Dress Uniform Identification –
It was the era of World War, the fight to defeat fascism across the world. Equality in the forces had a long way to go ( with the notable exception of the Soviet Armies and air forces). Women were not allowed to join direct combat, there were many roles filled by women. Here we examine the uniforms worn by women serving in the various 1940s nursing units during World War Two.
The Navy Nurse Corp Uniform NNC
Like their WAVES or SPAR counterparts, women who served as nurses in the US Navy turned heads wherever they went.
The winter dress uniform in Navy blue was a more feminine version of the male uniform, consisting of a double breasted navy blue jacket closed with six gold buttons, and A lined skirt, white shirt and black tie. Black stockings worn with black oxfords. Gloves were grey or white. The high wide brimmed hat was navy blue for winter.
The summer dress uniform was white single breasted jacket and matching A lined skirt, white stockings and white oxfords. The jacket had a more feminine count of just three gold buttons. Both seasons came with various options to combine depending on rank or station.
The Army Nurse Corps Uniform ANC
Like their WAC counterparts, nurses who served in the Army corp wore olive green drab. Heavier Barathea cloth for winter and tropical worsted for summer. Skirts were gored green, worn with tunic closed by four gold buttons. Worn with a visor hat similar to the WAC.
Summer ANC uniforms were a more pleasant beige color and similar to the winter.
There were some colorful differences in braiding which were in maroon. Off duty summer uniforms came in three choices of blue, olive-drab or beige one piece dresses. These were in preference to a jacket and skirt, specifically for women serving in tropical climates.
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The Cadet Nurse Corps Uniform CNC
The winter dress uniform was an attractive two-piece suit of grey wool, contrasted by red epaulets, silver insignia buttons and the Cadet Nurse sleeve insignia. The cocky Montgomery beret matched the uniform. Over this was worn a grey wool winter topcoat, with trim guard’s coat lines. Like the uniform it had red epaulets and sleeve insignia.
The summer dress uniform was of cool grey and white striped cotton accented by red epaulets. The upper left sleeve showed the Cadet Nurse insignia – the Maltese cross, which was the earliest of all nursing symbols dating back to the First Crusades.
Over this was worn a swagger topcoat styled with officer’s collar, large pockets and wide belt. Epaulets of same material. Both uniforms were so smart they drew salutes from men wherever they went.
The Army Red Cross Uniform
The ARC Winter dress uniform came in blue grey; a single-breasted jacket with a matching six-gore skirt and white shirt closed at the top button with a round ARC pin. Bronze insignia pinned on either side of the jacket collar. The Red Cross epaulet was sewn on the upper left sleeve below the shoulder. She wore a visor cap of blue grey, with a Red Cross pin in the center. The topcoat was in matching blue grey and red inner lining.
The Summer Red Cross army uniform came in lightweight Palm-beach cloth, and was of a lighter grey coloring. The topcoat was of a matching color and made of lighter material.
An excellent source for re-enactment enthusiasts is Katy of Blitzkreig Baby, who is true scholar of American military fashions. It’s full of wonderful images, and packed full of detail. Highly recommended.
Read all about the uniforms of the WAVES and the SPARS
That’s all !
©Glamourdaze 2018
Images : Navy Archive and People of Pancho.
Download direct to your device the 1940s Wartime Women Guides Pack.
