarthy, for Malaria control.

McCarthy's long career began with her Second World War service in Papua New Guinea with the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS). 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.