AWM137 2/1 - Historical information and general development of the RAAF Nursing Service - Notes of History of the RAAF Nursing Service 1940-1944 - Part 11

Of course we really though it was marvellous out there:
Compared with our old Quarters. We had our first showers for three
months and did we revel in it, and also appreciated the electric
light after having had hurricane lamps for our tents.
On May 9th Matron Dutton and her staff joined us, ^to form IMRS, and we three
worked with I.M.R.S till July 7th when we were posted South.
We left Daly Waters in a Lockheed plane on July 7th, spending
one night at Alice Springs, and then on to Adelaide and then by rail
to Melbourne.
CONSTITUTION OF WOMEN'S SERVICES.  Extracts AGO N211 151/4/23, 24.3.43
By the Air Force ( Women's Services) Regulations (Statutory
Rules 1943 No. 69), which came into operation on 24.3.43, the R.A.A.F.
Nursing Service and W.A.A.A.F. were constituted as Women's Services
forming part of the Permanent Air Force.
1. The R.A.A.F. Nursing Service consists of female officers
appointed to and issued with commissions in that Service, which has
been constituted a branch of the Air Force to be known as the Nursing
Branch.
2. A.F.O. and A.B.O. purporting to apply to the R.A.A.F. Nursing
Service existing at the time when the Air Force (Women's Services)
Regulations came into operations or to members of either of these
organisations and all other A.F.O. or A.B.O. for the time being in
force, unless they are by express provision or necessary implication
excluded, or unless they are inconsistent with the Air Force (Women's
Services) Regulations or this order, shall apply to members of the
Women's Services.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

1. In general, conditions of service (including such matters as
   pay, allowances, uniform and medical benefits) which were applicable
   to the members of the R.A.A.F. Nursing Service prior to gazettal of
   the Regulations will not be affected by the Constitution of those
   services as parts of the Air Force. Provisions for deferred pay and
   repatriation benefits will be made for duly appointed members by
   appropriate Regulations or legislation.
2. Members may be granted leave of absence for such periods and 
   subject to such conditions as the Air Board may from time to time
   determine. Periods and conditions of leave prescribed in relation
   to male members of the Air Force shall be applicable.

RANK AND COMMAND.

Correspond with ranks of male officers:-

Matron in Chief                   Group Captain

Principal Matron                 Wing Commander

Matron                                   Squadron Leader

Senior Sister                         Flight Lieutenant

Sister (Group 1)                    )

    "       ( "         11)                    ) Flying Officer

Staff Masseuse ( Group 1)  )
    "            "           (    "       11)  )

A member of a Women's Service has power to exercise commander over
only member of that Service junior to or inferior in rank to herself
and over other members of the Air Force detailed or attached for duty
under her command, when those members are on duty.
In matters of medical or sanitary service, members of the R.A.A.F.
Nursing Service are subject to the command of officers of the Medical
Branch, irrespective of rank.

An officer of the R.A.A.F. Nursing Service shall be subject to
the command of officers fo that service senior or superior in rank to
herself and of male officers fo the AIr Force whose relative rank is
not inferior to her own.

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UNIFORMS

R.A.A.F. NURSING SERVICE UNIFORMS

WINTER PERIOD - OUTDOOR

1940

Great Coat - Tailor make, double breasted Air Force blue fleece cloth

Five sets large black R.A.A.F. buttons in front, 6 inches
apart, arranged so that belt comes between second and third sets from
the bottom. Two cut-cross pockets with flaps and skirt back with vent
20 in. in length. Belt finished with slide buckle. Three small
buttons and button holes on coat sleeves.
The lapels of coat roll to third button and button up to neck,
with pivot collar. Shoulder straps detachable, with rank braid,
stitched on, surmounted by small black crown and eagle. Length 13"
off ground.

Norfolk Jacket and Skirt - tailor made. Air Force blue whipcord.
Coat front with 2 bands 2 in. wide,
fastened with 3 buttons, one above and two below belt which is 2½"
to 1st button. Plain coat sleeve. Braid according to rank 3"
from edge of cuff surmounted with small black eagle and crown.
Patch pockets, 2½ flaps with one small R.A.A.F. button ( Eagle and
crown deleted (1943)
Skirt - panel back and front, with 1" belt, 3" hem, 52" wide,
13" from ground.

Blouse - Plain, white washing silk shirt, with 3 half inch tucks on
either side, fastened down centre front with small round
pearl buttons. Fixed or detachable shirt collar, fastened under tie
with plain gold safety pin. Plain 3" cuff, fastened with one link
(mother of pearl buttons).
Tie - Plain Black

Hat - Air Force Blue felt, with black mohair band and R.A.A.F.
Officer's badge in front.

Gloves - Black kid, pull on.
Shoes - black leather, laced, cuban heels.
Stockings - Fawn silk ( shade Sutex "Royalty") non-transparent.
later, when on issue, fawn lisle.
Raincoat - Air Force blue, waterproof with belt.
Cardigan - Air Force blue wool, basque pattern.
------

26/7/1940

SUMMER PERIOD - OUTDOOR

Norfolk jacket and skirt - Tailor made - drab gabardine similar in
make to winder costume. Detachable shoulder
straps with rank braid stitched on, surmounted by small black eagle
and crown.

Blouse - As for winter costume with black tie.

Hat - Drab felt black band and officers' badge.
 

1943

Norfolk gabardine costume replaced by drab cotton safari jacket
and skirt with drab  cotton shirk, black tie. Shoulder straps
attached to safari jacket and rank braid with crown and eagle
as for norfolk costume.

-------

1943

TROPICAL DRESS

Worn above the tropic of Capricorn.

OUTDOOR:

Drab cotton skit

   "          "         safari jacket and/or long sleeved drab shirt, with or
without tie. Shoulder straps with detachable rank braid.
Fur felt hat with RAAF pugaree and flash or
Drab felt hat with black band and officer's badge.
Black shoes, fawn stockings.

INDOOR:
Drab long sleeved overalls, shoulder straps with detachable rank braid.
(sleeves worn rolled up during the daytime)
White organic veils
Black shoes, fawn stockings.
TROPICAL DRESS ( Malarious and potentially malarious areas)

Group, Area or Unit orders are issued by Commanding Officers
to meet the exigencies of each locality. A general rule for members
of the R.A.A.F N.S. is as follows:
During Daylight hours:

Indoor: Drab long sleeved overalls (shoulder straps with detachable
rank braid)
White organic veils
Black shoes, fawn stockings.
Outdoor: Drab cotton long sleeved shirts and/or safari jackets
(shoulder straps with detachable rank braid)
Drab cotton skirts or slacks
Fur Felt hats, with R.A.A.F. pugaree and flash
Black boots with slacks and canvas gaiters.
From Sunset until after sunrise:

Drab long sleeved shirts or safari jackets, shoulder straps with
detachable rank braid.
Drab slacks

Black boots and canvas gaiters

Hats fur felt with R.A.A.F. pugaree and flash when necessary

----------

26/7/40

TROPICAL OUTDOOR DRESSES

Dresses - Drab listav, six small inverted tucks into shoulder seam.
Back with yoke, inverted pleat and action back. Bodice
cased into waist band.
Turned down shirt collar, 3 rows stitching -  worn open or closed.
Front bodies and skirt 1" stitched band with button holes. Eight 
black medium size jacket buttons, three on bodice, five on skirt.
Short sleeves just above band of elbow, stitched band 1½" wide at edge -
extended shoulder support (moderate) detachable shoulder straps with
rank braid.

Skirt 13" from ground, 3" hem - skirt back, inverted pleat
stitched to within 10" of hem. 
Sunken pockets ( as on Mess dress) 1½" stitched band on top -
Belt 2" stitched, fastened with two black medium jacket buttons.
Purchase optional and at member's own expense.
Worn only in Queensland, Western Australia and South
Australia with drab felt hat, black band and officer's badge.
Black Fabric gloves.

1943

Wearing of above dresses discontinued when safari jackets
and skirt replaced drab gabardine costumes and materials were
rationed.
Previously this material was purchased by the Service and
bought on repayment by members

----

SISTERS POSTED TO MEDICAL AIR EVACUATION TRANSPORT UNIT 1944
Dress:  Outdoor:

Drab cotton skirt, safari jacket and.or shirt
blue field service cap - or hat bur felt, RAAF Pugaree
and flash
Detachable Rank braid on shoulder straps
Black shoes, fawn stockings
Black tie and gloves if necessary.
Working Uniform:

Drab cotton shirt and slacks - detachable rank braid on
shoulder straps
Black boots and canvas gaiters
Blue field service cap or hat fur felt. RAAF Pugaree
and flash
Blue fur lined flying jacket for high altitudes, with rank
braid on shoulder straps.

----------

1940

MESS DRESS
Blue silk - Bodice as for indoor uniform, small inverted tucks
into shoulder seam at front, neck worn closed, stitched hand down
front with 6 gilt buttons (size as on great coat sleeve). Back
4" yoke, inverted pleat action back.

Long sleeves, shirt cuff fastened with 2 gilt buttons (cap
size) e.g. smaller than those on front of bodice) side by side;
not linked.
White detached washing silk collar and cuffs turned over
dress-collar and cuff.
Plain skirt, 13" from ground, inverted pleat back and front,
stitched down to within 15" from bottom. Opening at side waist
and fastened with hooks and press studs. Two inlet pockets,
with 1" stitched band on top.
Belt 2 inch stitched, fastened with two gilt buttons.
Matron in Chief and Principal Matron as above with 2" upright
collar fastened with tow small gilt air force buttons - narrow stitch
white silk 1" turn over detachable collar and cuffs.

Shoulder Straps -

Matrons - detachable maroon silk with one row of gold braid ½" wide
the lower edge of which is 1/8" from the bottom of the shoulder strap.
Gilt metal eagle and crown above gold braid.
Senior Sisters - Detachable maroon silk with one row of gold
braid ¼" wide, lower edge of which is 1/8" from the bottom fo the
shoulder strap - Badge, eagle and crown in gilt metal above gold
braid.
Sisters - Detachable dark blue silk with one row of gold braid
¼" wide, lower edge of which is 1/8" from the bottom of the shoulder strap.
Small gilt metal eagle and crown above gold braid.
Staff Nurses - Detachable drab blue silk - small gilt metal eagle
and crown.
Shoes - Black court
Stockings - Fawn silk

1943

Blue silk unavailable, permission given by Matron in Chief for drab
listav tropical outdoor dresses with long sleeves to be worn in 
place of silk mess dress, if members desired.
--------

26/7/40

INDOOR UNIFORM
DRESS: White cesarine, 2 tucks into shoulder seam, opening down
centre, fastened with buttonholes and three pearl shank
buttons on bodice and five on skirt. Skirt and bodice joined
at waist.
Neck fastened with invisible hook and eye or worn open.
Turned down shirt collar attached to neck band - 3 rows stitching
at edge,  Back of bodice, shoulder yoke with action back.
Skirt back, inverted pleat stitched to within 12" from hem, and
finished with a 3" hem, 13" off ground, 54" round hem. Two
patch pockets on skirt. Full length sleeve with turn over cuff
fastened with linked buttons.
Until issue of uniforms on 3.8.42 (A.B.O. 180/42) nurses
working in hot climates wore short sleeves, finished at bend of
elbow with turn back cuff 2" wide - separate long sleeves,
finished with turn over linked cuff at wrist, to button under short
sleeve at elbow, were made for wear in colder climates.
Two inch belt fastened with one button. Detachable shoulder
strap according to rank when worn without cape.
CAP: White organdie, 36" square, 2" stitched hem. NO badges
Folder diagonally (1) point of upper section 4 inches from
point of lower section; (2) 1 inch fold across the diagonal to
form head band - secured to head invisibly.
SHOES: White laced canvas or buckskin, cuban heels, rubbers attached.

STOCKINGS: White plain non-transparent silk and lisle.

SHOULDER CAP: Air Force blue, length to bend of elbow with 2½"
shoulder end with rank braid surmounted by crown and eagle.
Cape fastened with hook and eye under dress collar at neck.
Winged caduceus of mercury surmounted by crown with staff of badge
placed diagonally on front corners of the cape midway between
points on facing of cape.

 The cape is usually not worn during summer periods.

3/8/1942

All new issues of indoor dresses were of drab cesarine with long

sleeves and existing white dresses were dyed drab at Service expense.
Black medium sized Air Force buttons replaced pearl buttons on skirt,
bodice and cuffs. Rank braid on cesarine shoulder straps was not surmounted by small black eagle and crown.
------

With Japan's entry into the War, it was found necessary for
security reasons to change the colour of the indoor uniform.
In March 1942 Matrons and Sisters in charge were advised to 
consult with their Commanding Officer or Senior Medical Officer
regarding estimates for the immediate dyeing of white overalls to
khaki as per enclosed sample.
All new overalls in future were made in khaki cesarine of
approved shade. The Matron-in-Chief informs me that the Services
is to cover the cost of dyeing, six overalls for each nurse.
Authority for this will be promulgated shortly.
The nursing staff were as soon as possible to wear khaki
overalls (medium sized black service buttons as on costume) with
fawn stockings and black shoes and white veils. The veils, in
the event of seeking cover in an emergency were to be removed or
replaced by khaki triangular bandage. Khaki coats, motor dust L222
were issued to the nursing staff in the meantime on the medical
officers recommendation or A.EO. 5A 38 para. 8.

-----

LAUNDERING OF UNIFORMS OF MEMBERS OF R.A.A.F. NURSING SERVICE:

A.EO. A 50 19.5.41

1. Authority was given for the inclusion of Nurses' overalls
   and caps in the list of items which were laundered at public 
   expense.
2. A contract for carrying out laundry service was in operation
   at all units, and the laundering of articles of Nurses' uniforms
   was included in the work carried out by the official contractor.

-----------

P/M-N5

LIST OF REQUIRED UNIFORM FOR
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE NURSING SERVICE 1940
1 Raincoat - Dark blue with belt.

1 Greatcoat (tailored to Measure) Air Force Blue to specified
pattern.

1 Uniform (Norfolk Coat and Skirt) tailored to measure,
Air Force Blue - to specified pattern.
1 Shoulder cape (blue) to specified pattern.
1 pr. Shoes, Black, plain walking laces, cuban heel, welted sole.
1 pr. Shoes, White, plain lace, cuban heel, welted soles.
2 Blouses, each with 2 collars, white silk.
1 Golfer, Air Force Blue.
2 prs. Stockings Fawn shade as specified.

2 prs. Stockings, white - non-transparent.
1 Tie, black
Hat - Officers Badge and Braid.

Badges for Uniform and Cape ( 2 sets Caduceus).
Badges Eagles - 4 sets
6 White Overalls ( approved pattern) Ball & Welch.
4 White Muslin Caps (36" x 36") no badges.
Gloves, Black Nappa or Kid.

Later (Mess Dress, Air Force Blue Silk - specified pattern.

           (

            ( Collars and Cuffs, Mess Dress, white stitched artificial

            ( silk - 2 sets.

Uniform must conform to specifications in every detail.

---------

Own bath and hand towels

(H27/40)

N.B. Uniform allowance was £20 if posted for duty at Station Sick

Quarters or RAAF Hospital in Australia.

               "               "               "      £40 if posted for duty outside Australia
               "               "               "      £13 if posted for administration duties in
RAAF Headquarters or an Area Headquarters.
------------

LIST OF UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE NURSING SERVICE 1941
1 Raincoat, dark blue with belt.  No sealed sample is available,but     mackintosh as sold by Messrs. Farmer and Co, for R.A.A.F. N.S.

1 Greatcoat (tailored to measure) Air Force blue Melton cloth, to
specified pattern.
1 Uniform (Outdoor Service Dress) Winter - Air Force blue Barathea
tailored to measure to specified
pattern - Norfolk coat and skirt.
1 Uniform (Outdoor Service Dress) Summer - drab gabardine Norfolk coat
and skirt, tailored to measure to
specified pattern.
Badges for uniform and cape, 2 sets Caduceus.
Badges for Uniforms, greatcoat and cape, 5 sets Eagle & Crown small
Buttons, black bakelite, greatcoat, Large, 10.
jacket, large, 10.

jacket, small 18.
Buckle for greatcoat, black bakelite, sliding, 1.
1 Shoulder cape, Air Force blue Melton cloth, to specified pattern.
1 pair separate shoulder straps, Air Force blue Barathea.
8 Overalls, (Indoor Service Dress), drab Cesarine, approved pattern

 4 Caps, white muslin, 36" x 36", no badges
2 Blouses, white silk with attached collars.
1 Tie, black woollen.
1 Cardigan, Air Force blue approved style
1 Hat (with Officer's badge and braid) drab light weight felt fur for
wear with summer outdoor service dress.
1 Hat (with Officer's badge and braid) Air Force blue felt for wear
with winter outdoor service dress.
1 Badge, Officer's hat type

2 Pairs, shoes, black plain walking laces, cuban heels, welted sole.
1 pair with rubbers on heels.
2 Pairs stockings, fawn shade as specified (Royalty shade, Sutex hose)
4 Pairs stockings, fawn, non-transparent, lisle.
Gloves, black nappa or kid, black silk or fabric for summer wear.
Wallet, small black approved style.
Uniform must conform to specifications in every detail.
Bath and hand towels are not supplied.
∅ Hats are procurable only through the Matron-in-Chief, Melbourne
As from 5.8.42 Free issue of uniform clothing and equipment was made
on appointment.

SCALE OF ISSUE CLOTHING AND NECESSARIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE R.A.A.F.
NURSING SERVICE

1942

Ident. No.	Nomenclature	Scale A Administrative	Scale B Not Tropical	Scale C Tropical	Scale D Overseas and Territorial.
L.5/73	Badges - Cap, Officer's	1	1	1	1
L.5/51	Oxidised - Eagle & Crown small	4	4	4	4
L.5/103	Collar - Medical Officers and Nursing Orderlies	4	4	4	4
L.22L/150	Caps, Muslin, white		4	4	4
L.22L/156	Hats, khaki felt, summer	1	1	1	1
L.22L/157	Hats, blue felt, winter	1	1	1	1
L.22L/246	Gloves, black leather	1	1	1	1
L.22/144	Uniforms, winter ((a)(c)) Coats, Norfolk, blue	1	1	1	1
L.22L/145	Skirts, blue	1	1	1	1
L.22L/154	Uniforms, summer - Coats, Norfolk, drab (a)	1	1	1	1

L22L/155	Skirts, drab	2	1	2	2
L.22L/143	Shoulder cape, Air Force blue(a)		1	1	1
L.22L/142	Greatcoats ((a)(b))	1	1		1
L.22L/249	Coat, waterproof (k)	1	1
L.22L/218	Raincoat (WAAAF)(k)			1	1
L.22L/149	Overalls, drab, (a)		6	6	6
L.22L/15	Shoes, WAAAF, leather, black	2	2	2	2
L.2/37	Boots, gum knee, (k)				1
L.22L/237	Jackets, Cardigan,WAAAF,blue	1	1	1	1
L.22L/151	(a) Blouse, white silk, or alternatively -	3	3	3	3
L.22L/247	Skirts, whitel, and	3	3	3	3
L.22L/248	Collars, white,	6	6	6	6
L.4/61	Ties, black	2	2	2	2
L.22L/16	Stockings, drab lisle,	4	4	6	6
L.22L/207	Pantettes - Drab (f)	2	2	-	2
L.22L/206	Blue (f)	2	2	-	2
L.22L/11	Knickers, cotton (f)	3	3	6	3
L.22L/204	Singlets, cotton (e)(f)	2	2	3	3
L.22L/205	Singlets, wool ((e)(f))	2	2	2	2
L.4/36	Towels, hand	2	2	2	2
L.22L/241	Housewife (WAAAF)(b)	1	1	1	1
L.4/95	Holdalls, Nurses ((b)(k))				1
L.4/85	Trunks, cabin, ((b)(k))				1
F.6/29	Gases, attache, leather ((b)(f)(k))		1	1	1
L.22L/250	Pins, tie (RAAF NS) (g)	1	1	1
L.4/1	Bags, kit, universal, (b)				1

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Notes - (a) Material to be obtained from Service stocks on 
repayment by official suppliers.
(b) Initial issues only.
(c) Overseas and Territories with cold climates, two winter
uniforms to be issued initially at discretion of
Air Force Headquarters.
(d) Greatcoats not to be issued in tropical units; in lieu
thereof, a superior type raincoat to cost approximately
35/- to be supplied.
(e) The class of singlets issued to be governed by climate
conditions, on recommendation of the formation headquarters
concerned.

(f) Items to be issued to members appointed prior to the
date of this order (i.e. members who have received the
£20 clothing allowance).
(g) Only to be issued if in possession of items L22L/151,
(z) Blouse, white silk.
(k) To be accounted for on Service Kit Card (Form E/A 84)
(HD98/42)

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K.21/6. SCALE OF ISSUE OF UNIFORM AND NECESSARIES TO MEMBERS
OF THE R.A.A.F. NURSING SERVICE 1943

(161/1/1214)

1. The scale of issue of uniform and necessaries for the members of
   the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service are set out in
   Appendix to this order.  There are four approved scales:-

Scale "A" - All members are entitled to the items listed under
this scale.

Scale "B" - Members of units located in the area between the
Tropics of Capricorn and latitude 29° S. are entitled
to the items listed on this scale, in addition to
Scale "A".

Scale "C" - Members of units located north of the Tropics of
Capricorn (including New Guinea) are entitled to the
items listed on this scale, in addition to Scale "A".

Scale "D" - Members of units serving overseas are entitled to
the items listed on this scale, in addition to
Scale "A".