First World War Overseas Service Chevrons, awarded to Florence Irving

First World War overseas service chevrons. Such badges were issued to armed forces, and nurses, serving overseas to distinguish them from those who remained in the UK. An additional chevron was added for each successive year of service. District nurse Florence Irving enlisted for service with the Red Cross. She treated wounded soldiers on board White Star Line’s Britannic during its service as a hospital ship. On 21 November 1916 HMHS Britannic sank off the Greek coast after hitting a mine. As the ship sank relatively slowly, most of those on board were rescued. Florence Irving was later decorated for her wartime service.