Nancy Powell

At the age of 15, when World War II broke out, I joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) training and doing medical duties at the local hospital, various services establishments and at the local cinema theatres.

When I was old enough to join the Women's enlisted services, and was released from my employment, I joined the Australian Army Medical Women's Service (AAMWS). We were distinguished from the Australian Army Women's Service, by wearing a Red Cross on our right arm.

After initial training at Ingleburn, just out of Sydney, we were posted to various Army Camps and Hospitals. The Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) were the Sisters in the hospitals and Camp Hospitals and the AAMWS were the nurses.

I was stationed in Sydney at the Medical and Veterinary Stores. We issued all medical and veterinary supplies to the Army and received Japanese captured medical supplies. There were some very interesting items amongst them. When I turned 21, I joined the AIF and was eligible for overseas service. Fortunately the war ended and so I did not serve overseas.