RAMC - usual rank of Medical Officer (attached)

Pretty much as per the thread title. In units such as Inf Bns, Armd Regts or RA Regts, was there a bracket of ranks that the attached RAMC Medical Officer would fall within? I think I thought it was from Subaltern to Major, but can't remember why I had that notion now.

Would a 2nd Lieutenant even be deemed experienced enough for the role, with anything from 600 to 900 men to oversee. Was it a case of Major preferred, Captain possible, and 1st Lieutenant at the minimum?

Cheers,

Gary

 

Gary,

I cannot give references etc. but as I understand it:

A Medical Officer could be Major, Captain or 1st Lieutenant. However the rank of major was usually found in medical units where he had an administrative/command role as well as a medical /professional role.

Medically and professionally all regimental Medical Officers were equal. Like Quartermasters and Chaplains they were regarded as equal to Captain and often listed as Captain regardless of actual rank.

Mike

 

Cheers Mike, I hadn't seen that definition attached to Major.

Gary

 

Not sure if this applied war time ,but post war TA we had Medical Student serving in the Ranks (Medical section) who was automatically promoted to 2nd Lt on qualifying and given rank of acting Captain.
Also had an MO a ,Major who was also a Surgeon and addressed as Mister.

 

some thoughts.

Following on from redtop's contribution I an coming to the conclusion that a MO attached to a battalion, or equivalent, would be a Captain. He seems to have been usually referred to as a Captain, though maybe substantive, temporary or acting. Such a rank would reflect the considerable responsibility that he had. A quick look at MOs receiving awards etc shows those attached to battalions etc were almost all Captains although some are described as acting Captain and only one is described as Lieutenant.

Peacetime TA and Reserve are different in that many doctors and especially surgeons receive a generous annual reward for keeping themselves up to date on battlefield injuries.

Interesting that the surgeon was referred to as Mister. This is the case in civilian life of course and the medical profession have their own strong traditions and rankings, and a 'trade union' to see that they are maintained.

Mike