Brassard, one of the items of men's uniform items worn by a member of the National Hospital Service Reserve Wales in Cardiff. The donor said it was worn circa 1953-1963

Description

Brassard - National Hospital Service Reserve armband. Black armband with metal buckle fastening. Machine embroidered badge, shield shaped and surmounted by the Queen's crown, reading 'National Hospital Service Reserve' in yellow on a green ribbed background with yellow border and red/yellow/black crown.

Length: 38cm. Width at widest point: 9cm
Completeness: Complete. Materials: cotton, artificial silk, metal. Technique: machine sewn.
Associated person: James Boyle of Gabalfa, Cardiff. Associated place: Cardiff, Glamorgan. Associated date: 1955-1963.
Donated to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales in 1990.


The National Hospital Service Reserve was formed following the passing of the Civil Defence Act, 1948. This made local authorities responsible for organising a new Civil Defence Corps that was to be the key element in the civil defence plans. The Corps would provide basic organisation and staff for local authorities to comply with the newly imposed civil defence functions. It was to consist of Divisions of unpaid but uniformed volunteers enrolled by “Corps Authorities” i.e. the County Councils and County Borough Councils and organised by them. Nationally, the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade, the British Red Cross Society and the St. Andrew's Ambulance Association assisted in the organisation and training of the reserve. Recruiting for the Corps, the Auxiliary Fire Service and the National Hospital Reserve Service started in late 1949. Records show that by March 1950, 26 individuals in Cardiff had volunteered for the National Hospital Reserve Wales. Within Cardiff it is suggested that one of the hospitals making use of the Reserve would have been the Cardiff Royal Infirmary in Adamsdown.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, F90.76.3
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