Princess Christian Army Nursing Service

Here we have a Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve badge, a rare early piece of nursing memorabilia from the late Victorian and Edwardian era. 42 to the backBadge 42 Issued to Nursing Sister Eleanor Mason (née Jasper) (1875–1938) was a British nurse who served with distinction during the Second Boer War and possessed a notable collection of military and professional nursing decorations.Early Life and TrainingBorn: Eleanor Jasper in the June quarter of 1875 in Farnley, West Riding of Yorkshire, to Enoch Jasper (a boiler plate roller) and Margaret Jasper.Siblings: She was one of several children, including an older sister, Tamar, who also worked as a nurse.Training: She trained at Bradford Royal Infirmary from 1896 to 1899, earning her nursing certificate.Boer War ServiceEnlistment: In July 1900, Eleanor enlisted in the Army Nursing Reserve (service number 702).Deployment: She served at the Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, before traveling to South Africa on the hospital ship Nubia on February 11, 1901.Duty: She worked at No. 5 General Hospital in Wynberg.homefrontheroines.org.ukhomefrontheroines.org.ukMedals and AwardsEleanor Mason's extensive medal set, which was sold to a collector, included:Queen's South Africa MedalKing's South Africa MedalAssociate Royal Red Cross (ARRC)Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve Badge numbered 42.General Nursing Council (GNC) Badge (in her married name)Bradford Royal Infirmary Training BadgeLater LifeShe married and became Eleanor Mason.She passed away in 1938.Nursing Sister Eleanor Mason (née Jasper) (1875–1938)The reserve was formed in 1897 and members served during the Boer War in South Africa.This is circular made of sterling silver, and feature a central cross surrounded by the service name.Purpose: The badge was designed to be worn on the cloak or cape of a nurse.Measures 2 ' and weighs 1.7 grams