My late father carried this photo in his wallet throughout the remainder of his life. It was only on reading the War Diary and after a little more research I found a little more about it. The photo was taken on 15 August 1944, when Brig. Porritt -peaked cap- commander of medical services in Normandy visited Beslonde 820529 to mark the appointment of a new CO to the Unit, Major Langlands. Their former CO Major Millar now promoted to DADAMS (Deputy Assistant Directory of Army Medical Services) My late father is bottom row 2nd left. Major Langlands-left of Brig. Porritt. A former NZ olympic gold medalist,Brig. Porritt, later accepted a peerage and was appointed the Queens Surgeon. 35 FDS moved to this site on 5th August with 43 and 49 FSU & 7 FTU, and 3 CCS to set up an Advanced Surgical Centre. Only immediate surgical cases were admitted, with other cases transferred back down the line by 16 Field Ambulance. A large number of casualties were received through the night on 10/11th August, and 50 FSU (field surgical unit) was attached, to assist with the influx of patients seen. On the 15 August, the ASC were taking abdominal injuries, VD and walking wounded with the assistance of 49 FSU (Field Surgical Unit). They also took on a role as a Corps Exhaustion Centre, with a psychiatrist attached.
