The British Red Cross Medal for Proficiency

• Time Period: Second World War WW2
• Year of Institution: 1939
• Country: Great Britain (Red Cross)

Members of the Red Cross had to have three successive certificates in appropriate subjects (nursing, first aid, hygiene and sanitation) with an interval of at least 12 months between the dates of each certificate gained.

A proficiency badge was awarded after the third successful examination, and after the 4th and subsequent examinations the Red Cross members would be given proficiency bars. Each proficiency badge had the relevant subject on the ornamental brooch and a different ribbon for each subject.

The British Red Cross Society and the Order of St John formed the Joint War Organisation, offering extensive services for the sick and wounded, for prisoners of war, and for civilians needing relief as a result of enemy action, at home and abroad. The joint organization created ambulance departments for the transportation of the wounded, established convalescent homes and auxiliary hospitals, sometimes in private properties across the UK.

The British Red Cross Medal for Proficiency Badge Design

On the obverse of the medal is a red cross enamel medal with a central white shield and another red cross in the center surrounded by a circular white band with the following inscription in gold: “THE BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY”.

Suspended to the white with two thin purple striped ribbon is a metal clasp with inscription in gold on red enamel background “PROFICIENT IN RED CROSS FIRST AID” and a red cross on the white circular background.

On the reverse is engraved the ID and the full name of the person awarded the badge. The badge measures approximately 3.7”x 1.6” at its widest points.