2/2 Field Ambulance Australian Army

Discussion in 'War Against Japan' started by DirtyDick, Jul 7, 2004.

  1. DirtyDick

    DirtyDick Senior Member

    Hello

    Could anyone tell me the composition of the above unit (was it a permanent hospital staff or more like a US MASH unit), and where it was stationed during WW2.

    I have the Pacific Star group to a bloke who served with them and would like to know more about the unit whilst I await his service papers.

    Any help appreciated.

    Cheers
    Richard
     
  2. Edward_N_Kelly

    Edward_N_Kelly Junior Member

    Originally posted by DirtyDick@Jul 7 2004, 10:27 AM
    Hello

    Could anyone tell me the composition of the above unit (was it a permanent hospital staff or more like a US MASH unit), and where it was stationed during WW2.

    I have the Pacific Star group to a bloke who served with them and would like to know more about the unit whilst I await his service papers.

    Any help appreciated.

    Cheers
    Richard
    A little information on Field AMbulances in general (have you tried the Australian War Memorial site - they have some excellant database searches ?) as I have next to none on 2/2 Fd Amb.

    There were 3 or 4 field ambulances per division in Australia. They wer normally attached as one Fd Amb to a Brigade with one for Divisional Troops but could be allocated as circumstances required (eg 2 or more supporting Brigade that was in action with one supporting resting units). They could be allocated between divisions (this was common in New Guinea when a "division" was in reality a HQ used to administer and command a series of units involved in a single action - with the possibility that none had an "affiliation" with that unit).

    Their role was to act as the first medical unit for the treatment of casualties from battalion Regimental Aid Posts(RAP). Fd Amb had organic transport to collect casulaties from the RAP. Stretcher bearers from the Fd Amb could be used to supplement those from the Battalion to collect and treat casualties.

    They were divided into a Bed Section, a Bearer Section and an Admin Section/HQ

    They had limited surgical and bed facilities. Their role was further stabilisation and assement of casualties - more serious going back to Casualty Clearing Stations or General Hospitals (they could be taken to CCS first then onto GH or direct). Transport was by AASC Ambulance Companies.

    If the casulaty was minor they could be returned to unit after a short stay/treatment at Field Ambulance.

    2/2 Fd Amb served in Middle East (Tobruk) and in New Guinea from a quick look...

    Edward.
     
  3. DirtyDick

    DirtyDick Senior Member

    Thanks very much for the information, Edward.
     
  4. RASigs

    RASigs Member

    DD

    I have the Australian Official History of the WW2 which has a whole book on Medical Units. Will have a look through tomorrow and see what I can find out.
     
  5. freerod

    freerod Junior Member

    My father was in the 2/2nd. He was taken prisoner on Crete on 1941 and ended up in Stalag IVb for the rest of the war.
     

Share This Page