Events

1899 - 1902

The first nursing sisters to serve with Australian troops were those who travelled with the Colonial Military Forces to the South African (Boer War).

1902

The General Order giving effect to an improved organisation for nurses was written in 1902 and promulgated on the 1st July 1903.

1 July 1903 - November 1948

The Australian Army Nursing Service Reserve, which formed the basis of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps established.

1904 - 1914

A Lady Superintendent and Matron appointed to all states

1914 - 1918

A total of 2139 sisters served overseas and another 423 served in Australia. 25 sisters died and 388 were decorated for their service which included 5 CBE, 10 OBE, 42 RRC and 23 foreign awards

8 May 1916 - 1916

A Matron-in-Chief appointed to administer the service and advise the Director General of Medical Services (which controlled the Service) on service matters.

1936

The Matron-in-Chief and Principal matrons from each state were sent to England with the Coronation contingent.

1939 - 1945

A total of 3477 joined the Service with 71 members losing their lives (23 battle casualties and 18 died as a result of accident or illness). 137 decorations were awarded including two George medals.

March 1943

The Australian Army Nursing Service, formerly an auxiliary service, was incorporated as part of the Australian Military Forces.

1945

Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, accepted the appointment of Honorary Colonel of the Australian Army Nursing Service.

November 1948

In recognition of the service given in two world wars the title Royal was designated to the Service - now called Royal Australian Army Nursing Service.

July 1949

Approval given to appoint female officers and enlist female Other Ranks into the Regular Army, to provide nursing staff for an overseas General Hospital and Camp Hospitals in Australia.

February 1951 - 1951

The Service was designated a Corps - now called the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC). In the same year the Australian Army Medical Women's Service (AAMWS) was disbanded.

1952

A Corps Badge with the motto Pro Humanitate - for Humanity was introduced.

1955 - 1969

Members served in Malaya

16 April 1957

Colonel A M Sage, CBE, RRC, FNM, was appointed as the first Honorary Colonel and Representative Honorary Colonel to the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps.

7 February 1958

Approval was granted for the adoption of a corps flag for the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps.

1966 - 1969

Nursing sisters sent to Papua New Guinea to care for the wives and families of the indigenous servicemen.

1967 - 1971

In total 43 Officers served in Vietnam.

1970

The first Alice Appleford award was presented. The award is present annually by the Ex-AAMWS to a non-commissioned member for proficiency in service.

1979

The first issue of the Corps Magazine "Grey and Scarlet" published. It is currently published annually.

1983

Approval was granted for the traditional colours of grey and scarlet to be used for all Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps embellishments.

January 1990

Nursing Officers sent as part of Australia's commitment to the United Nations force to the Gulf War.

1992 - 2001

Nursing Officers participated in all United Nations Deployments.

1997

Head of Corps abolished.

2001

Head of Corps re-appointed

1 July 2003

Ceremony, including a wreath-laying service and parade from the Nurses Memorial on Anzac Parade to the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial, held to celebrate the centenary of the RAANC and the RAAMC.

Sources used to compile this entry: Palazzo, Albert, The Australian Army: A History of its Organisation 1901-2001, Oxford University Press, 2001, 456 pp; http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dhs/infocentre/history/army/raanc.htm accessed 20030508.