Red Cross Northumberland??

[Mike]

Anyone know anything about Red Cross badges ??
I have pair (below) Red Cross shoulder titles for Northumberland?

Would love to think these were worn by a Northumberland Guy or Girl during WW1 in France, but I have no idea really. And the number "30" anyone know what that is about??
Having such a military look about them would I be correct to assume these are for wear during service with the army ? or did they wear such things during peacetime service at home?

And what other insignia would be worn at the same time? cap? collar?

any help greatly appreciated.









there is a little here on the Red Cross in WW1

[Mike]

had a reply from the Collections Officer - Curator, British Red Cross Museum and Archives, regarding this item:

Metal rank insignia was first introduced in 1911. It was worn on the shoulder straps of outdoor uniform by both male and female Officers and Members of British Red Cross.

The metal shoulder titles were replaced by cloth flashes in 1957 to simplify uniform and remove any military connotations.

Red Cross 30 North'd stands for detachment 30, Northumberland. This was a female detachment based at Morpeth.

The British Red Cross Society had a variety of badges and medals which were worn on outdoor and indoor uniform. More information can be found in the British Red Cross Society Dress Regulations, many of which can be consulted at the British Red Cross Museum and Archives in London.

[Peter Brydon]

Most interesting,
According to Westlake( Collecting Metal Shoulder titles ) VAD detachments had even numbered units for women and odd numbered units for men, presumably the VAD units followed The Red Cross in this respect, but it does seem strange that the Red Cross should have had seperate units for males and females.

P.B.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by 8thfoot

Most interesting,
According to Westlake( Collecting Metal Shoulder titles ) VAD detachments had even numbered units for women and odd numbered units for men, presumably the VAD units followed The Red Cross in this respect, but it does seem strange that the Red Cross should have had seperate units for males and females.

P.B.

Thank's for reminding me about that - I forgot westlake had covered the VAD titles, and logically on from that I would assume the Red cross and St Johns would change out their titles for VAD insignia as they formed up into VAD units in preperation for war / overseas service. So my type would probably not be used overseas I guess.

on the subject of VADs spotted this impressive badge on ebay, not a cheap item either. I cannot decide on the scale? maybe a lapel?