Tunic and skirt of blue cotton; tunic is double-breasted with 12 buttons in two columns of six; the epaulettes have lieutenants' pips and another pair of brass buttons; the cuffs have zippers running ¼ of the way up the forearm; small metal clasps are affixed just inside the cuffs for securing nur…
Tunic and skirt of blue cotton; tunic is double-breasted with 12 buttons in two columns of six; the epaulettes have lieutenants' pips and another pair of brass buttons; the cuffs have zippers running ¼ of the way up the forearm; small metal clasps are affixed just inside the cuffs for securing nursing cuffs and rolling up sleeves; small metal snaps at neck and hook and loop fastener provide closure; three similar fasteners at small of back fit into loops in the waistband of the skirt, which is hemmed and has false two pockets and a zipper closure; the buttons on the tunic are held in place with split-rings.
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - tunic - Size: Length 58.7 cm x Width 40.4 cm x Depth 0.2 cm
b - skirt - Size: Length 70.9 cm x Width 64.3 cm x Depth 0.2 cm
Provenance
Owned and used by Miriam Hartrick, Nursing Sister, during World War II.
Circular, moulded into each of the pips: "TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO"; "RCAMC" moulded into each of the 14 buttons; "LIGHTNING" moulded into the two zipper pulls.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
CLOSET
Temporary Location
To exhibit: "For Service to Humanity", Nursing Gallery: Showcase West, Museum of Health Care, 13 Nov. 2008.
Condition Remarks
Some use-related wear at friction points; extensive use-related discolouration of inner lining; spotty dirt; some slight mildew deposits.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Person
Book
Museum
Reference Comments
Doug Hildebrand, curator, Military Communications & Electronics Museum; War Dress Regulations, 1940, 1943
“Nursing Sister’s apron, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC),” Museum of Health Care. http://artefact.museumofhealthcare.ca/?p=79
Research Facts
Service uniform, summer.
More than 4000 women served as military nurses during the Second World War playing a vital role in the care and comfort of wounded soldiers, sailors, and airmen. As commissioned officers known by rank and title as Nursing Sisters, they served as fully-integrated members of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Most of them worked overseas in military hospitals and casualty clearing stations. After the lean years of the 1930s when there were few available positions for graduate nurses, even with the dangers of warfare, military nursing offered a job with a good salary, benefits, status, and a chance to travel.
Exhibit History
On loan for exhibit, "Uni-Forming . . . Wearing the Uniform" at the Musee Beaulne, Coaticook, Quebec, Jan. 2008-30 Oct. 2008.