Overseas Nursing Association, small bronze nurses badge

An interesting badge from the Colonial Nursing Association, formed in 1895 by Lady Mabel Piggot,to provide Trained Nursing staff to the colonies.Initially this was to treat British personnel who became ill, although later they went on to treat the indigenous population and train local nurses.The project was well received and by 1910 some 521 nurses had been sent abroad.
The service was renamed the Overseas Nursing Association in 1919 and then later Queen Elizabeths Overseas Nursing Service before it ceased to operate in 1966.
The badge features a central figure of Britannia in a voided centre above the date 1896.Overseas Nursing Association appears around the edge.This hangs from a pin back bar brooch which is decorated with Oak leaves.Pin intact.Unmarked to rear.Height 46mm

Code: 53708