Summary
Alternative Name(s): VAD Uniform
Voluntary Aid Detachment uniform worn by the donor, Mrs Aldred, during World War II. She had always wanted to be a nurse but had contracted 'brain fever' when young and was declared medically unfit for nursing.
Voluntary Aid Detachment personnel were essentially orderlies - responsible for cleaning wards and patients, changing bed pans, food services and other support roles. They did not work in military hospitals, instead working on hospital ships, troop trains, and in Red Cross convalescent and rest homes.
Physical Description
Mid-blue linen dress from Voluntary Aid Detachment uniform. Dress has short sleeves with turned-up edges and a turn-down collar with wide revers. Skirt is slightly flared and joined to bodice at waist. Belt is threaded through belt loops and fastens with a button. Strip of white linen worn around the neck, over the top part of the collar of the dress. Veil - cotton organdie, ties under the back of the head and falls in a loose point behind. Hat which belongs to the V.A.D. uniform. Hat is blue, made of stiff cotton.
More Information
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Collection Names
Aldred Collection, South Melbourne Oral History Project Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mrs M. E. Aldred, Jan 1990
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Date Manufactured
1939-1945
Identified as World War II vintage -
Place Made
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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References
Information on Voluntary Aid Detachments from Australian War Memorial web site [Link 1] accessed 2/10/2010.
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Keywords