This uniform was worn by British VAD nurses and orderlies who provided crucial medical assistance in hospitals, convalescent homes, and casualty clearing stations during World War I. Unlike trained Army nurses, VADs were civilian volunteers, often women from middle- and upper-class backgrounds, who served under the British Red Cross or St. John Ambulance organizations.
The uniform consists of a pale blue-grey cotton dress, a white starched apron with a prominent red cross on the chest, and a detachable armband bearing another red cross symbol. A stiff white collar, cuffs, and a white head veil completed the ensemble, signifying the wearer’s humanitarian and non-combatant status. The design prioritized hygiene, mobility, and ease of laundering—essential in the often harsh conditions of wartime hospitals.
Fabric Specifications
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Dress: Fine grey-blue poplin (durable, lightweight, and breathable)
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Apron: White cotton drill with red cross appliqué stitched to front bib.
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Armband: White cotton with red cross embroidery, button-fastened.
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Cap/Headpiece: White cotton with structured front band and soft trailing veil.
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Buttons: White porcelain.
This is great buy for reenactors, history afficianados, museum displays, collectors, films/theater/movies.
Custom tailoring available at no extra cost.
