Australian Army Nursing Service Uniform
PLEASE NOTE: I'm unable to take on custom sewing commisssions at present as my sewing space has been re-prioritised into our new baby's nursery space.
Hopefully time and space will allow for sewing jobs down the track.
Hopefully time and space will allow for sewing jobs down the track.
ANZAC day 2015 - The Centenary of WW1 with all its meaning for Aussies and Kiwis has prompted a great deal of public interest in remembering the great service so many men and woman gave for our freedoms. The recent TV miniseries The ANZAC Girls has also brought attention to the War nurses and the vital role they had at home and abroad.
I have researched the Australian Army Nursing Service uniform, and thanks to over ten years of costume experience I have been able to draft sewing patterns for the various uniform parts and re-create the uniform. Since 2011 I have had the privilege of working with the Tasmanian Lighthorse Historical troop helping to keep history alive. I really enjoy reenacting as a First World War nurse. I wear my uniform over a chemise, Edwardian corset (or shorter riding corset when riding side-saddle) and petticoats, all of which affect the fit and feel of the outfit even if they are not seen directly. For a charge of $500 (plus postage which is usually $14.80 within Australia) I can make a custom sewn WWI AANS uniform to your individual body measurements. This price would include the following basics (individual prices also on each item below): Personal preference dictates the style of the collar and cuffs and other variations. There are other uniform details which were used or not according to personal taste. I offer several of the more common detail combinations.
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Here is a description of each part of the basic uniform and tips on how to wear it:
Blouse and skirt: once you're wearing your undergarments (including petticoat) button on your blouse then your skirt, you may find it easiest to slip the skirt over your head and pull it down until the waist is just below your ribcage. Buttoning the blouse to the skirt waistband will help the layers stay where they should. The waistline may feel a little higher than most modern waistlines, this is true to the fashions of the day. The Apron comes next if you plan to wear it. Some find it easiest to slip one shoulder strap after the other over the head then button up at the waist. Others prefer to undo all the buttons, wrap it around themselves and then button everything up. Tippet/Cape: fasten the tippet around your neck, line up the front opening with the centre of the blouse collar. If you have a rising sun pin, that can be worn just above the tippet at the neck or through the tippet (catching the blouse below in the pin will keep the layers lined up) this and many other little differences in the uniforms seems to have been left to individual preferences. Veil: secure to head with bobby pins or snap clips at the nape of the neck and (if needed) near ears. Unless your hair is short, it should be tied up neatly in a bun or similar. If the veil or the hairpins tend to slip, try spraying the pins with a little hairspray before using them. Following the fashions of the day, this outfit should be fitted at the neck, the wrists, and the waist. Most other places should have a bit of space to move. The blouse and apron when sitting well will look full in the front and be puffed somewhat into the waist. |
Other details which could be added at extra cost:
Oxidised copper AUSTRALIA shoulder titles/badges for the tippet or Norfolk Jacket epaulettes. The nurses sometimes wore smaller curved or straight silver AUSTRALIAs, but these are very hard to find.
Regular reproduction AUSTRALIAs can be included with your uniform for an extra charge of $19 (Can also be purchased from Warwicks or Heritage Medals or Lawrence Ordnance original shoulder titles also come up for sale now and then on eBay) |
Oxidised military buttons. Plain plastic buttons are included on the basic uniform, but can be replaced by these military buttons for $40 Or purchase direct from WARWICKS or AUSSIE DIGGER MILITARIA |
AANS Australian Army Nursing Service sleeve patch worn on the right sleeve a little below or above the elbow. $17 Or purchase direct from Lukus |
Elasticated Veil. Many re-enacting nurses find they have to use a million hair pins with the regular square veil (trying to find white bobby pins which don't show on the veil is a headache in itself) and spend all day pulling the veil back into place as it slips further away from their hairline. This elasticated veil is not the historically accurate shape, but perhaps it can be forgiven that considering it looks almost the same as the square veil when it is worn and it actually stays on! Original characteristics kept: the smooth front, point at back hem, and embroidered detail around the edge. $48 |
Collar and Cuff Liners. The ANZAC Girls showed a solid grey collar and cuff style with these lovely white liners $23 |
Detachable collar in white cotton. This could be worn over a regular stand-up collar.
$28
Early war bonnet. Worn during the Boer War and very early in WWI by which time the nurses thought it impractical and unfashionable, and many nurses quickly "lost" their bonnets, replacing them with a variety of straw hats, panama style felt hats, and even wolseley helmets. There were several bonnet styles, this bonnet is made from stiffened chocolate coloured cotton, with grey band, bow, chin ties, and streamers/veil down the back. $120 |
Long grey cape. This was used during the Boer War and in WWI from 1914-1916, worn with the bonnet and sometimes worn with a wide red overcollar or white ruffled collar. this cape was replaced with the Norfolk Jacket in 1916. Fastened with hook and eye at the neck and two buttons matching the basic uniform across the front. Cotton to match the basic uniform: $80 (pictured) Wool for extra weight and warmth $145 |
Norfolk Jacket worn from 1916. This tailored jacket is made to each individual's body measurements from a grey wool which drapes beautifully, it is fully lined with light grey cotton, has the distinctive Norfolk Jacket panels through which slips a button-down belt. All the buttons including those at the cuffs and on the chocolate epaulettes are the oxidised military buttons. Australian Army Nursing Service patch is sewn on the right sleeve. Epauletts will be made to fit the narrower 42mm Australia shoulder titles unless wider 50mm epaulettes are requested. The Jacket pictured is being worn with the cotton ward dress and white collar liner. $325. |
Norfolk Jacket back view. Have a look here for extra information on the outdoor dress uniform: http://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2014/07/29/australian-army-nursing-service-aans-1916-outdoor-dress/ |
Dickie. The Norfolk Jacket was sometimes worn with a dickie (false shirt front) like the one pictured or pale grey or white blouse. The fullness of the regular uniform sleeves bunches up a bit under the Norfolk Jacket sleeves, making it tricky to put on, perhaps that's why a dickie was often worn. Dickie in cotton $55 Dickie in wool to match jacket $65 |