During World War II, the US Army Nurse Corps played a vital role in providing medical care across the globe. Facing challenging conditions, these women required uniforms that were both functional and identifiable. This article delves into the evolution of the World War 2 Nurse Uniform, examining the different styles issued to these dedicated women serving in the US Army.
Ward and Dress Uniforms: From Blue to Olive Drab
Initially, at the outset of World War II, US Army nurses were provided with distinct uniforms for different duties. Within hospital wards, the standard world war 2 nurse uniform was a pristine white dress, complemented by the traditional white nurse’s cap.
For occasions outside of the ward, and for travel, nurses were issued what was known as the “dress blues.” This formal world war 2 nurse uniform comprised a dark blue service jacket and a medium blue skirt. The ensemble was completed with a choice of a white or blue shirt, a black tie, black shoes, and a dark blue garrison cap or service cap. This distinguished blue uniform is notably featured on the cover of A Memory Between Us, a novel by Sarah Sundin. To combat colder weather, a dark blue cape, lined with a striking red, and a warm overcoat were also part of the outdoor dress world war 2 nurse uniform options.
US Army Nurse Corps recruiting poster, WWII, showcasing the dress blues uniform and white ward dress
A vintage World War II US Army Nurse Corps recruitment poster highlighting the formal dress blue uniform with dark blue cape and the standard white ward dress.
The book cover of "A Memory Between Us" by Sarah Sundin, prominently featuring the blue dress uniform of a WWII US Army Nurse
The book cover art for Sarah Sundin’s novel “A Memory Between Us”, clearly depicting the iconic blue dress uniform worn by US Army Nurses during World War II.
However, by July 1943, a significant shift in the world war 2 nurse uniform occurred. The blue uniform, while smart, was deemed less practical for wartime conditions. It began to be replaced by an olive drab service jacket, skirt, and cap. This transition also included a khaki shirt and tie, paired with brown shoes. The rollout of this new olive drab world war 2 nurse uniform was gradual. Initially intended for nurses serving overseas, it was later extended for use stateside. By June 1944, the conversion to the olive drab uniform was largely complete, marking a significant change in the visual identity of the Nurse Corps.
US Army Nurse Corps recruitment poster from 1943, displaying the new olive drab service uniform
A World War II era US Army Nurse Corps recruitment poster (Poster 710-A, dated June 1943) illustrating the newly adopted olive drab service dress uniform.
Field Uniforms: Practicality in Combat Zones
The standard ward and dress uniforms, while suitable for non-combat environments, proved highly impractical in active combat zones. The white ward dresses and skirted suits of the world war 2 nurse uniform were simply not designed for the rigors of field hospitals and forward operating locations. Recognizing this, particularly after the early campaigns in North Africa in 1942, the Army began to address the need for more functional field attire. Initially, in the absence of official provisions, resourceful nurses adopted men’s herringbone twill fatigues and boots – albeit in ill-fitting men’s sizes.
The Army’s first attempt at a more suitable world war 2 nurse uniform for field conditions was the brown-and-white seersucker ward outfit. While seersucker fabric was advantageous for its easy laundering, it was not well-received by the nurses. Seersucker was traditionally associated with nurse trainees, and the fabric and design were considered less professional. The wraparound dress style also proved problematic, especially in windy conditions. To address these issues, by August 1943, skirted and trouser outfits in seersucker were introduced, along with a matching jacket for outdoor use. This seersucker world war 2 nurse uniform was worn with brown shoes and a hat.
Ultimately, the seersucker uniforms were superseded by the introduction of WAC (Women’s Army Corps) field uniforms and the popular Parson’s field jacket. These were far more accepted by the nurses, offering better practicality and a more professional appearance in field conditions, becoming a more favored iteration of the world war 2 nurse uniform for combat zones.
US Army Quartermaster supply catalog from 1943, showcasing various US Army Nurse Corps uniforms including dress, field, and ward options
A page from the US Army Quartermaster supply catalog QM 3-2, dated October 7, 1943, displaying the range of US Army Nurse Corps uniforms, including the olive drab and blue dress uniforms, the seersucker field uniform, the white ward dress, and the cape.
A historical image illustrating the service and dress uniforms of the US Army Nurse Corps during World War II
A depiction from the US Army Medical Department, Office of Medical History, showcasing the different service and dress uniforms issued to the US Army Nurse Corps in WWII.
Insignia: Identifying Rank and Corps
Insignia played a crucial role in denoting both rank and corps affiliation on the world war 2 nurse uniform. The dress uniforms were distinguished by maroon piping on the garrison cap, epaulettes, and cuffs. Rank insignia, a single gold bar signifying the rank of second lieutenant (the rank held by the majority of nurses), was prominently displayed on the epaulettes of the dress uniform. Additionally, a gold “U.S.” pin was worn on each collar, and a gold caduceus, overlaid with a red “N” for Nurse Corps, was affixed to each lapel of the dress jacket.
For fatigue uniforms, ward dresses, or when the service jacket was not worn, the placement of insignia on the world war 2 nurse uniform was slightly modified. In these instances, the rank insignia was pinned to the right collar, and the caduceus was placed on the left collar, ensuring clear identification even without the full dress uniform.
Close-up of the US Army Nurse Corps Caduceus insignia from WWII
A detailed image of the US Army Nurse Corps Caduceus insignia worn during World War II.
In conclusion, the world war 2 nurse uniform evolved significantly throughout the war, adapting to the changing needs of nurses serving in diverse environments, from stateside hospitals to front-line combat zones. These uniforms not only provided practical clothing solutions but also served as symbols of the dedication and bravery of the women in the US Army Nurse Corps.
Sources:
Brayley, Martin. World War II Allied Nursing Services. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2002.
