Nurses & Midwives Procession, Women's Coronation Procession

Nurses and Midwives prepare to march in the Women's Coronation Procession, 17 June 1911. The Women's Coronation procession was organised by the militant Women's Social and Political Union. Held a week before the coronation of George V, it was intended to enlist the support of the new King in getting the Conciliation Bill of 1911 through Parliament.

The Nurses and Midwives were in section 'H2' of the procession that formed up on the Embankment between Charing Cross Station and Horse Guards Avenue. Also in this section were the Pharmacists, Women Sanitary Inspectors, the Ethical Societies, the Fabian Women's Group, the Ethical Societies, Hampstead Garden Suburb and the Gardeners. In the weeks leading up to the Procession the Votes for Women newspaper urged certified midwives, maternity nurses and nurses to join the procession to ensure this section 'is large and representative' of the nursing profession. Those wishing to participate were asked to forward their names to WSPU headquarters and, where possible, to wear indoor uniform 'which always looks so fresh and attractive.' Those wearing indoor uniform were placed at the head of the section followed by those in outdoor uniform then nurses in ordinary dress.