Rose of No Man’s Land by Milky.
Rose of No Man’s Land is an unmistakeable western traditional tattoo reference, classically depicting a traditional ladies head either centred inside or surrounded by red roses. Upon her head, she wears a nurses cap with a Red Cross in the middle, and often there will be another Red Cross in the background.
Although the exact origin of the Rose of No Man’s Land tattoo is unknown, it seems to have popped up sometime in the early 20th century, and is attributed as being an artistic representation of the song, and a way to memorialise the Red Cross Nurses who helped save lives on both the frontline, at military bases and back at home. The Rose of No Man’s Land is a song first published in French (“La Rose sous les Boulets”) in 1918, the year World War One officially ceased. A version in English was recorded and released in 1945, when World War Two was coming to an end.
No Man's Land is the term used by soldiers to describe the ground between the two opposing trenches in times of conflict. The lyrics to the song “Rose of No Man’s Land” are as follows:
There's a rose that grows on No Man's Land
And it's wonderful to see,
Tho’ its sprayed with tears, it will live for years,
In my garden of memory.
It's the one red rose the soldier knows,
It's the work of the Master's hand;
Mid the War's great curse, stands the Red Cross nurse,
She's the rose of No Man's Land.
Rose of No Man’s Land by Capilli Tupou.
Imagine being a solider grievously harmed on the battlefield, lying there, terrified that you wont survive your wounds. Miraculously an angelic figure dressed all in white appears and tends to your wounds, helps you back to safety, thus saving your life. These brave women, the Red Cross nurses of World Wars One and Two, were viewed as saviours by the many service men they treated.
The Rose of No Man’s Land tattoo appeared in early sketchbooks of western traditional tattooing greats as Gus Wagner, Norman Collins (aka Sailor Jerry) amongst many others. It quickly became a staple reference within the tattoo industry, which really shows how much of an effect the heroic actions of the Red Cross nurses meant to service men around the western world. Soldiers felt so indebted, so eternally grateful to these nurses, their “Roses”, that in turn they had them immortalised forever on their bodies in the form of a tattoo. A talisman for both their time spent in combat, and for the courageous women who kept them alive to live out their days in peacetime.
Although it’s been over 100 years since The Rose of No Man’s Land first popped up, and many of us are lucky enough to have lived a relatively peaceful life, this classic tattoo is still as popular as ever. The Rose of No Man’s Land may no longer represent a wartime Red Cross nurse exactly, but it is still an undying symbol of respect to our many caregivers around the world. A high stress career, which is often majorly underpaid and under-appreciated by governments and employers.
Rose of No Man’s Land by Bernard Kwok.
Rose of No Man’s Land by Lucky Felix.
Despite the fact so many of us are lucky enough that our countries have been in peacetime for much of our lives, the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has been compared to dark times in modern history. Only this time the enemy is not being fought in the trenches, there is still a very dangerous front line for healthcare workers and caregivers around the world. Communities have been devastated with over two million people (and rising) diagnosed with the virus, tens of thousands have died, personal freedoms have been taken away as people head into ordered isolation and economies have been hit the hardest we’ve seen in decades. In the United States alone, the number of fatalities has already surpassed those from the Korean War, and conservative estimates predict the number will rise to more fatalities than both the Vietnam War and the 1968 flu pandemic. Higher estimates put it above the fatalities of the 1957/1958 flu pandemic and US soldiers lost in the First World War. Caregivers are literally working on the frontline of this pandemic, making huge sacrifices to help save lives. We’ve seen instances of health care workers separated from their families to ensure it doesn’t get passed on, retired workers (who are generally older and more at risk) come out of retirement to lend a hand, and unfortunately we’ve also seen health care workers perish at the hands of this viral enemy.
The faces of front line workers. Doctors, nurses and caregivers show their battle scars after hours in emergency departments and isolation units treating Covid-19.
The Rose of No Man’s Land tattoo, a nurse nestled in amongst bright red roses, is the definitive symbol of generosity, courage, sacrifice and caregiving. Much like the loved Red Cross Nurses of days gone by, healthcare workers are amongst the most selfless people to exist. The Rose of No Man’s Land in current times still carries the important message of appreciation, adoration and respect for frontline healthcare workers, and hopefully when they see someone with this beautiful image, they feel proud of their sacrifices, supported in their chosen path and less alone in one of the most lonely, dark days of our time.
Rose of No Man’s Land by Capilli Tupou.
Sunset Tattoo is one of Auckland’s leading tattoo studios, and the home to many of Auckland's best tattoo artists. We have artists who specialise in Japanese, Maori, western traditional (examples shown in this article) and black work tattooing. Stunningly beautiful and utterly timeless, western traditional tattoos consist of bold lines, bright colours and classic designs intended to last a lifetime. Fashion fades, style is forever. For enquiries, booking requests and more information about getting tattooed by one of our traditional artists please contact the studio.
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