ARmy Rumour SErvice

**intrepid861** · 23-05-2012, 14:21

Hi

I originally posted this in the Historical thread. However someone recommended posting here too

I have been investigating the combat support arms for the British army in the latter years of the cold war 1985 to 1989. But have come unstuck with the RAMC. Most books from the time period are very vague. Piercing it together from some sources, shows the following regular units:

1st Armoured Division Field Ambulance
2nd Infantry Division Field Ambulance
3rd Armoured Division Field Ambulance
4th Armoured Division Field Ambulance
5th Field Ambulance
16th Field Ambulance
24th Field Ambulance
19 Field Ambulance
23 (Parachute) Field Ambulance

21 Field Hospital
22 Field Hospital
32 Field Hospital
33 Field Hospital
34 Field Hospital
84 Field Medical Equipment Depot

However following the Hansard parlimentary questions archive, reveals that in 1990 there were 22 Major RAMC units

http://hansard.millb...9900726_CWA_977

So what were the names and cold war duties of the missing 11 units?

Someone suggested these might be the BMH's, However there were 13 of those in the late 80's.

Many thanks if you can help, apologies if this is not the right forum.

**BugzDaMick** · 23-05-2012, 14:30

I'm pretty sure 29 Field Ambulance was still "alive" during the period mentioned.

MsG

**exXIX** · 23-05-2012, 14:41

Didn't the armoured brigades have a dedicated field ambulance?

**intrepid861** · 23-05-2012, 23:18

Originally Posted by BugzDaMick

I'm pretty sure 29 Field Ambulance was still "alive" during the period mentioned.

MsG

Hi guys, thanks for the replies.

28 and 29 merged to become 1st Armoured Division Field Ambulance in 1978

**cherryviper** · 24-05-2012, 09:58

Were 33 and 34 Fd Hosps not formed in 1996?

**guzzijon** · 24-05-2012, 10:06

I did my RMA3 at 2 Armoured Field Ambulance Feb/March '89 I think at Roberts Barracks, Osnabruck.

**comedy dave** · 24-05-2012, 11:18

Was the TA included in the number. Are we just talking regular?

The OPs list is correct as far as I recall. Although I see no mention of BMHs and mil hosps overseas and UK

**intrepid861** · 24-05-2012, 12:34

Originally Posted by comedy dave

Was the TA included in the number. Are we just talking regular?

The OPs list is correct as far as I recall. Although I see no mention of BMHs and mil hosps overseas and UK

Hi

This number only includes regular units, in addition they would be supported by a further 29 TA RAMC units.

There was some discussion whether this number included the BMH's, on the Military History and Militaria. But there were 13 of those at the time, rather than the missing 11 if the list up top is correct.

Thank you for your assistance.

Originally Posted by cherryviper

Were 33 and 34 Fd Hosps not formed in 1996?

You might be correct about 34, but 33 deployed to the Gulf in 91. But thank you for bringing it up, I shall investigate further.

**cherryviper** · 24-05-2012, 14:59

I was posted to 34 on its formation in 96 in Strensall. Thought 33 came around at the same time in Gosport.

Having read further in to it, BMHs were referred to as Fd Hospitals, 33 was CMH in Aldershot and formed as a separate entity away from Aldershot in 96 when CMH closed.

I believe Rinteln was know as 29 Fd Hosp.

**comedy dave** · 24-05-2012, 15:28

Is the Blood Unit, cant recall its name (I remember doing a blood donation course there in the mid nineties) still in Aldershot, I think it was near the soldier mag offices? Does that count as a Major unit?

Or did it come under another unit command?