WOMEN IN FORCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25208, 24 April 1943, Page 5

WOMEN IN FORCES

MEASURES FOR PROTECTION USE OF RED CROSS INSIGNIA (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Apl. 22. It was reported recently to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association that New Zealand Red Cross Voluntary Aid nurses were allowed to go overseas without the safeguard of wearing the Red Cross insignia, and the association was urged to make representations to the Government to see. that New Zealand women were afforded this protection, says a statement issued by the association. Army headquarters has now advised that all V.A.D.’s and other women with the New Zealand forces who are entitled to the protection of Article 9 of the Geneva Red Cross Convention have been enrolled as members either of the N.Z. W.W.S.A. or N.Z. W.A.A.C., and issued with the same Red Cross insignia and certificates of identity as are issued to personnel of the New Zealand Medical Corps. Article 9 provides that if they fall into enemy hands they must not be treated as prisoners of war, but must be returned to their own forces unless, by agreement, they are retained to care for their sick and wounded.

Army headquarters further stated that the protection afforded by the Convention does not extend to women employed in the forces in capacities other than those related to the interests of the wounded and sick, and they are liable to be made prisoners of war in the same way as combatant troops.