20/02/2026
These girls are still, priceless.
This year we recognise the extraordinary service of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps, whose heritage stretches back to 1898.
Since their first deployment to the Boer War, Australian Army nurses have embodied compassion and dedication. Their story is one of remarkable courage under fire and selfless service to those in need.
During World War I, over 2,800 nurses served, with 25 losing their lives. Four nurses were awarded the Military Medal for bravery when rescuing patients from a burning hospital under German fire in 1917. In World War II, more than 3,500 served, with 71 losing their lives and 38 becoming prisoners of war.
In January 1951, the Minister for the Army, Mr Josiah Francis, announced the establishment of a peacetime Women’s Services organisation within the Australian Regular Army that would be known as the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) and merge the AANS and AAMWS.
The change removed the administrative control of nursing from the Royal Australian Medical Corps. As an independent corps, the RAANC adopted the Latin motto Pro Humanitate, meaning ‘For humankind’.
The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps has since served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations worldwide, from Korea, Vietnam and East Timor to Rwanda, Afghanistan and Iraq.
We honour and recognise those who gave their lives in service, who tended to the wounded in the most challenging conditions, and all members of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps, past and present.
Lest We Forget.🌺
📆At the Star Ceremony on Saturday 27 June, RSL NSW will pay tribute to 75 years since the establishment of the RAANC and the contribution of nurses with the Australian Defence Force.
👉More information here: https://rslnsw.org.au/events/formation-of-the-royal-australian-army-nursing-corps/