WW1 British Royal Red Cross Medal (Associate) 2nd Class in original Garrard case

36mm wide silver cross pattée with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central silver medallion bearing the head of King George V facing left, the arms with red enamel panels; the reverse with a circular central medallion bearing the crowned arms of King and Emperor George V, the upper, left and right arms inscribed ‘FAITH’, ‘HOPE’ AND ‘CHARITY’ respectively, the lower arm dated ‘1883’; on original ladies bow; in case of issue by Garrard & Co. The Royal Red Cross is a military decoration, instituted on 27 April 1883, and awarded for exceptional active service in military nursing, regardless of rank. It may be awarded for exceptional devotion and continuous service over a period of time or for an exceptional act of bravery whilst on nursing duty. A second class of Associate, as in this example, was added in 1917. Until 1976, the Cross was awarded exclusively to ladies. This example was most likely awarded during World War I when female military nurses tended the wounded, often in circumstances of great personal danger.