Volunteer nurse with the American Red Cross, 1917-1918

As the Belgian army health service could not meet the needs created by the war the help of the American Red Cross (see photo left) was appreciated, with 23,822 nurses incorporated as volunteers into the army services.

By the end of the 19th century the outfit had been simplified to better suit the aseptic care required by the wounded: long cotton apron and headdress designed to hold back the hair.