Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD)

L to R. These 3 badges are all for members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD); tie pin, shoulder title and long service badge (1 bar per year)

At the start of the First World War, Australian VADs were restricted from traveling overseas by the Defence Council. As a result, many chose to travel on their own initiative and join British detachments, often in Australian Hospitals. It is reported that the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital included in their nursing staff some 120 VADs, chiefly Australians in the British service, employed through the Australian Red Cross Society. This policy was changed in 1916 after a request from Great Britain, and the first attachment of thirty official Australian VADs to serve overseas left Australia in September 1916.

The role of VADs did not significantly evolve between the wars. VADs in the Second World War were given more medical training, but they were not fully qualified nurses. They worked in convalescent hospitals, on hospital ships and the blood bank as well as on the home front. In 1943, the government created the Australian Women’s Auxiliary Service (AWAS) to control the large numbers of VADs employed by the military.

VADs are now known as the Voluntary Aid Service Corps (VASC). Text from AWM

• WA. 1942-11. Glynneath L. Powell, a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD), in uniform. Soon after this photograph she began her service with the Australian Army Medical Women's Service (AAMWS) where she gained the rank of Sergeant, Serial No. WFX37442. (Donor G. Cody)

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