Australian Red Cross Home Nursing Proficiency badge

Oxidised white metal badge, the obverse depicting a nurse's head in front of a red enamelled Red Cross, bordered by an outer circle containing, in raised script, 'AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS * SOCIETY*'. The reverse is impressed with the serial number '1799' and 'ANGUS & COOTE / SYDNEY'. The badge hangs from a bar suspender decorated with seven small raised circles, mounted on a maroon coloured mercerised cotton ribbon. The ribbon has two bars attached with raised lettering; the upper features the word 'PROFICIENCY' and the lower 'HOME NURSING', highlighted with a small vertical red enamel bar on either side of the word. The reverse of this bar is impressed 'ANGUS & COOTE / JEWELLERS'.

During the Second World War, the Red Cross worked hand in hand with the various state emergency organisations to ensure a consistent level of training to Wardens and Civil Defence personnel. While an emphasis was placed on combating gas and treating the wounded, there were many invalids and older people requiring care who were in danger of being neglected as more and more men and women enlisted in the forces. The Red Cross ensured people were trained in Home Nursing and awarded them this Proficiency Medal after training.