VOLUNTARY AID DETACHMENT
Q149 - TOWNSVILLE, QLD
DURING WW2

visits since 23 March 2004

Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) Q 149 was established in Townsville in 1939 under the command of  Vivienne O'Neill. 

ARP training and practical work in hospitals was an essential part of their activities.

VAD's were  a part of the Defence Scheme of the Commonwealth.  The VAD's were formed under authority from the Defence Department in each Military District.

VAD's were established to assist medical services of the armed forces in the provision of trained and qualified personnel.  They were also used by civilian authorities in the event of a civil emergency or epidemic.  This was generally through providing assistance to the Red Cross Society.  Qualifications required by VAD members was a First Aid and Home Nursing Certificate  for females and a First Aid Certificate for males.  Minimum age for members was 16 years of age.

Heaps of WW2 books available at Amazon.com

"Australia @ War"

This page first produced 2 January 1999

This page last updated 23 March 2004