This World War I American Red Cross/U.S. Army Nurse’s Outdoor Uniform is a new addition to the Women Veterans Historical Collection. We are pretty excited about it because these uniforms are very rare.
During World War I, The American Red Cross supplied military service branches like the U.S. Army and Navy with extra nurses during World War I. It was prescribed that military, as well as auxiliary, medical units (such as the American Red Cross), wear some sort of standard wear outside of medical facilities and this uniform was worn by a nurse serving in France. It is constructed of olive green whipcord fabric.
The uniform was made by Abercrombie and Fitch in 1917 or 1918!
The fleur-de-lis patch on the left shoulder indicates that the nurse served overseas in the District of Paris as part of the U.S. Liaison Services to the French Army. The trim on the collar of this nurse’s coat is tan, telling us that as well as being a nurse, she also worked in the capacity of a clerk.
The chevron patch bordered in golden thread at the cuff on the left sleeve indicates that this nurse also served overseas for a period of six months.
And here is the accompanying wide-brimmed felt hat:
Here is a photograph from our Dr. Mary Emily Lapham Letters (WV# 0418) of Miss Correz, American Red Cross, Prague, 1919 wearing a similar uniform:
Beth says:
This is gorgeous…wherever did it come from in such good shape?
Glennis says:
Wow, this is pretty incredible. I am researching WWI american nurses; I have some documents from my Great Aunt’s service in France in 1918-1919. I guess she would have worn uniforms like this.
Doctor_E says:
Very interesting uniform!!!
alia52nalie says:
After watching these pics, I realized how significantly dressing for hospital staff and caregivers have changed since last few decades. My sister is a doctor and buys her scrubs from figs. Thought those are standards since forever.