How Was It Worn - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Home Guard · #1 07-01-23, 07:42 PM

I recently picked up this very nice NZ WW1 sliver nurses fern pin but I am not sure where it was worn. Ward dress maybe or on their tippet??? It's 43 MM long.

I have searched online and studied pictures, but so far no luck. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Terry

Roy · #2 07-01-23, 08:26 PM

Hi Terry,

That's a real cracker mate, well done. I can't answer your question but I'm excited to see if someone can post a period photograph of it being worn.

A real treasure that one Terry.

Cheerio,
Roy

Tinto · #3 07-01-23, 08:36 PM

Hi Terry,

According to "New Zealand Military Nursing", Kendall and Corbett, page 207, under Badges and Uniform: "A collar badge - the fern-leaf in silver or white-metal - will be worn on the points of the collar of the coats and greatcoats by all members."

Regards, John

Home Guard · #4 07-01-23, 08:41 PM

Excellent John, My very sincere thanks.

Terry

Tinto · #5 08-01-23, 12:41 AM

Hi Terry,
Note that the same pattern silver fern badge was associated with early "All Blacks" Rugby Union Teams. See attached examples.
John

Home Guard · #6 08-01-23, 01:57 AM

Hi John, Yep, they sure look the same! Thanks for eh picture.

Terry

Milmed · #7 08-01-23, 02:11 AM

Terry,
The catch of the pin is typical of 1950's manufactured badges and not WWI period

nbroadarrowz · #8 08-01-23, 06:06 AM

These badges should not be considered exclusive to the NZ nursing service of either war.
They were commercially available souvenirs brought from tourist shops. Not only purchased by service personal but by civilians as well who wanted to be known as New Zealanders while on holiday.
I have seen them still attached to their small white sales card and also being worn by RNZAF males in England.
The badges can also be found with the Gaunt mark to the rear.
Barry

Home Guard · #9 09-01-23, 12:08 AM

Further research has turned up some additional information.

https://kiwisoldier.wordpress.com/20...er-fern-badge/

And this describes the nurses as wearing the more curved version on their lapels.

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-...ew_zealand.htm

John, are you able to advise the length of the two larger fern pins in your rugby team picture of badges? Thanks!

Terry

Tinto · #10 09-01-23, 12:44 AM

Hi Terry,
Those larger ferns are 34mm long approx.
Cheers, John

Home Guard · #11 09-01-23, 02:24 AM

Thank you John! Same size as the one I have. I think for now, I am just going to be happy with it unless I find something finite to the contrary. More so after the recent research I've done, and referenced most of it in a previous post. I saw several different styles of the fern being worn by nurses, including the one you and I have.

Terry

nbroadarrowz · #12 10-01-23, 12:09 AM

Her is another photo of the badge being worn.
Barry

https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz...-Collection%2F
or search the site for 2021-024.2

Home Guard · #13 10-01-23, 04:37 PM

Excellent Barry! Thanks for sharing!!!

Terry