Nurses’ cape

Nurses’ cape

This cape was worn by a nurse at the Redcliffe Hospital between the 1970s-1990s. Red capes were once an important element of a nurse’s uniform. They were worn both in hospitals and during war time service. Since the Boer War (1899-1902), Australian nurses have served wearing a red cape. It was the then Australian Surgeon General, William David Campbell who decided on the uniform.

During the First World War, the red cape became a key identifier. Just as the Australian soldier was identified by his slouch hat, the Australian nurse was recognised by her scarlet cape. For an Australian solider, seeing the red cape meant they were being looked after by a fellow Australian and this helped boost their morale.