- From
- 1914
- Occupations
- Community organisation
Summary
Voluntary Aid Detachments were established during World War I by members of the Australian Red Cross and the Order of St John. Members received instruction in first aid and home nursing from the St John Ambulance Association. Initially they worked without pay in hospitals and convalescent homes alongside doctors and nurses. After the war the voluntary service continued. Recruits were drawn from the local area by invitation from a serving member. During the World War II Voluntary Aid Detachment members were given more medical training, but they were not fully qualified nurses. Voluntary Aides worked in convalescent hospitals, on hospital ships and in the blood bank, as well as on the home front.
In New South Wales Voluntary Aid Detachments are now part of the Voluntary Aid Service Corps (VASC). To become a member of the Corps, volunteers must hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate. Members provide free first aid at major sporting and cultural events as well as assistance in times of disaster.
A photo of my mother in a VAD uniform about 1915 sparked my interest. She assisted returned soldiers at "Hethersett" Burwood VIC (Now P.L.C.)
n McMurdie - 27 June 2010, 2:27 PM EST
I am trying to find details of service of my great-aunt, Florence Maud Noble nee Ward who served as a VAD. Is there anywhere I can find this. Thank you for you assistance
Jan Reed - 10 October 2010, 11:24 PM EST
You will need to contact the National Archives of Australia directly with your query. They may be able to point you in the right direction. They have many of the VAD records in their collections.
AWAP Administrator - 11 October 2010, 9:59 AM EST
My mother, Yvonne Antoine, was a WA VAD serving in the Middle East. She has donated several photos of VADs to the AWM. Are they listed anywhere as related entries? See http://www.awm.gov.au/search/collections/?mode=advanced&q=Yvonne+Antoine&terms=all&field=all&operator_1=and&q_1=&terms_1=all&field_1=all&operator_2=and&q_2=&terms_2=all&field_2=all&conflict=all&categories__art[subcategories]=all&categories__ephemera[subcategories]=all&categories__heraldry[subcategories]=all&categories__manuscript[subcategories]=all&categories[]=photograph&categories__photograph[subcategories]=all&categories__privaterecord[subcategories]=all&categories__publishedcollection[subcategories]=all&categories__technology[subcategories]=all&has_image=all&has_document=all&sort=relevance
Julie Dyson - 29 March 2011, 6:56 PM EST
I would like to know if the VA's still exist and if not when did they stop being in uniform or service. If they are where are the detachments.
Mary
Mary Ramundi - 4 May 2011, 2:33 PM EST
Mary, they are now part of the Voluntary Aid Service Corps and you need to contact it to gain the information you require.
AWAP Administrator - 5 May 2011, 5:22 PM EST
My aunt, then Enid Goldstein, and my mother, then Laura McIllree, were VADs in Sydney during WWII. I have photographs of them in uniform and the original of a service certificate presented to my aunt by the Duchess of Gloucester. But I do not have full details of their service. Would these be available from the National Archives or the AWM or elsewhere? Any assistance much appreciated.
Jane Morrison - 14 October 2011, 2:55 PM EST
Jane,
Yes, try the National Archives.
AWAP Administrator - 3 November 2011, 10:12 AM EST