Australian Army Nursing Service (1939–1945)

After WWI, the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) reverted to an Australian Army Reserve unit. At the outbreak of WWII it was raised for service abroad and formed part of the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF).  5,000 Australian nurses "did their bit" and served during WWII. They were sent to the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Britain, Asia, the Pacific and around Australia.  At its wartime peak, the service’s strength was 3,477 members. 71 members of the AANS lost their lives and 137 decorations were awarded including two George Medals.