Australian Army Nursing Service

The Australian Army Medical Corps was established on 1st July 1902 when the medical staff from the Colonies amalgamated into a Federal Corps, and it became a part of the Citizen Military Force. The Nursing Services were included as a unit of the Corps and were collectively called the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS). When World War 1 and World War 2 broke out, volunteers from the AANS resigned from the AANS and enlisted in the AANS Australian Imperial Force and served overseas. Other members remained on home soil and served in hospitals around Australia. Some AANS nurses enlisted with the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Service (QAIMNS) which was part of the British Army.

The Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs) were estabished by the Australian Red Cross in 1914. During World War 1 they worked in hospitals and convalescent homes in Australia. Many travelled to Britain and worked in the Hospitals with the wounded soldiers. They were considered a reserve for the Army Medical Corps. During World War 2 they recieved basic medical training but were not as qualified as nurses. They worked on hospital ships, in convalescent hospitals and supported returned and wounded soldiers.

The Nurses who volunteer to support the soldiers are an important part of the Military during peacetime and wartime. As such, they are given equal standing on this Digital Library and take their place in the various sections alongside the men of the Army Medical Corps and the soldiers.