• QAIMNS and other staff, Rouen, WW1
  • QAIMNS (R) nurses on a barge WW1
  • QAIMNS (R) nurse with the BEF Christmas1939
  • QAIMNS nurses sorting laundry WW2
  • QARANC nurses of the modern era

History and Heritage of British Army Nurses

This is the official site for the history and heritage of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps and its antecedents (Army Nursing Service; Princess Christian’s Army Nursing Service (Reserve); Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, Territorial Force Nursing Service, Territorial Army Nursing Service), collectively British Army nurses.

This site is supported by the QARANC Association and managed by the QARANC Association Heritage Committee.

The Association joins together in practical friendship all who are serving or have served in the Corps, irrespective of rank, sharing in its record, its achievements, tradition and history. Our Motto is FRIENDSHIP and we try and maintain that through our branches, which organise functions, and events where members can meet up. In all that we do, our natural willingness to help past and present members stems from the tradition and camaraderie that only Army Service life can instil. Visit the Association site for more information.

The QARANC Association Heritage Committee

The purpose of the QARANC Association Heritage Committee is to create a stronger understanding of Corps heritage in order to be the authoritative focus for others interested in our history. Heritage is seen to include history, and is the current term in use to cover historical records, historical sites, artefacts, traditions and cultures. As such heritage encompass a wider remit than the term history.

Historic England use the following definition: “Heritage is a broad concept and includes the natural as well as the cultural environment. It encompasses landscapes, historic places, sites and built environments, as well as bio-diversity, collections, past and continuing cultural practices, knowledge and living experiences. It records and expresses the long processes of historic development, forming the essence of diverse national, regional, indigenous and local identities and is an integral part of modern life. It is a dynamic reference point and positive instrument for growth and change. The particular heritage and collective memory of each locality or community is irreplaceable and an important foundation for development, both now and into the future” (English Heritage (2008) Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance).

The QARANC Association Heritage is currently involved in a number of heritage, restoration and research projects.