The Royal Red Cross - Member and Associate
Overview
This award, instituted in 1883, has two classes. Recipients of the first class are known as ‘Members' (RRC), and recipients of the second class as ‘Associates' (ARRC). It is conferred on members of the nursing services regardless of rank. The second class was introduced in November 1915. Bars for the first class were introduced in 1917. Holders of the second class are promoted to the first class on receipt of a second award. Until 1976 the award of either class of the Royal Red Cross was restricted to women.
Description
The first class award was originally a gold cross pattée, enamelled red with gold edges, but from 1889 silver-gilt was substituted for gold. Originally, the centre of the obverse displayed a crowned and veiled portrait, with the words FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY inscribed on three arms, with the date 1883 on the lower arm. Currently, the obverse bears the effigy of the Sovereign. The reverse features a crowned Royal Cypher.
The second class award is silver, and has the same design as the first class, except that the inscriptions on the arms appear on the reverse.
The ribbon is dark blue edged with crimson and shaped into a bow. Awards from 1938 have the year of issue engraved on the reverse of the lower arm.
Bars are awarded in both classes. An Associate (2nd Class) receiving a Bar is automatically promoted to Member (1st Class).
Queries & requests
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Wearing this award
The Royal Red Cross is worn with decorations in the New Zealand Order of Wear. The Royal Red Cross (1st Class or Member) is always worn after the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and before the Distinguished Service Cross. The Royal Red Cross (2nd Class or Associate) is worn after the Air Force Cross.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Checking eligibility and applying for this award
While the Royal Red Cross Member and Associate is approved for wear on NZDF uniforms, NZDF does not approve or issue The Royal Red Cross Member or Associate.
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Checking if this award was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.