Royal army medical corps

Discussion in 'Other Services' started by Trux, Aug 29, 2010.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG Patron

    ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS

    Medical units in wartime were naturally scaled to cope with battle casualties but there was an
    on going commitment to the health and hygiene of the soldier as well as the normal accidents
    and illnesses.

    The Army Dental Corps also worked closely with the RAMC.


    MEDICAL UNITS

    Field Ambulance. War Establishment II/62/1. August 1942.
    Light Field Ambulance. War Establishment II/901/1. June 1944
    Field Dressing Station. War Establishment II/301/1. August 1944.
    Field Hygiene Section. War Establishment II/299/2. May 1944.
    Field Hygiene Section. War Establishment XIV/1280/1. February 1945
    Field Sanitary Section. War Establishment IV/161/1. June 1943.
    Field Surgical Unit. War Establishment III/168/1. July 1942.
    Traumatic Shock Team. War Establishment IV/270/1. August 1944.
    Maxillo-Facial Surgical Unit. War Establishment IV/47C/2. December 1943.

    General Hospital 600 Bed. War Establishment IV/226/1. December 1943.
    General Hospital 1200 Bed. War Establishment IV/227/1. December 1943.
    General Hospital 200 Bed. War Establishment IV/228/1. January 1944.
    Neuropathic Hospital. War Establishment IV/43A/2. January 1943.
    Neurosurgical Unit. War Establishment IV/135/1. February 1943.
    Convalescent Depot RAMC. War Establishment IV/44/2. May 1944.
    Officers Convalescent Wing. War Establishment IV/268/1. June 1944.
    Medical Platoon for a Motor Ambulance Company. War Establishment III/176/1. August 1942.
    Medical Platoon for an Ambulance Car Company. War Establishment IV/119/1. August 1942.
    Ambulance Train 360 bed. War Establishment IV/46/3. January 1943.
    Ambulance Train 250 bed. War Establishment IV/123/1. December 1942.
    Hospital Ship. War Establishment IV/47/3. January 1943.
    A Hospital Carrier. War Establishment IV/474/3. May 1943.

    Field Transfusion Unit. War Establishment IV/47D/2. April 1944.
    Base Transfusion Unit. War Establishment IV/220/1. December 1943.

    Advanced Depot of Medical Stores. War Establishment III/51/3. March 1944.
    Base Depot of Medical Stores. War Establishment IV/45/1. March 1944.
    Base Depot of Medical Stores, Civil Affairs Increment. War Establishment IV/247/1. April 1944.
    Captured Enemy Equipment Section (Medical). War Establishment XIV/1322/1. November 1944.

    Standing Medical Board. War Establishment XIV/1320/1. September 1944.
    Medical Evacuation Staff. War Establishment XIV/1321/1. September 1944.
    An Entomological Field Unit. War Establishment IV/201/1. September 1943.
    A Biological Research Section. War Establishment IV/192/1. October 1943.
    Port Detachment. War Establishment IV/204/1. November 1943.

    Field Dental Laboratory. War Establishment IV/239/1. February 1944.
    Field Dental Centre (Operational). War Establishment IV/240/1. March 1944.
    Field Dental Centre (Non Operational). War Establishment IV/242/1. March 1944.

    See also RASC ambulance units.
    Motor Ambulance Company
    Ambulance Car Company


    Infantry Divisional medical units included
    - A Field Ambulance per brigade. This gave three Field Ambulances for an infantry division. Non divisional units in the front line used the divisional medical facilities.
    - Two Field Dressing Stations which were independent of the Field Ambulance and provided a reserve capacity and put surgical teams nearer to the front line.
    - A Field Hygiene Section to care for the soldier’s health and prevent disease.

    Armoured Divisional medical units included
    - A Field Ambulance for the infantry brigade.
    - A Light Field Ambulance for the armoured brigade
    - Two Field Dressing Stations
    - A Field Hygiene Section.



    FIELD AMBULANCE
    War Establishment II/62/1. August 1942
    Personnel
    Lieutenant Colonel
    2 X Major
    5 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    2 X Subaltern (non medical)
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    2 X Staff Serjeant

    serjeant clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    5 X serjeant
    12 X corporal
    9 X lance corporal
    119 X private
    Total 162

    Plus attached
    Captain RASC
    Company Serjeant Major RASC
    serjeant RASC
    5 X corporal RASC
    11 X lance corporal RASC
    51 X driver IC RASC
    2 X private RASC
    Captain or Lieutenant, Army Dental Corp
    corporal dental clerk, Army Dental Corp
    serjeant ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    7 X private cook ACC

    Total including attached 245

    Trades included
    carpenter and joiner
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    corporal nursing orderly
    7 X lance corporal nursing orderly
    14 X nursing orderly
    barber
    10 X batman orderlies
    4 X general duty orderlies
    anti gas corporal
    sanitary duties lance corporal
    stores corporal
    stewards stores corporal
    stewards stores lance corporal
    6 X corporal stretcher bearer
    lance corporal stretcher bearer
    79 X stretcher bearers
    6 X ambulance orderlies
    water dutyman
    corporal chiropodist

    RASC trades included
    corporal fitter
    2 X fitter
    lance corporal electrician
    6 X driver mechanic
    3 X corporal driver IC
    46 X driver IC
    batman driver
    8 X motor cyclist
    transport corporal

    First reinforcements included
    7 X nursing orderlies RAMC
    2 X driver IC RASC

    Weapons
    24 X pistol, .38”
    47 X rifle, .303”
    22 X Sten gun

    Note: At the time this table was issued it was usual to show weapons carried by individuals. This table shows the following
    Pistols are carried by
    - all Officers
    - motorcyclists
    - transport corporal
    - Company Serjeant Major RASC
    - serjeant RASC

    Rifles are carried by
    - corporal fitter RASC
    - fitters RASC
    - lance corporal electrician RASC
    - driver mechanic RASC
    - 28 X driver IC RASC
    - 46 X driver IC RASC
    - serjeant ACC
    - cooks ACC

    Sten guns are carried by
    - batman driver RASC
    - 21 X driver IC

    Warrant Officers, non commissioned officers and other ranks of the RAMC and Army Dental Corp do not carry weapons. Stretcher bearers of infantry units carried pistols or Sten guns for self defence but RAMC did not.

    Medical Officers could be Subalterns, Captains or Majors and were regarded as equal and interchangeable as far as medical matters were concerned. This applied also to Medical Officers in units. Although they are often listed as Captain they could be also be Subaltern or Major.

    The Army Dental Corp officer served two functions
    - He cared for the dental health of the division, with the support of mobile dental units when not in the front line. It was a continuing function of the Field Ambulance to care for the health of the soldiers in the division. This was not confined to battle casualties.
    - He was available to assist and advise in the case of facial injuries.

    Note that it is not possible to move all the personnel of a Field Ambulance in unit transport. For long moves three extra troop carrying lorries were needed.


    ORGANISATION.
    The Field Ambulance consisted of a headquarters and two bearer companies. The Headquarters provided a Main Dressing Station. Bearer companies could each provided three sections.
    HEADQUARTERS
    The headquarters of a Field Ambulance provided not only the administration for the unit but also formed a Main Dressing Station which could accommodate a hundred to a hundred and fifty casualties. Six of the 3ton lorries were equipped with penthouses which could be erected to the side and rear to form a tented area. The lorry itself contained medical equipment.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant

    serjeant clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant

    carpenter and joiner
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    10 X nursing orderly
    barber
    4 X batman orderlies
    4 X general duty orderlies
    anti gas corporal
    sanitary duties lance corporal
    stores corporal
    stewards stores corporal
    stewards stores lance corporal
    8 X stretcher bearer
    6 X ambulance orderlies
    water dutyman
    corporal chiropodist

    RASC
    Captain
    Company Serjeant Major
    serjeant
    corporal fitter
    2 X fitter
    lance corporal electrician
    6 X driver mechanic
    31 X driver IC
    batman driver
    2 X motor cyclist
    transport corporal
    2 X private

    Army Dental Corp
    Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal dental clerk

    Army Catering Corp
    serjeant
    corporal cook
    cook


    Organisation
    Motorcycle 1
    transport corporal RASC
    Motorcycle 2
    Motorcycle 3
    The allotment of motorcycles 2 and 3 is not known.

    Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    driver IC
    For the use of the Commanding officer
    Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    driver IC
    For the use of the Major, Second in Command
    Car seater 4 X 2
    Captain RASC, batman driver

    15cwt water tank
    water dutyman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses 1
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses 2
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses 3
    driver IC
    For cooks and rations
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses 4
    driver IC
    For QM stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses 5
    driver IC
    For baggage and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses 6
    driver IC
    For artificers, personnel and tools.

    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist RASC
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist RASC

    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2 1
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2 2
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2 3
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2 4
    2 X driver IC RASC

    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 1
    ambulance orderly, 2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 2
    ambulance orderly, 2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 3
    ambulance orderly, 2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 4
    ambulance orderly, 2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 5
    ambulance orderly, 2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 6
    ambulance orderly, 2 X driver IC RASC

    - Eight bicycles were provided for use round the site. They were carried in the transport for movement.
    - All the three ton lorries are listed as having penthouses. These served as wards and surgeries as well as for their designated role.


    BEARER COMPANY
    As well as providing stretcher bearers and ambulance cars the Bearer Company could provide two Advanced Dressing Stations. The third section was commanded by a non medical officer and could be used to provide a Bearer Relay Station or a reserve.

    Section 1
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    nursing orderly
    lance corporal stretcherbearer
    12 X stretcher bearer
    batman orderly
    3 X driver IC RASC
    motorcyclist RASC

    Motorcycle
    Officer
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist RASC

    15cwt GS
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2, light
    2 X driver IC RASC

    Section 2
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    nursing orderly
    lance corporal stretcherbearer
    12 X stretcher bearer
    batman orderly
    3 X driver IC RASC
    motorcyclist RASC

    Motorcycle
    Officer
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist RASC

    15cwt GS
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2, light
    2 X driver IC RASC

    Section 3
    Lieutenant, non medical
    staff serjeant
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    nursing orderly
    lance corporal stretcherbearer
    12 X stretcher bearer
    batman orderly
    3 X driver IC RASC
    motorcyclist RASC

    Motorcycle
    Officer
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist RASC

    15cwt GS
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 2 GS lorry with pent houses
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2
    2 X driver IC RASC

    Note:
    Although the original document shows Ambulance, two stretcher, 4 X 2, light this type was not in use in 1944.



    LIGHT FIELD AMBULANCE
    War Establishment II/901/1. June 1944

    A Light Field Ambulance is intended to serve an armoured brigade and consists of a headquarters and four sections. Headquarters provide the personnel and equipment for a Main Dressing Station. Each section provides personnel and equipment for an Advanced Dressing Station. All stretcher bearers are shown in headquarters and are distributed to sections as required.

    The Light Field Ambulance was fully self mobile.

    HEADQUARTERS
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    staff serjeant, stewards stores

    serjeant clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant nursing orderly
    duty serjeant

    2 X clerk
    corporal nursing orderly
    6 X nursing orderly
    corporal anti gas duties
    5 X anti gas duties
    corporal general duties
    general dutyman
    corporal pack storeman
    pack storeman.
    5 X batman
    sanitary dutyman
    corporal ambulance orderly
    23 X ambulance orderly
    2 X water dutyman

    serjeant stretcher bearer
    corporal stretcher bearer
    24 X stretcher bearer

    RASC
    Captain
    Company Serjeant Major
    serjeant
    transport corporal
    corporal
    corporal driver
    2 X lance corporal driver IC
    29 X driver IC (includes a batman driver)
    6 X driver mechanic
    corporal fitter
    lance corporal fitter
    3 X fitter
    lance corporal electrician
    3 X motor cyclist

    Royal Army Dental Corp
    Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal dental operating room assistant

    Army Catering Corp
    corporal cook
    corporal hospital cook
    2 X cook

    Royal Army Chaplains Department (from corps establishment)
    Chaplain
    batman driver


    6 X motorcycle
    2 X light utility
    1 X Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    4 X ambulance 2 stretcher
    6 X ambulance 4 stretcher
    1 X 15cwt
    1 X 15cwt water
    7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS including
    2 for personnel
    1 for office equipment
    2 for personnel and stores
    1 for tools
    1 for cooks
    1 for baggage and officers mess
    1 for Quartermaster and anti gas stores

    Note: Although not mentioned in the document some of the 3 ton 4 X 4 GS would be fitted with penthouses.

    Organisation
    Motorcycle 1
    transport serjeant RASC
    Motorcycle 2
    Company Serjeant Major RASC
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist RASC
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist RASC
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist RASC
    Motorcycle 6
    Allocation not known.


    Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    driver IC
    For the use of the Commanding officer
    Car light utility
    Quartermaster, driver IC
    Car light utility
    Captain RASC, batman driver

    15cwt GS
    Dental Officer, driver IC
    15cwt water tank
    water dutyman, driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 1
    driver IC
    For personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 2
    driver IC
    For personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 3
    driver IC
    For office equipment
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 4
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 5
    driver IC
    For stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 6
    driver IC
    For artificers, personnel and tools.
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 7
    driver IC
    For cooks
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 8
    driver IC
    For baggage and officers mess
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry 9
    driver IC
    For Quartermaster and anti gas stores

    Ambulance, two stretcher
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher
    2 X driver IC RASC

    Ambulance, four stretcher
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher,
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 4
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 5
    2 X driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, four stretcher, 4 X 2 6
    2 X driver IC RASC

    - Eight bicycles were provided for use round the site. They were carried in the transport for movement.
    - All the three ton lorries are listed as having penthouses. These served as wards and surgeries as well as for their designated role.


    4 X Section each
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant
    corporal nursing orderly
    2 X nursing orderly
    corporal clerk

    4 X driver IC RASC (including a batman driver)
    motorcyclist RASC
    cook ACC

    Motorcycle
    serjeant
    Motorcycle
    motorcyclist RASC

    Car, Light Utility
    batman driver RASC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS lorry with pent houses
    driver IC RASC
    For stores and personnel
    Ambulance, two stretcher
    driver IC RASC
    Ambulance, two stretcher
    driver IC RASC




    FIELD DRESSING STATION
    War Establishment II/301/1. August 1944
    Heavy Section
    Major, Officer Commanding
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    Subaltern, non medical
    Quartermaster

    staff Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant hospital cook
    2 X serjeant nursing orderly
    serjeant nursing orderly for duty as storeman for stewards store.

    cook
    hospital cook
    lance corporal nursing orderly
    12 X nursing orderly
    2 X ambulance nursing orderly
    nursing orderly as barber
    3 X nursing orderly as batman
    2 X corporal general duties
    lance corporal general duties
    corporal passive air defence and anti gas duties
    private passive air defence and anti gas duties
    lance corporal linen storeman
    corporal pack storeman
    stewards storeman
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    attached
    carpenter and joiner RE
    15 X driver IC RASC
    electrician RASC
    motorcyclist RASC
    transport serjeant RASC
    transport corporal RASC
    corporal vehicle mechanic RASC
    2 X cook ACC

    Total 78


    Vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt water
    7 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X ambulance 4 stretcher.

    Note:
    The Medical Officers are listed as Surgeons in the War Establishment Table.
    When the unit forms part of a Mountain Division the ambulances will be 2 stretcher 4 X 4 light ambulances instead of 4 stretcher 4 X 2 heavy ambulance.

    Motorcycle 1
    transport serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist

    Car 2seater 4 X 2
    driver IC
    Car 4seater 4 X 2
    driver IC

    15cwt water
    water dutyman, driver IC

    3ton 4 X 2 GS 1
    driver IC
    Carries mechanical stores, quartermaster stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS 2
    driver IC
    Carries mechanical stores, quartermaster stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS 3
    driver IC
    Carries mechanical stores, quartermaster stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS 4
    driver IC
    Carries mechanical stores, quartermaster stores and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS 5
    driver IC
    Carries baggage and personnel
    3ton 4 X 2 GS 6
    driver IC
    Carries cooks and rations
    3ton 4 X 2 GS 7
    driver IC
    Carries artificers, personnel and tools.

    Ambulance 4 stretcher.
    nursing orderly, driver IC
    Ambulance 4 stretcher.
    nursing orderly, driver IC


    Light Section
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant nursing orderly
    cook
    corporal nursing orderly
    5 X nursing orderly
    general dutyman
    4 X stretcher bearer
    driver IC
    cook ACC

    Total 16

    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Note that Field dressing Stations were also allocated on the scale of one per corps.





    FIELD HYGIENE SECTION
    War Establishment II/299/2. May 1944.
    War Establishment XIV/1280/1. February 1945

    Major, Officer Commanding (specialist in Hygiene)
    Advises the Assistant Director of Medical Services on hygiene matters
    staff serjeant sanitary assistant as duty NCO
    2 X staff serjeant sanitary assistant as sanitary inspectors.
    clerk (RAMC duties)
    nursing orderly as batman
    6 X corporal sanitary assistant as sanitary inspector
    5 X sanitary assistant as sanitary dutyman

    Attached
    staff serjeant, workshop foreman, RE. (can be a carpenter and joiner, bricklayer or sheet metal worker).
    bricklayer RE
    2 X carpenter and joiner RE
    painter and decorator RE
    sheet metal worker RE
    lance corporal driver IC RASC
    3 X driver IC RASC
    cook ACC

    vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    6 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 disinfector

    By February 1945:
    The duty NCO had been replaced by a non medical Subaltern
    One driver IC RASC was added
    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 were added
    2 X 10cwt trailer were added
    The 3ton 4 X 2 disinfector was deleted.

    Note that Field Hygiene Sections were allocated one per division, one per corps, and to army or line of communication areas as required.

    ‘The personnel of a field hygiene section act as sanitary police and perform similar duties to those of sanitary inspectors in civil life. They supervise labour employed in the removal and destruction of excreta and refuse. They carry out sanitary measures requiring skilled knowledge beyond that possessed by regimental personnel and are available to give advice and instruction.’ Field Service Pocket Book, Pamphlet No10.




    FIELD SURGICAL UNIT
    War Establishment III/168/1. July 1942.
    Major, Specialist in Surgery
    Captain or Lieutenant, Graded Anaesthetist
    Lance corporal nursing orderly
    2 X operation room assistant
    2 X nursing orderly
    batman
    3 X driver RASC

    1 X Car 4 seater for officers kit, batmen and replenishment of surgical supplies.
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS for theatre, technical equipment and supplies, fitted with half a penthouse.
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS for beds, mattresses etc.

    Officers carry a pistol
    Drivers RASC carry rifle or sub machine gun
    Medical personnel are unarmed.



    TRAUMATIC SHOCK TEAM
    War Establishment IV/270/1. August 1944.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Specialist in Pathology
    3 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant including
    2 X specialist in pathology
    1 X specialist anaethetist
    3 X laboratory assistant including two serjeants
    clerk orderly (clinical), shorthand typist
    driver RASC

    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2



    BASE TRANSFUSION UNIT.
    War Establishment IV/220/1. December 1943.
    Consisting of a Headquarters, a Blood Collecting Section and a Forward Distributing Section.

    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major
    Quartermaster Serjeant
    Corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    nursing orderlies for duty as
    batman
    corporal packer, storeman and general dutyman
    8 X packer, storeman and general dutyman (may be local civilians)
    serjeant transfusion orderly
    corporal transfusion orderly
    8 X transfusion orderly
    serjeant engine fitter RE
    batman driver RASC
    6 X driver IC RASC
    2 X relief driver RASC
    transport serjeant RASC
    corporal vehicle mechanic RASC
    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 Blood Refrigeration
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 Blood Refrigeration

    Blood Collecting Section
    This will be deleted if blood can be supplied from the UK.
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    clerk
    serjeant nursing orderly
    corporal transfusion orderly
    8 X transfusion orderly
    1 X 15cwt GS

    Forward Distributing Section
    Subaltern, non medical
    clerk
    corporal transfusion orderly
    3 X transfusion orderly
    corporal engine fitter RE
    batman driver RASC
    corporal driver RASC
    2 X driver RASC
    driver mechanic
    2 X motorcyclist
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X Car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 Blood Refrigeration.

    One Base Transfusion Unit is provided for each theatre of operations. It is based on a force of one army of two corps.

    For each additional corps the following will be added.
    Headquarters
    2 X nursing orderly as packer, storeman and general dutyman (may be local civilians)
    4 X transfusion orderly
    driver IC RASC
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Blood Refrigeration
    Forward Distributing Section
    transfusion orderly
    driver IC RASC
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Blood Refrigeration.

    For each additional army of two corps the following will be added.
    5 X nursing orderly as packer, storeman and general dutyman
    corporal transfusion orderly
    5 X transfusion orderly
    corporal driver IC RASC
    4 X driver IC RASC
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 Blood Refrigeration
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Blood Refrigeration
    One complete Forward Distributing Section



    FIELD TRANSFUSION UNIT
    War Establishment IV/47D/2. April 1944.
    For blood transfusion and resuscitation duties in the field. Will be attached to a medical unit.

    Captain or Lieutenant RAMC
    2 X transfusion orderlies RAMC
    driver IC RASC

    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS (blood transfusion)




    MEDICAL PLATOON for a MOTOR AMBULANCE CONVOY.
    War Establishment III/176/1. August 1942.
    Forms part of a Motor Ambulance Convoy and designed to provide necessary medical facilities for the collection and evacuation of casualties.
    serjeant nursing orderly
    4 X corporal nursing orderly
    29 X nursing orderly

    MEDICAL PLATOON for an AMBULANCE CAR COMPANY.
    War Establishment IV/119/1. August 1942.
    Forms part of an Ambulance Car Company and designed to provide necessary medical facilities for the collection and evacuation of casualties.
    serjeant nursing orderly
    4 X corporal nursing orderly
    29 X nursing orderly

    AMBULANCE TRAIN
    War Establishment IV/46/3. January 1943.
    To provide necessary medical facilities for a train carrying 360 laying cases.
    Lieutenant Colonel
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    corporal hospital cook
    3 X hospital cook
    20 X nursing orderly
    batman
    corporal orderly
    6 X orderly (including one trained in the use of carpenters tools)
    corporal pack storeman
    7 X orderly for ward duties
    2 X sister Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service

    Officers carry revolvers.
    Cook carries a rifle


    AMBULANCE TRAIN
    War Establishment IV/123/1. December 1942.
    To provide necessary medical facilities for a train carrying 250 lying cases.
    Major
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    Warrant Officer Class I Nursing Orderly as Wardmaster and Regimental Serjeant Major
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    corporal hospital cook
    hospital cook
    corporal nursing orderly
    13 X nursing orderly
    batman
    corporal general dutyman
    4 X general dutyman
    corporal linen and pack storeman
    5 X ward orderly (including one trained in the use of carpenters tools)
    fitter RE
    cook ACC
    2 X sister Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service

    Officers carry revolvers.
    RE and ACC personnel carry rifles.



    A HOSPITAL CARRIER.
    War Establishment IV/474/3. May 1943.
    This was intended to operate on a hospital carrier ship. In NW Europe these were small Landing Ship Infantry, ex cross Channel ferries. They were not strictly part of 21 Army Group since they were based in the UK but they did operate through Mulberry B and the Channel ports.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant.
    serjeant clerk
    clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    2 X mental nursing orderly
    serjeant nursing orderly
    corporal nursing orderly
    2 X lance corporal nursing orderly
    16 X nursing orderly
    Warrant Officer Class I Nursing Orderly as Wardmaster
    corporal nursing orderly as pack storeman
    nursing orderly as pack storeman
    corporal nursing orderly as linen storeman
    nursing orderly as linen storeman
    staff serjeant steward

    Sister in Charge QAIMNS
    5 X sister QAIMNS

    The duty of batman will be carried out by ships personnel. (As was cooking etc)

    When operating in a special role (on a hospital ship with operating theatre) the following additions were made
    2 X specialist or graded surgeon and specialist or graded anaesthetist
    2 X corporal nursing orderly
    15 X nursing orderly
    operating room assistant
    theatre assistant QAIMNS

    This was not usual in NW Europe since the sea crossing was short and emergency cases were evacuated by air.



    HOSPITAL SHIP.
    War Establishment IV/47/3. January 1943.
    For a Hospital Ship with 500 beds.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major second in command
    Major, Specialist Surgeon
    Major, Specialist Physician
    Warrant Officer Class I
    Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk for pay duties
    2 X clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    laboratory assistant
    6 X mental nursing assistant
    operation room assistant
    radiographer
    2 X special treatment orderly
    2 X barbers
    corporal general dutyman
    4 X general dutyman
    general duty man for dispensary
    corporal storeman, linen
    storeman, linen
    corporal storeman, pack
    storeman, pack
    staff serjeant steward

    Duties of batmen will be carried out by ships personnel.

    Since the size of ship varied the following increases will be allowed
    600 beds
    Officer
    2 X sisters and staff nurses
    10 X nursing orderly

    700 beds
    2 X officer
    4 X sister
    2 X staff nurse
    20 X nursing orderly

    800 beds
    2 X officer
    6 X sister and staff nurse
    staff serjeant dispenser
    corporal operation room assistant
    radiographer
    mental nursing orderly
    special treatment orderly
    clerk
    26 X nursing orderly

    900 beds
    4 X officer
    8 X sister and staff nurse
    staff serjeant dispenser
    corporal operation room assistant
    corporal nursing orderly
    operating room assistant
    radiographer
    mental nursing orderly
    special treatment orderly
    clerk
    35 X nursing orderly

    1000 beds
    5 X officer
    10 X sister and staff nurse
    staff serjeant dispenser
    2 X serjeant nursing orderly
    corporal operation room assistant
    2 X corporal nursing orderly
    operating room assistant
    radiographer
    mental nursing orderly
    special treatment orderly
    2 X clerk
    44 X nursing orderly

    For smaller ships the following reductions will be made
    400 beds
    sister
    5 X nursing orderly

    300 beds
    3 X sister and staff nurse
    corporal general dutyman
    clerk
    9 X nursing orderly

    200 beds
    Officer
    6 X sister and staff nurse
    serjeant dispenser
    corporal general dutyman
    clerk
    11 X nursing orderly
    barber
    2 X general dutyman

    100 beds
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Officer
    8 X sister and staff nurse
    Warrant Officer Class II
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant clerk
    corporal general dutyman
    clerk
    special treatment orderly
    nursing orderly for dispensary
    11 X nursing orderly
    barber
    2 X general dutyman
    pack storeman



    GENERAL HOSPITALS.
    There were eventually 31 General Hospitals of various sizes. Nos 6, 8, 9, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39, 67, 74, 75, 77, 79, 81, 84, 86, 88, 94, 96, 101, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 113, 115 and 121.

    A General Hospital is located in a base area or other sub area of the lines of communication. General Hospitals are usually in permanent buildings, requisitioned buildings or huts. Ward huts are designed to hold 35 beds, this being the most that can be conveniently looked after by one orderly. Less than 24 beds is uneconomical. Officers have separate, and smaller, wards.

    Huts are of a standard design, agreed between the RAMC and RE, and built by RE Works units.



    A GENERAL HOSPITAL (600 bed)
    War Establishment IV/226/1. December 1943.
    The Medical and Surgical Divisions of this unit will consist of 500 general medical and surgical beds together with one section of one hundred beds which may be
    General Medical and Surgical
    Orthopaedic
    Psychiatric
    VD or any other speciality

    Headquarters
    Colonel
    Major, Registrar, non medical officer RAMC
    Subaltern, Company Officer, non medical officer RAMC
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Quartermaster Serjeant
    Warrant Officer Steward
    Warrant Officer Clerk
    3 X serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal clerk
    6 X clerk
    serjeant hospital cook
    2 X corporal hospital cook
    8 X hospital cook
    staff serjeant nursing orderly for regimental duties
    nursing orderlies for duty as
    6 X batman
    serjeant general dutyman
    cororal general dutyman
    9 X general dutyman
    2 X officers mess orderly
    5 X nursing officers mess orderly
    serjeants mess orderly
    postman
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    3 X servants for nursing officers quarters
    corporal clothing storeman
    2 X clothing storeman
    corporal linen storeman
    linen storeman
    serjeant pack storeman
    2 X pack storeman
    2 X corporal stewards storeman
    2 X stewards storeman
    sanitary assistant

    Medical and Surgical Division
    2 X Lieutenant Colonel
    13 X Major, Captain or Subaltern
    2 X corporal clerk for clinical duties
    4 X clerk for clinical duties
    staff serjeant dispenser
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant laboratory assistant
    laboratory assistant
    2 X corporal masseur (one trained in occupational therapy) (May be civilians)
    3 X mental nursing orderly
    2 X serjeant nursing orderly
    corporal nursing orderly
    16 X nursing orderly
    nursing orderlies for duty as
    laboratory orderly
    2 X staff serjeant wardmaster
    20 X ward orderly
    corporal operating room assistant
    2 X operating room assistant
    serjeant radiographer
    radiographer
    2 X transfusion orderly
    serjeant for general or special section
    corporal for general or special section
    8 X for general or special section
    Note: the personnel of the special section remained the same in number but varied in specialisms according to function.

    Chaplain RAChD
    carpenter and joiner RE
    electrician, wireman RE
    engine hand RE
    3 X driver RASC
    Major, Captain or Subaltern AD
    clerk orderly AD Corp
    corporal dental mechanic AD Corp
    officers mess cook ACC
    2 X nursing officers mess cook ACC
    serjeants mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC
    batman for chaplain, from any arm.

    Matron QAIMNS
    Assistant Matron QAIMNS
    3 X Theatre Sister QAIMNS
    45 X Sister QAIMNS

    3 X bicycle
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS


    A GENERAL HOSPITAL (1200 bed)
    War Establishment IV/227/1. December 1943.
    The Medical and Surgical Divisions of this unit will consist of 1000 general medical and surgical beds together with two sections of one hundred beds which may be
    General Medical and Surgical
    Orthopaedic
    Psychiatric
    VD or any other speciality

    Headquarters
    Colonel
    Major, Registrar, non medical officer RAMC
    Subaltern, Company Officer, non medical officer RAMC
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Warrant Officer Steward
    Warrant Officer Clerk
    4 X serjeant clerk
    3 X corporal clerk
    9 X clerk
    staff serjeant hospital cook
    2 X serjeant hospital cook
    2 X corporal hospital cook
    14 X hospital cook
    staff serjeant nursing orderly for regimental duties
    nursing orderlies for duty as
    8 X batman
    serjeant general dutyman
    cororal general dutyman
    20 X general dutyman
    3 X officers mess orderly
    7 X nursing officers mess orderly
    serjeants mess orderly
    corporal postman
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    4 X servants for nursing officers quarters
    serjent clothing storeman
    corporal clothing storeman
    2 X clothing storeman
    serjeant linen storeman
    corporal linen storeman
    2 X linen storeman
    serjeant pack storeman
    corporal pack storeman
    2 X pack storeman
    serjeant stewards storeman
    2 X corporal stewards storeman
    4 X stewards storeman
    corporal sanitary assistant

    Medical and Surgical Division
    2 X Lieutenant Colonel
    23 X Major, Captain or Subaltern
    2 X corporal clerk for clinical duties
    4 X clerk for clinical duties
    staff serjeant dispenser
    2 X serjeant dispenser
    serjeant laboratory assistant
    corporal laboratory assistant
    serjeant masseur (may be civilian)
    corporal masseur trained in occupational therapy (may be civilian)
    masseur (may be civilian)
    corporal mental nursing orderly
    4 X mental nursing orderly
    2 X serjeant nursing orderly
    2 X corporal nursing orderly
    26 X nursing orderly
    nursing orderlies for duty as
    laboratory orderly
    3 X staff serjeant wardmaster
    40 X ward orderly
    corporal operating room assistant
    2 X operating room assistant
    serjeant radiographer
    2 X radiographer
    2 X transfusion orderly
    2 X serjeant for general or special sections
    2 X corporal for general or special sections
    12 X for general or special sections

    Chaplain RAChD
    carpenter and joiner RE
    electrician, wireman RE
    engine hand RE
    3 X driver RASC
    Major, Captain or Subaltern AD
    orporal clerk orderly AD Corp
    serjeant dental mechanic AD Corp
    3 X dental mechanic
    2 X officers mess cook ACC
    corporal cook nursing officers mess cook ACC
    2 X nursing officers mess cook ACC
    2 X serjeants mess cook ACC
    corporal cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC
    batman for chaplain, from any arm.

    Matron QAIMNS
    Assistant Matron QAIMNS
    3 X Theatre Sister QAIMNS
    74 X Sister QAIMNS

    3 X bicycle
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS



    A GENERAL HOSPITAL (200 bed)
    War Establishment IV/228/1. January 1944.
    Including 20 beds for offices and an ophthalmic section.
    This small General Hospital was intended for use in a Corps area and in practice functioned as a Casualty Clearing Station.

    Lieutenant Colonel
    7 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    Subaltern, Company Officer, non medical officer RAMC
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Serjeant Major, acts as chief wardmaster
    Warrant Officer Steward
    staff serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    corporal clerk for clinical duties
    clerk for clinical duties
    staff serjeant dispenser
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant hospital cook
    corporal hospital cook
    4 X hospital cook
    corporal laboratory assistant
    laboratory assistant
    corporal masseur (may be civilian)
    3 X mental nursing orderly
    2 X corporal nursing orderly
    18 X nursing orderly
    nursing orderlies for duty as
    4 X batman
    4 X batman for nursing officers
    serjeant general dutyman
    cororal general dutyman
    10 X general dutyman
    officers mess orderly (may be civilian)
    2 X nursing officers mess orderly (may be civilian)
    corporal clothing storeman
    2 X clothing storeman
    corporal linen storeman
    linen storeman
    pack storeman
    2 X serjeant wardmaster
    corporal wardmaster
    10 X ward orderlies
    2 X operating room assistant
    serjeant radiographer
    radiographer
    transfusion orderly
    sanitary assistant
    2 X special section orderly

    Ophthalmic Section
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant, Graded or Specialist Ophthalmologist
    clerk
    serjeant optician

    Chaplain RAChD
    electrician, wireman RE
    engine hand RE
    5 X driver RASC
    Major, Captain or Subaltern AD
    clerk orderly AD Corp
    corporal dental mechanic AD Corp
    officers mess cook ACC
    nursing officers mess cook ACC
    serjeants mess cook ACC
    2 X cook ACC
    batman for chaplain, from any arm.

    Matron QAIMNS
    Assistant Matron QAIMNS
    2 X Theatre Sister QAIMNS
    18 X Sister QAIMNS

    4 X bicycle
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    3 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS




    A NEUROPATHIC HOSPITAL
    War Establishment IV/43A/2. January 1943.
    600 beds including 60 officers.
    Headquarters
    Colonel
    Registrar, Non Medical
    Quartermaster
    Warrant Officer Class I Mental Nursing Orderly and Regimental Serjeant Major
    Warrant Officer Class II Steward and Quartermaster Serjeant

    carpenter and joiner
    staff serjeant clerk
    serjeant clerk, orderly room duties
    clerk orderly room duties
    serjeant clerk pay duties
    clerk pay duties
    serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal clerk
    6 X clerk
    serjeant hospital cook
    corporal hospital cook
    6 X hospital cook
    7 X batman
    6 X batman for nursing sisters
    serjeant general dutyman
    3 X corporal general dutyman
    9 X general dutyman
    2 X general dutyman for officers mess
    corporal sanitary dutyman
    sanitary dutyman
    corporal storeman, clothing
    2 X storeman, clothing
    corporal storeman linen
    storeman, linen
    serjeant storeman, pack
    2 X storeman, pack
    2 X corporal steward 2 X steward

    3 X Chaplain
    electrician RE
    engine hand IC RE
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant RADC
    serjeant dental mechanic RADC
    serjeant dental clerk orderly RADC
    corporal cook ACC
    5 X cook ACC
    batman for chaplains

    Matron QAIMNS
    Assistant Matron QAIMNS
    40 X sister and staff nurse QAIMNS
    All QAIMNS trained in mental nursing duties

    Psychotic and Neurotic Division
    Lieutenant Colonel, Specialist in Psychiatry in charge of Psychotic Division
    Lieutenant Colonel, Specialist in Psychiatry in charge of Neurotic Division
    Major, Specialist in Medicine
    Major, Specialist in Pathology
    6 X Major, Specialist in Psychiatry
    6 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant experienced in Psychiatry

    staff serjeant dispenser
    2 X serjeant dispenser
    laboratory assiatant
    masseur
    2 X serjeant mental nursing orderly
    20 X mental nursing orderly
    2 X corporal nursing orderly
    14 X nursing orderly
    2 X special treatment orderly
    2 X staff serjeant ward orderly as wardmaster
    20 X ward orderly

    For each additional 100 beds in excess of 100 the following additions to the establishment may be made
    2 X officer
    serjeant mental nursing orderly
    corporal mental nursing orderly
    4 X mental nursing orderly
    clerk
    hospital cook
    3 X nursing orderly
    5 X sisters QAIMNS


    NEUROSURGICAL UNIT.
    War Establishment IV/135/1. February 1943.
    Major, Neurosurgical Specialist
    Major, Anaesthetist
    Major, Neurologist
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    2 X operation room assistant
    2 X batman
    2 X theatre sister QAIMNS




    A CONVALESCENT DEPOT (2,000 MEN) RAMC
    War Establishment IV/44/2. May 1944.
    Consisting of a Headquarters and two divisions, each of 4 companies of 250 men.

    RAMC
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major, Captain or Subaltern, Medical Officer
    serjeant dispenser
    corporal masseur (may be civilian)
    2 X masseur (may be civilian)
    corporal nursing orderly
    3 X nursing orderly

    Attached
    3 X Chaplain
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant RADC
    2 X clerk orderly RADC
    corporal dental mechanic RADC
    serjeant instructor APTC
    officers mess cook ACC
    staff serjeant cook ACC
    2 X serjeant cook ACC
    4 X corporal cook ACC
    23 X cook ACC

    Captain, Adjutant
    Captain or Subaltern, Duty Officer
    Quartermaster
    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    4 X bandsmen or entertainer
    barber
    4 X batman
    serjeant carpenter and joiner
    2 X serjeant clerk
    3 X clerk
    driver IC
    officers mess orderly
    2 X postman
    serjeant regimental policeman
    3 X regimental policeman
    serjeant sanitary dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman

    1 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    A fire fighting sub section Type B is attached.

    Each division
    Major RAMC
    4 X serjeant instructor
    Captain or Subaltern Duty Officer
    Regimental Serjeant Major
    4 X Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    batman
    clerk



    OFFICERS CONVALESCENT WING.
    War Establishment IV/268/1. June 1944.
    For 100 officers.
    Will be attached for all purposes to a Convalescent Depot.

    Major
    Subaltern, Adjutant
    company quartermaster serjeant
    corporal cook
    4 X cook
    driver IC RASC
    corporal general dutyman
    24 X general dutyman
    2 X instructor APTC
    2 X masseurs RAMC (may be civilian)
    6 X mess orderly
    corporal nursing orderly
    nursing orderly
    serjeant officers mess steward

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 troop carrying

    For each additional 50 officers
    Cook
    10 X general dutymen
    3 X mess orderly
    masseur
    nursing orderly



    A BASE DEPOT OF MEDICAL STORES.
    War Establishment IV/45/1. March 1944.

    Major
    Quartermaster
    Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    serjeant instrument mechanic surgical
    operating room assistant
    batman
    corporal storeman
    10 X packer and storeman

    Optical section
    clerk
    nursing orderly
    staff serjeant optician
    serjeant optician
    carpenter and joiner RE
    cook ACC

    A fire fighting section Type B is attached.

    When a store is selected to hold sera and vaccines, or for the provision of nitrous oxide gas, the following may be added
    serjeant nursing orderly
    corporal nursing orderly
    2 X nursing orderly


    BASE DEPOT of MEDICAL STORES, CIVIL AFFAIRS INCREMENT.
    War Establishment IV/247/1. April 1944.
    To be attached for all purposes to a Base Depot of Medical Stores.
    Quartermaster
    staff serjeant dispenser
    clerk
    nursing orderly as storeman


    AN ADVANCED DEPOT OF MEDICAL STORES
    War Establishment III/51/3. March 1944.
    Captain (non medical officer)
    corporal clerk
    serjeant dispenser
    nursing orderly as batman
    3 X nursing orderly as packers and storeman

    attached
    carpenter and joiner RE
    driver IC RASC

    1 X 15cwt GS



    CAPTURED ENEMY EQUIPMENT SECTION (MEDICAL)
    War Establishment XIV/1322/1. November 1944.
    To be administered by a base depot medical stores.
    Quartermaster RAMC
    2 X serjeant dispenser RAMC
    corporal clerk RAMC
    clerk RAMC
    7 X driver IC RASC
    1 X 15cwt GS
    6 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS

    Pioneer, civilian or Prisoner of War labour may be attached up to a total of 26.



    STANDING MEDICAL BOARD
    War Establishment XIV/1320/1. September 1944.
    To be administered by a convalescent depot.
    Lieutenant Colonel, President
    Medical Officer
    2 X clerk RAMC
    batman driver
    1 X car 2 seat 4 X 2



    MEDICAL EVACUATION STAFF
    War Establishment XIV/1321/1. September 1944.
    Assistant Director of Medical Services, Lieutenant Colonel
    3 X Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services
    2 X serjeant clerk RAMC
    2 X corporal clerk RAMC
    5 X clerk RAMC
    2 X batman driver
    2 X car 2 seat 4 X 2.

    Headquarters
    Attached to Rear Headquarters 21 Army Group
    Assistant Director of Medical Services, Lieutenant Colonel
    Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services
    serjeant clerk RAMC
    corporal clerk RAMC
    2 X clerk RAMC
    batman driver
    1 X car 2 seat 4 X 2.

    Air Evacuation Section
    Attached to the airfield being used for casualty evacuation
    Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services
    clerk RAMC

    Embarkation Section
    Attached to the authority controlling the port being used for casualty evacuation.
    Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services
    serjeant clerk RAMC
    corporal clerk RAMC
    2 X clerk RAMC
    batman driver
    1 X car 2 seat 4 X 2.




    MAXILLO-FACIAL SURGICAL UNIT
    War Establishment IV/47C/2. December 1943.
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant Specialist or Graded Surgeon RAMC
    Major, Captain or Lieutenant Specialist or Graded Anaesthetist RAMC
    corporal operating room assistant RAMC
    operating room assistant RAMC
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant Specialist or Graded Maxillo-Facial Dental Surgeon ADC
    2 X corporal clerk orderly ADC
    staff serjeant dental mechanic ADC
    serjeant dental mechanic ADC
    Theatre Sister QAIMNS



    AN ENTOMOLOGICAL FIELD UNIT
    War Establishment IV/201/1. September 1943.

    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant (specialist or graded specialist in hygiene)
    2 X serjeant laboratory assistant
    2 X nursing orderly for general duties
    driver IC RASC

    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater


    A BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SECTION
    War Establishment IV/192/1. October 1943.

    Type A
    Major or Captain (may be specialist or graded officer as required)
    clerk (shorthand typist) RASC
    driver IC RASC
    2 X staff serjeant, Interviewing NCO.
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seat 4 X 4

    Type B
    2 X Major or Captain (may be specialist or graded officer as required)
    clerk (shorthand typist) RASC
    driver IC RASC
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seat 4 X 4

    Type C
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major or Captain (may be specialist or graded officer as required)
    clerk (shorthand typist) RASC
    driver IC RASC
    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seat 4 X 4


    PORT DETACHMENT RAMC
    War Establishment IV/204/1. November 1943.
    serjeant nursing orderly
    2 X nursing orderly

    To be attached to a Docks Operating Company RE.
    Personnel may be of low medical category.




    FIELD DENTAL LABORATORY.
    War Establishment IV/239/1. February 1944.
    Major
    staff serjeant dental technician
    serjeant clerk orderly
    corporal dental mechanic
    6 X dental mechanic
    clerk orderly
    general dutyman

    1 X motorcycle


    FIELD DENTAL CENTRE (OPERATIONAL)
    War Establishment IV/240/1. March 1944.
    A
    Major Captain or Lieutenant
    Corporal clerk orderly
    B
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal clerk orderly
    clerk orderly
    C
    Major or Captain
    2 X Major, Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal clerk orderly
    2 X clerk orderly
    D
    Major
    3 X Major, Captain of Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    3 X clerk orderly


    FIELD DENTAL CENTRE (NON OPERATIONAL)
    War Establishment IV/242/1. March 1944.
    60% of personnel may be of low medical category.
    1 X Dental Chair
    Captain or Lieutenant
    clerk orderly
    2 X Dental Chair
    2 X Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal clerk orderly
    clerk orderly
    3 X Dental Chair
    3 X Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal clerk orderly
    2 X clerk orderly
    4 X Dental Chair
    4 X Captain or Lieutenant
    corporal clerk orderly
    3 X clerk orderly
    5 X Dental Chair
    Major
    4 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    4 X clerk orderly
    6 X Dental Chair
    Major
    5 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    5 X clerk orderly
    7 X Dental Chair
    Major
    6 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    corporal clerk orderly
    5 X clerk orderly
    8 X Dental Chair
    Major
    7 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    corporal clerk orderly
    6 X clerk orderly
    9 X Dental Chair
    Major
    8 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    corporal clerk orderly
    7 X clerk orderly
    10 X Dental Chair
    Major
    9 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    corporal clerk orderly
    8 X clerk orderly
    11 X Dental Chair
    Major
    10 X Captain or Lieutenant
    serjeant clerk orderly
    2 X corporal clerk orderly
    8 X clerk orderly
    20 X Dental Chair
    Colonel
    2 X Major
    17 X Captain or Lieutenant
    staff serjeant clerk orderly
    serjeant clerk orderly
    3 X corporal clerk orderly
    5 X clerk orderly


    OPERATIONS
    (Military not surgical)
    When planning an operation the General Staff gave a forecast of anticipated casualties. On this basis the Adjutant Generals Staff and medical staff estimated the number of medical units that should be opened and the amount of transport required. There were tables which predicted the probable proportions of lying, sitting and walking wounded. If the calculations showed a need for more transport then the Quartermaster Generals Staff should provide it.

    The divisional Assistant Director of Medical Services (ADMS) made his plan based on the staff calculations. The plan would show what proportion of the division’s medical resources would be opened and what proportion should be kept in reserve. Medical units in the field cannot respond very rapidly. They take some time to open, about an hour for an Advanced Dressing Station and two hours for a Main Dressing Station. More significantly they take a long time to close. The actual dismantling and packing up takes about the same time as the opening up but once there are casualties in the system they must be treated, processed and evacuated before the unit can start to close down. It is important that no more medical units should be opened than are actually required. At the same time there must be reserves to meet unexpected demand.

    The location of the dressing stations was important. They must be close enough to the front for casualties to reach them quickly, but not so close as to be in great danger from enemy action. Once the locations were decided then the arrangements for evacuating casualties to and from the dressing stations could be made. These arrangements together with the times when various units would open and close would be included in orders issued to all units.

    Most of the work in the forward areas concentrated on evacuation of casualties. Every fighting unit will had a Regimental Aid Post. This was manned by the battalion or regimental Medical Officer. Unit stretcher bearers, often aided by jeeps, carriers, scout cars or half tracks would evacuate casualties to the Regimental Aid Post. It was a principle that casualties should be collected by the next higher formation and forward personnel should not go back to the rear with casualties.

    A thousand yards is the maximum practical distance that stretcher bearers can carry a casualty. This meant that a Car Post should be established some thousand yards behind a Regimental Aid Post. This was the point to which ambulance cars could operate. If it was not practical to establish a Car Post then a Bearer Relay Post should be established. Stretcher bearers from the Field Ambulance would take over the casualty and carry him to the Car Post. Motor ambulances should be sent forward automatically, but a concentration of cars should be avoided. Thus every time a motor ambulance arrived at an Advanced Dressing Station a replacement should be sent forward.

    The Advanced Dressing Station should be only a few minutes from the Regimental Aid Post. This distance varied with the extent to which motor ambulances could approach the front. Light Ambulances were four wheel drive and could usually get well forward. The Advanced Dressing Station was the collection point from Regimental Aid Posts. Normally only one company would open at a time, leaving the other in reserve to move forward if necessary. Only very urgent treatment was carried out here. Dressings were adjusted and hot drinks were provided.

    Casualties were collected from the Advanced Dressing Station and taken to the Main Dressing Station. Usually the larger 4 stretcher ambulance cars were used here. The pace was more leisurely but still only urgent treatment was carried out. Anti tetanus injections were given. However at this point the casualty’s details were taken and record keeping began. Also there was a salvage point where weapons and ammunition were collected. In theory the casualty’s weapons should have been evacuated with him.

    In order to relieve the pressure of the dressing stations there was a separate system for the walking wounded. Less serious cases were directed to a Walking Wounded Collection Post some two miles behind the front line. Troop carrying lorries transported walking wounded direct to a Casualty Clearing Station, missing out the Advanced Dressing Station and the Main Dressing Station, and avoiding the use of ambulance cars.

    From Casualty Clearing Stations casualties could follow one of several routes:
    - Lightly wounded might be returned to their units after a brief period of treatment and rest.
    - More serious cases might be taken to a convalescent hospital before being sent to a reinforcement centre for return to a unit.
    - The most serious cases would be evacuated to the UK. When possible air evacuation was used. Otherwise evacuation was by hospital train and hospital ship.



    As the campaign progressed it was found that the balance of medical services needed adjustment. When units were permanently part of a division or corps there was an obvious danger that some would be overworked when the parent formation was in action, or underused when the parent formation was out of the line. The obvious answer would be to transfer units from one formation to the other but commanders always resisted releasing any units.

    The Casualty Clearing Station was generally the most useful medical unit and as a temporary measure spare Field Dressing Stations were routinely attached to Casualty Clearing Stations in order to increase their capacity. In early 1945 the Casualty Clearing Station was enlarged and made Army troops rather than Corps troops. It now could provide for 80 casualties in beds and 120 on stretchers. It was given more Medical Officers, Nursing Officers QAIMNS and extra transport. This gave greater flexibility. In a large set piece action Casualty Clearing Stations were used in pairs with each receiving casualties alternately. A Field Dressing Station acted as a buffer, sorting out less serious cases.

    The Field Dressing Station was very mobile and flexible. However its flexibility led to its being misused. They were very effective when working as Advanced Surgical Centres with a Field Surgical Unit and a Field Transfusion Unit attached. These were particularly useful in mobile operations. Field Dressing Stations were also useful when increasing the capacity of Casualty Clearing Stations. All too often they were used as centres for minor sick and exhaustion cases, prisoner of war hospitals and camp reception centres. The scale was changed from two per infantry division to one per division, two per corps, one per army and one per corps held as GHQ troops.

    Light Field Ambulances were underused. Initially each Independent Armoured Brigade had one. However when assigned to a division the divisional resources were generally adequate. From early 1945 one Light Field Ambulance per two brigades was held as Army troops.

    The Advanced Depot of Medical Stores was given a mobile element of two 3ton lorries to carry a store of essential supplies within a Corps.

    In practice the General Hospital of 220 beds was used as a Casualty Clearing Station. In this role a Field Surgical Unit had to be attached.




    In the assault stage of the D Day operation Field Ambulances landed with brigades and battalions and each beach group landed on D-day with a self-contained medical organisation comprising two Field Dressing Stations, two Field Surgical Units and a Field Transfusion Unit supplemented by small surgical teams. Field Dressing Stations were working and surgeons were performing operations in all the beach groups by H+90.

    By D+2 it was possible to concentrate the Casualty Clearing Stations and the hospitals which began to arrive at the beach-head into three principal medical areas. The Field Dressing Stations within the corps were situated near the casualty clearing stations and attended to the lightly wounded, exhaustion cases and sick, leaving the Casualty Clearing Stations clear to handle major casualties. The hospitals in the rear medical areas received casualties from the corps Casualty Clearing Station.

    Casualty Evacuation Posts were established on each of the three beach sectors on D-day. Later the evacuation of casualties was simplified by concentrating the casualties in Jig and Mike beaches. This central Casualty Evacuation Post at Courseulles was enlarged and formed out of two Field Dressing Stations, two Field Surgical Units and one Field Transfusion Unit. It had accommodation for 1,500 casualties and held cases until shipping and weather permitted evacuation. Evacuation to UK was by means of LSTs modified to carry stretcher cases, hospital ships and medically manned LSTs for walking wounded. These were loaded initially off-shore by DUKWs specially allotted for medical purposes.

    Evacuation by air began on 13 June, but was at first uncertain. A week later a more formal organisation was introduced. A Medical Air Liaison Officer was attached to 83 Group RAF. 81 General Hospital was made the principal collecting centre for casualties to be evacuated by air, and a single air strip was selected for evacuation purposes. RAF Casualty Air Evacuation Units began to arrive at this time and assisted in holding casualties on the airfield until aircraft were available.

    To meet the expected demands for transfusion fluids in the early days of the operation, the following arrangements were made:-
    (i) Special issues of blood were made to the assault forces.
    (ii) Field Transfusion Units landed with an estimated supply to last two days.
    (iii) Transfusion fluids were included in the maintenance blocks.
    (iv) Two Advance Blood Banks were landed on D+3 and allocated to each of the corps fronts.
    (v) Supplies of whole blood were sent initially from UK by naval despatch launch and later from D+16 by air.

    With one exception all hospitals at this stage were tented. Major medical installations in the bridgehead on 26 July amounted to twelve Casualty Clearing Stations and nineteen General Hospitals. In addition three Base Depot Medical Stores had arrived for the supply of medical equipment. By 26 September another seventeen General Hospitals and two additional Base Depot Medical Stores had arrived.

    When the break-out occurred the evacuation line lengthened and a period of rapid movement and development of an air shuttle service began. As far as Falaise all corps casualties were cleared by ambulance car company. By the time the SEINE was reached the distance was far too great for large-scale evacuation by road and an ambulance railhead opened and daily ambulance trains were organised.

    During the pursuit to the Dutch frontier hospitals moved rapidly along the axes of both of the armies and by continually leap-frogging each other, ensured that the major medical services were always within reach of the forward troops. After the advance had gone beyond the Seine and until Brussels was reached, the chief method of evacuation was by Sparrow aircraft (the Sparrow flight consisted of six obsolete bomber Harrow aircraft). When Brussels was reached most cases went by Dakota aircraft to UK. At a later stage casualties were despatched from Brussels by rail.

    For operation Market Garden 500-700 casualties were evacuated daily by air from Brussels to UK, and in addition a rail lift to Amiens for 200-300 daily was organised. An ambulance train formed from recaptured British and Belgium stock and staffed by Belgian Red Cross personnel made its first run from Brussels to Amiens on 20 September.

    The advanced depots medical stores could not move at the speed required to maintain a satisfactory supply system. To overcome this, mobile elements were formed from the depots, consisting each of two three-ton lorries and a supply of medical equipment.

    The quick advance of the armies had left the majority of the hospitals in the RMA. It was necessary to provide hospitals in the advanced base and with winter approaching these could not be tented. The problem was solved by taking over all existing civilian and German military hospitals and by converting many large schools and convents

    Gradually convalescent depot facilities were increased and it was eventually possible to hold in theatre all cases likely to be returned to duty in 30 days.

    The medical area of the RMA was reduced to one general hospital and gradually all other line of communication hospitals moved into Belgium. Any cases in France were accepted by US medical services.

    Evacuation by hospital ship from the RMA continued from Arromanches until mid December. Hospital ships continued to evacuate casualties from Dieppe until mid November, but the main port for sea evacuation was Ostend. Movement to Ostend from other hospital areas was by hospital train. Air evacuation was through Brussels or, later, Bruges.

    In 1945 VAD and ATS personnel were posted to general hospitals in steadily increasing numbers from March onwards. In February the period for holding casualties and patients on the Continent was extended to forty-two days.

    Railway facilities were such that up to the time of the Rhine crossing casualties could be despatched almost direct from the fighting fronts to the various L of C hospital centres. There were eleven British ambulance trains and one Belgian Red Cross train connecting the main medical areas in the advance base. Within the L of C two diesel-engined ambulance rail cars, each with a capacity of about thirty patients, started to operate on 24 March and proved invaluable in collecting and distributing patients between the centres of air evacuation and outlying hospitals.

    The majority of road evacuation immediately behind the armies was undertaken by two RASC ambulance car companies, assisted by a third manned by American Field Service personnel who arrived from CMF in April.

    It was the responsibility of the Medical Services to examine all British and US PW and to dust them with de-lousing powder before they were evacuated to UK. In addition, by 8 May 919 ex-PW had been evacuated through medical channels.

    The responsibility for Displaced Persons was primarily that of the Military Government authorities, but great assistance was given by the military Medical Services in providing hospital facilities and in supervising the hygiene and sanitation of Displaced Persons camps.

    The German military hospitals which were over-run in the advance were full of wounded. As the German administrative system was completely disrupted groups of Wehrmacht hospitals were supervised by British medical units. Two Captured Enemy Medical Equipment Sections which had been formed earlier in the campaign and which had been sorting captured medical equipment in Belgium were brought into Germany to locate and concentrate the German medical store depots.

    British medical units were called in to provide hospital, nursing and hygiene facilities at the concentration camps.

    The British Red Cross Society and the Order of St John of Jerusalem provided extra comforts for patients. Lady welfare officers were attached to all hospitals, convalescent depots and later to CCSs. They provided a supply of books, toilet requisites, cigarettes and games, as well as small articles of furniture, clothing and equipment which were not usually obtainable from army sources. Three Red Cross ambulance car platoons assisted RASC ambulance car companies in carrying on casualty evacuation in the L of C areas. These were not all staffed by Red Cross personnel but included sections from other charitable institutions including St Johns Ambulance, Scouts International (including Girl Guides) and Friends Ambulance Unit. The work of a Red Cross chiropody unit working in the Ostend and Antwerp areas was so valuable that arrangements were made for two more to be sent from UK. The British Red Cross Society Commission established two hostels to accommodate the relatives of dangerously ill patients. By agreement with the War Office a scheme for bringing relatives of dangerously ill patients into the theatre commenced on 15 March. Two British Red Cross Society convalescent homes, one for male and one for female officers, were opened in Brussels and two further convalescent homes were set up on the Belgian coast in the second half of May.

    There were also British voluntary organisations working with the French Army. The Hadfield Spears Hospital Trust provided female nurses and drivers for the 1st French Division, helped by a section of the Friends Ambulance Unit. Another Friends Ambulance Unit section worked with the 2nd French Armoured Division.

    A unit of the American Field Service arrived in March from the 8th Army in Italy.



    BATTALION MEDICAL OFFICER
    All battalion sized units had a Medical Officer RAMC and a number of personnel from the unit who were trained as orderlies and stretcher bearers.

    In an infantry battalion the medical establishment was
    Medical Officer RAMC
    medical officers orderly/driver
    medical serjeant
    corporal stretcher bearer
    19 X stretcher bearers.

    The Medical Officer was a fully trained doctor and held the rank of Captain. He was attached to the unit and not a part of it. He was responsible for all medical matters in the unit. When not in action he filled much the same role as a civilian General Practitioner, treating illnesses that were within his competence and referring others to military hospitals. In action he established a Regimental Aid Post to the rear of the unit’s position and made the location known to all personnel. Here first aid was given, dressings applied or adjusted and an evacuation sheet filled in if the casualty was being sent further to the rear.

    The Medical Officer was assisted by a medical serjeant who was trained in emergency treatment by the RAMC. He was normally a serjeant from the unit but in some cases might be medical student or officer candidate attached from the RAMC. He carried a medical bag with dressings and drugs and was responsible for the medical hamper which contained the units supply of drugs and instruments for use by the Medical Officer or medical orderly.

    There was also a Medical Officers orderly who was provided by the battalion and acted as driver and general non medical assistant. He should not be confused with the medical orderly.

    Working to the Regimental Aid Post were the stretcher bearers who were trained in first aid. They were allocated to companies as required. All stretcher bearers could be armed with a Sten gun for self defence. In peace time the battalion band doubled as stretcher bearers.

    The unit also provided a batman for the Medical officer.


    Medical Equipment
    A medical orderly carried the following equipment
    - A medical satchel with
    Picric Acid dressings for burns
    Bandages
    Bandages for burns
    Plasters
    Hydrophilic Plasters (waterproof)
    Evacuation tags – to be filled in by the Medical officer and tied to the casualties clothing
    - Water flask

    He might also carry the following anaesthetics intended for front line use
    - Chloroform. A glass phial in a cotton bag was broken so that the contents were released to be inhaled by the casualty
    - Morphine. A single injectable dose was supplied in a tube with a needle attached. When this was administered it had to be recorded on the evacuation tag.


    The Medical Orderly was also responsible for maintaining the Regimental Pannier. This was a wicker basket covered in canvas and containing the following
    A metal box containing
    Anti tetanus serum
    Anti cathar salts (for restoring consciousness)
    Mercury chloride (a purgative)
    Bicarbonate of soda (for indigestion)
    Disinfectants
    Cough drops
    Gentian violet (disinfectant)
    Sulfamides (antiseptic powder)
    Lysol tablets (for disinfecting instruments)
    Antiseptic cream
    Zinc oxide scarring cream
    Iodine
    Collyre (for eye burns)
    Ammoniac liquor
    Analgesic
    Aspirin
    Morphine
    Tournique
    Bandages
    Gauze
    Surgical scissors and instruments
    Needles and sutures
    These were not only for combat use. The Medical Officer cared for the unit personnel on a daily basis, holding sick parades and prescribing treatment that the nursing orderly dispensed.

    Each soldier carried a field dressing. This fitted in a pocket in the battle dress trousers.

    All army bandages, dressings and plasters were khaki coloured.


    Stretchers.
    Stretchers were fairly sturdy. There were two side members of stout square section wood. These were shaped into carrying handles at each end. Stout canvas was fixed between the side members. There were two collapsible metal struts, one close to each end, which held the stretcher rigid when in use but allowed it to be folded into a smaller space for carriage and stowing when not in use. There were four legs which allowed the stretcher to be placed on the ground while keeping the canvas and thus the casualty clear of it. These also fitted into channels in stretcher frames of ambulances.

    A stretcher could be carried by two men in which case there was one at each end. A strap attached to each handle and passing round the neck of the bearer could be used to take some of the weight. Alternatively four bearers could be used for longer distances.


    A Light Field Ambulance.
    An armoured division had a Light Field Ambulance to operate with the armoured brigade. It differed from the standard Field Ambulance in that it was organised to be more mobile and flexible to meet the requirements of a mobile unit. There was a headquarters and four sections which could operate independently. The headquarters was much as for the Field Ambulance in an infantry division and provided a Main Dressing Station.

    The four sections could operate well forward, one in support of each armoured regiment if necessary although it would generally be more efficient to centralise them and open only those that were required for a specific military operation. Obviously stretcher bearers were not suitable for an armoured battle where they would be too slow and very exposed. The work normally done by bearers was spread between the increased provision of medical vehicles to an armoured regiment and the increased number of light ambulances in the Light Field Ambulance.

    Each armoured regiment had a halftrack for the medical officer plus two halftracks for collection casualties. These were in effect ambulances and usually marked as such. They could go out onto the battlefield and collect casualties direct the tanks. Each tank had a first aid kit and crew members trained in first aid. Labels were also provided and used to record what treatment had been given. The halftracks carried casualties to the Medical Officers halftrack which served as the Regimental Aid Post.

    Halftrack ambulances were normally M5 since these had a clear space in the body which was lacking in the M9 and had a rear door which was lacking on the M14. Generally the seats on one side of the halftrack were replaced with a rack for two stretchers. Two stretcher casualties and five seated casualties could be carried. The Medical Officers halftrack could also be used as an ambulance but was generally used to provide protection for the Medical Officer. Often some kind of shelter was carried, canvas penthouses or corrugated metal sheets. All halftracks could have a tilt erected.

    Ordinary stretchers were used but there were also specially designed flexible stretchers for lifting casualties out of tanks.

    Each of the four sections of the Light Field Ambulance had two 2 berth light ambulances. These were usually Humber FWD 4 X 4 light ambulances. There is some evidence however that some halftracks were used instead. Certainly some halftracks were modified as ambulances by having both fuel tanks located on the offside which left space for a frame capable of carrying four stretchers. Alternatively part of the frame could be collapsed to allow two stretchers and five sitting casualties to be carried.


    The Vehicles

    Heavy Ambulance 4 X 2 four berth
    The Austin K2 Heavy Ambulance was by far the most numerous vehicle in this class, and possibly the only one used in 21st Army Group. It was produced from 1940 to 1945 and 13,100 were built. Two ton vehicles were very rare in the British army, although the RAF used some. The Austin 2 ton chassis was the K2/YF which was used by the army as ambulance and GS.

    The ambulance body, Heavy Ambulance Body No2 Mk1, was a standard WD design which was fitted also to Morris CS11/30, Morris CD and Bedford ML chassis, though none of these served in NW Europe. The body was a wood frame covered with leather cloth. It was insulated and well ventilated. There were ventilators in both sides, in the rear doors and in the front panel. There were also ventilators/extractors in the roof. Early types were square scoops but later ones were circular rotating type. A heater was also fitted at the front of the body. Later types had the exhaust pipe extended to above roof level to take fumes away from the body.

    There were four stretcher racks, two on each side. The top racks could be raised and lowered. This made loading stretchers easier. The top rack was lowered and loaded, then raised so that the lower rack could be loaded. There were channels in the racks to accommodate the stretcher legs for easy loading and security. When lowered the top racks could be used as seats. The ambulance could carry various combinations of casualties in addition to the driver and medical attendant.
    - four stretcher cases
    - two stretcher cases and five sitting cases
    - ten sitting cases.

    Full width, wide opening, doors allowed easy access for stretchers and folding steps were provided for personnel. There was a door in the front of the body giving access to the drivers cab. There was a folding seat in the front of the body for an attendant. There were racks for two rifles in the cab.

    The Austin K2 Heavy Ambulance was also used by the USAAF who received them under reverse Lend Lease. Some were also supplied to other Allied forces. Many remained in British Army service until the 1970s.

    The British Army also used some CMP 3ton Ambulances with a similar specification but with four wheel drive. It is not known if these were used in NW Europe although they were used with the Canadian Army and the RAF, who used them in Normandy instead of their larger Fordson 6 X 4 ambulance.

    Ambulance 4 X 4 two berth
    The standard WD light ambulance was the Humber FWD which used the same chassis as the FWD Heavy Utility. It was 4 X 4 which made it possible to get to less accessible places. 1,144 were built.

    The crew was a driver and medical attendant. Two stretchers could be carried on racks, which like the Austin K2 could be raised and lowered. The Humber also had wide rear doors for easy access. The body was necessarily shorter than the Austin K2 and the stretcher racks extended into the cab. There was no seat in the offside of the cab and when the medical attendant was seated in the body there was room for only two sitting casualties. The top stretcher rack could be lowered and used to seat two casualties thus the alternative loads were
    - two stretcher cases and three sitting cases
    - five sitting cases.

    Some CMP light ambulances were also used. These were based on the 8cwt 4 X 4 Chevrolet Heavy Utility. The rear widows of the body were replaced by sheet metal and stretcher racks fitted on the nearside. Loading was awkward since there was a fairly small central rear door. The stretcher racks were pivoted at the front and the rear end was swung out allow the stretchers to be loaded. The racks were then swung back and secured before sitting patients could get in. Accommodation was as for the Humber.

    3ton 4 X 4 with penthouses
    The 3ton lorries with penthouses were simply 3ton GS which carried large canvas sheets which stretched across the existing tilt and extended to the sides and rear where they were supported on metal frames which were hammered into the ground. These could then be used as wards, preparation rooms and operating theatres. A sketch of one such lorry being used as an operating theatre is included below.

    Jeeps (car 5cwt 4 X 4).
    Jeeps were available in considerable numbers and all units used them for casualty evacuation. They could be used unmodified but a stretcher frame kit was available and this could rapidly and easily be fitted to any jeep. All jeeps in NW Europe had fittings to accept these frames. Two stretchers could be carried on top of the frame and a third could be carried below, in which case there was room only for the driver in the front. This was a simple and effective means of casualty evacuation although it left the casualties exposed to enemy fire and to the elements.

    Jeeps with these frames have been seen with Field Ambulance Company markings. It is assumed that these were issued instead of the ambulance 2 berth, 4 X 2, light which is listed in the 1942 establishment.

    Universal Carriers.
    These maids of all work were often used by infantry battalions for casualty evacuation. They were very versatile and very mobile and if they were not needed for reconnaissance, flank guards and other such tasks then they were made available for delivering ammunition and food, and for evacuating casualties. Some units carried out modifications but most simply laid the stretchers on top of the rear compartment. There was a modification which removed the rear of the fighting compartment and lengthened the sides so that stretchers could be accommodated and protected from enemy fire.

    Jeeps and Carriers used in the evacuation role usually flew a small white flag with the red cross on it.

    Bedford QLT.
    These were standard troop carrying vehicles with wooden seats for thirty troops.


    Markings.
    In 21st Army Group ambulances were clearly marked with large red crosses, larger than applied to vehicles in the UK. All British red cross markings were on a white circle and not the white square used by US forces and by the British post war. The red cross was carried in the following positions

    On the Austin K2
    - On each side of the body
    - On the cab roof
    - On each of the rear doors
    - On a small plate mounted centrally on the front of the cab roof.

    On the Humber FWD
    - On each side of the body
    - On the cab roof
    - On each of the rear doors
    - On a small plate mounted centrally on the front of the body roof.

    On 3ton lorries
    - On each side of the canvas tilt and the penthouse
    - On cab roof

    On vehicles being used for casualties but not RAMC (jeeps or QLT)
    - A white flag, often triangular, with a red cross.

    Note:
    In forward areas there was always a judgement to be made between clear red cross markings and camouflage. Even stretcher bearers and other medical personnel took to wearing khaki armbands with a red cross on them.

    The arm of service square for medical units was black with white numerals
    In the Infantry Division
    Field Ambulance 1 carried the number 75
    Field Ambulance 2 carried the number 76
    Field Ambulance 3 carried the number 77
    Field Hygiene Section carried the number 78
    Field Dressing Station 1 carried the number 82
    Field Dressing Station 2 carried the number 83

    In the Armoured Division
    Light Field Ambulance carried the number 89
    Field Ambulance carried the number 90
    Field Hygiene Section carried the number 92
    Field Dressing Station carried the number 93

    In a Corp
    Field Hygiene Section carried the number 66
    Field Dressing Station carried the number 65


    Vehicles were painted in dark earth or khaki drab, with the latter becoming more common as the campaign progressed. Camouflage patterns were rare. Interiors were off white but the insides of doors matched the vehicle exterior.

    White stars in circles were displayed on top surfaces but stars on vehicle sides seem to be rare. Possibly red crosses took all the space.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page