World War 1

28 Field Ambulance formed part of the 9th Scottish Division.  The Division came into existence from Army Order No. 324, issued on 21 August 1914, authorising the formation of the six new Divisions of K1. It was formed of volunteers, under the administration of the War Office. Initially without equipment or arms of any kind, the recruits were judged to be ready for war by May 1915. The 9th Scottish Division served on the Western Front throughout the war, and was regarded by many as one of the best fighting formations of the 1914-18 war.  It took part in the following actions:

1915

The Battle of Loos.  On 27th September 1915, S-9937 Pte Charles Lyons, 11 Platoon, “C” Company, 5th Cameron Highlanders, was admitted to 28 Field Ambulance with wounds suffered in the action of Little Willie Trench, in which he and Cpl J.D Pollock attempted to attack advancing German bombers from the flank.  Lyons was wounded by a gunshot wound to the hip, and fell back into the trench – he was later awarded the Military Medal.  Pollock was subsequently awarded the VC for this action.  Lyons, (by then a Cpl), was awarded a Bar to his MM at Passchendaele, and died in 1941.

1916

Battle of Albert, (first phase of the Somme Battle 1916).
Battle of Bazentin, (second phase of the Somme Battle 1916).
Battle of Delville Wood, (third phase of the Somme Battle 1916).
Battle of Le Transloy, (eighth phase of Somme Battle 1916).

1917

First Battle of the Scarpe, (first phase of Arras Offensive).
Third Battle of the Scarpe, (fourth phase of Arras Offensive).
Battle of Menin Road, (third phase of Third Battle of Ypres).
First Battle of Passchendaele, (seventh phase of the Third Battle of Ypres).
The Action of Welch Ridge.

1918

Battle of St Quentin, (first phase of First Battles of the Somme 1918).
First Battle of Bapaume, (second phase of First Battles of the Somme 1918).
Battle of Messines, (second phase of the Battles of the Lys).
Battle of Bailleul, (fourth phase of the Battles of the Lys).
Battle of Kemmel, (fifth phase of the Battles of the Lys).
Second Battle of Kemmel, (seventh phase of the Battles of the Lys).
The Advance in Flanders.
Battle of Courtrai.
The Action of Ooteghem.

On the 16th March 1919, the Division ceased to exist, having suffered 52,055 casualties.

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Field Ambulances of the RAMC attached to 9th Scottish Division.
27 Field Ambulance, (joined October 1914).
28 Field Ambulance, (October 1914 – November 1918).
29 Field Ambulance, (joined October 1914, left May 1916).
South African Field Ambulance, (joined May 1916, left September 1918).
2/1st East Lancs Field Ambulance, (joined September 1918).

World War 2

Malaya Command.
(Order of Battle on 8th December 1941, compiled in Changi POW Camp 1942-45).

18 Field Ambulance.
27 Field Ambulance.
28 Field Ambulance.
40 Field Ambulance.
43 Field Ambulance.

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Post World War 2

From 1952-53 the unit served in Korea.

28 Field Ambulance was located at Hohne, (Bergen-Belsen), in Glyn Hughes Barracks, which was situated just outside the main garrison and named after Brigadier Glyn Hughes RAMC, purportedly the first doctor into Belsen concentration camp when it was liberated by British troops in April 1945.  Glyn Hughes Barracks was formerly an SS hospital.

During the 1950’s and 1960’s, it appeared to have been a cadre-strength unit, manned largely my MSO’s, (Mixed Service Organisation).  MSO’s (affectionately known as “Mojos”), were comprised of displaced persons from Eastern Europe, mainly Poles, who worked for the British army, usually as drivers, dog handlers and cooks.

In 1968, it was decided to bring the unit up to strength, and regular British soldiers began to be posted in, initially on a trickle basis, but by 1969 the influx was more numerous, until it was brought up to strength.  It comprised 4 armoured sections using AFV 432 armoured personnel carriers / armoured ambulances, and two dressing stations.  Two other (wheeled) sections were mothballed as war reserve.

At the end of July 1977, it was amalgamated with 29 Field Ambulance at Hohne, to form 1 Armoured Division Field Ambulance (1 ADFA), whereupon 28 Field Ambulance ceased to exist.

In the second week of April 1945 a rumour reached war correspondents attached to the British Army in Germany that a concentration camp had been found nearby and that it was to be handed over to the British. Richard Dimbleby was the first journalist in the camp.
The 11th British Army Division was in Northern Germany that day.

In the middle of the day a large German staff car arrived at the 159th battalion HQ. A large white flag was on the bonnet and out stepped two Wehmacht Colonels. They told the British that directly across from 11th Armourer’s line of advance at a place called Bergen-Belsen was a concentration camp full of people seriously ill with Typhus. A truce was agreed in the area surrounding the camp. A battalion of German Infantry and 2000 Hungarian Troops would be kept at the camp to guard the perimeter and stop a mass break--out. About 50 SS men would also say behind acting purely in an administrative capacity to await the arrival of the British Commandant and hand over the camp to him.

Brigadier Hugh Llewellyn Glyn Hughes was Second Armies Chief Medical Officer. He entered Belsen on the 15th April 1945. He was present at the interrogation of Joseph Kramer (The Beast of Belsen) the SS Commandant. Glyn Hughes ordered 11 Light Fd Amb and 32 Casualty Clearing Station into the camp. (The desk which Kramer used at Belsen is on display at the RAMC museum)

The actual Concentration Camp was referred to as camp 1. Hohne camp as we know it today was a panzer Training School. This was divided into camp 2 and 3. The camp including the Round House and the SS Military Hospital became the largest hospital in Europe. Approximately 13,000 inpatients.

After the war the SS Military Hospital was renamed Glyn Hughes Barracks and was occupied by 28 Fd Amb RAMC. During the 50’s and 60’s the unit was at cadre strength and was manned mainly by National Service Men and members of the Mixed Service Organisation (MSO). MSO’s (affectionately known as “Mojos”), were comprised of displaced persons from Eastern Europe, mainly Poles, who worked for the British army, usually as drivers, dog handlers and cooks.

The MSO had their own rank structure, uniform and cap badge. The other ranks had their own accommodation block above the cook house; but they eat with the British soldiers. They had one officer and the equivalent of two senior NCO’s. They lived in the Offices and Sergeants messes respectively. They also had a war role with the unit.

In early 1968 saw the posting “in” of extra staff to bring the unit strength up to an operational level. This was a slow process but was speeded up in 1969.

28 Fd Amb was an Armoured Unit with Mark 1 (petrol) 432 Ambulances. These vehicles were classed as “A” vehicles and were driven by the RCT. The 3 tonners as they were then and the land rovers were classed as “B” vehicles and were driven by the MSO.

The Unit operated under the Knott (after General Knott) conception. It comprised 4 armoured sections using AFV 432 armoured ambulances, and two dressing stations.  Two other (wheeled) sections were mothballed as war reserve.

The Dressing Station was known as the ADS (Advanced Dressing Station) and the Alternative Advanced Dressing Station. Knott’s idea was that ADS would set up first and the Alternative ADS would remain packed on the vehicle; and if the unit had to move the alternate ADS would set up in the new location whilst the ADS remained were it was until all casualties had been evacuated. It would then pack up and rejoin the unit. The equipment however would remain packed until the next move. At the end of July 1977, it was amalgamated with 29 Field Ambulance at Hohne, to form 1 Armoured Division Field Ambulance (1 ADFA), whereupon 28 Field Ambulance ceased to exist.

Association History

Bob Jordan the current Chairman of the 28 Feld Ambulance Veteran's Association arrived in March 1968. He was the only RAMC Private soldier in the Unit at that time. He was closely followed by Graham (Spot) Motley, current Treasurer. Bob and Spot had previously served together as RAMC Boy soldiers at the Junior Tradesmen’s Regt. Rhyl. Roger (Satch) Owen current President, Steve Ginge Westley member and Don Park Secretary followed not long after.

Don and Bob had long talked about forming a 28 Field Ambulance reunion and after many beers in Stockport, plans were made and the rest is history as they say.

Reunion 2010

Yet again, 2 Medical Regiment RAMC and in particular 28 Squadron, hosted all those old and bold members of  28 Field Ambulance Veteran's

After a very long journey for most of us and an early night the weekend started with a committee meeting over drinks.

The most important decision was taken to extend membership of our association to all members of 28 Squadron 2 Medical Regt.

This at first seems an odd idea, but as 28 Squadron was named in direct recognition of 28 Field Ambulance , it was felt that there was a just and sound continuity of the unit.

All this started with Bob and Don getting the idea to get us old 28 Field Ambulance Veterans to meet again, some 6 years ago. Many thanks go out to you both.

We meet with RSM Thomas Brennan and was briefed on the arrangements for the rest of the weekend with transport placed at our disposal for the entire weekend.

It should be noted that the Squadron had returned from Kenya on the Wed/Thurs of the week preceding our visit and giving up time from their leave was a great act of generosity, for which we thank them wholeheartedly.

Saturday started with a visit to the now rather sad and battered Glen Hughes Barracks,where some old war stories raised the fears of the escorting SNCO's ( Remember the NCO I/C Pigs)

The very thought that young soldiers (as we were then) should get up to minor misdemeanors whilst under the control of TARA, raised doubts as to the sanity and stability of 28 personnel.

After our trip down memory lane, we were treated to a static display of modern equipment used by combat medics today. 

It is amazing the talent and skills that today's young medics have and the confidence with which they use them

The numbers and serious nature of the casualties that our young instructors have treated on their recent tour of active duty, was,to say the least,startling.

The skills of the combat medics serving today would put a young doctor to shame. The importance of prompt and skilled response with the modern equipment of today, undoubtedly have saved many soldiers' lives.

After the static display, we were given time off for our reasonable behavior and back to the hotel for drinks and after noon nap.

The formal dinner night was held in the Station WO/Sgts Mess as 2 Medical Regiment messes  were not yet completed after much reconstruction work.

What a wonderful evening it was, the mess caterers had done a splendid job,reception drinks, the layout of the dining room and staff. (Again most of whom gave up their own time off for our benefit)

The food deserves a special mention, consideration for our sometimes weakened digestive systems and a desire to produce a memorable meal were more than successfully achieved by the chefs ( a very special thank you to them)

After dinner the presentation of twin crystal port decanters was made on behalf of all members of 28 Field Ambulance Veterans to the WO/Sgs mess 2 Medical Regt.

After dinner it was down to the mess bar , to finish off a rather good evening

Sunday was church Parade at the Round House the Regt is to big to fit in the church.

It was good to see both soldiers and families at the Service,

We traveled up to the military cemetery where two of our members laid a wreath on behalf of 28 Field Ambulance Veterans.

Then it was back to the JRC to meet with all ranks with our Bob handing over a shield of our Veterans badge.

Many of us had the chance to talk to the troops and in the end they really are just like we were young, cocky and may I say it a very good Regiment.

I am sure that every one that attended were made more than welcome and bought a little bit of our days back in 28 Field Ambulance back to life.

We have been invited back by the CO 2 Medical Regiment in June 2012 and I only hope we can all make it.

Steve and Graham traveled to Belgium to the town of Leper (YPRES)

We had the privilege of laying a wreath at the Menin Gate on behalf of 28 Field Ambulance Veterans.

It was very moving and can only suggest that its worth a visit.

Since returning home I have had a call from Terry Spires who was stationed at 28 Field Ambulance in the 1950;s

We are looking for members of 28 Field Ambulance of any time.

 

Reunion at Torquay

We held a small Reunion at the Shelley Court Hotel in Torquay 22nd  - 26th October 2010

It was very low key and though we only had 20 members at the reunion, we were well looked after by Carole the proprietor at the hotel.

The weather and the company could not have been better.

We are still looking for the person/persons that blackened the teeth on the pictures on the wall, though it is thought they were done before we got there.

Everyone ended up on parade and made the decollation the they did not do it and that was the tooth the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth. Can say much more than that.

We had a discussion about holding our next reunion October 2011 in Nottingham or back to Torquay, so if you have any preference let us know.

We are also hoping to have our reunion in 2012 in Ypres (Belgium)

With a day visit at the battle field graves and a parade at the Menin Gate.

We are hoping we can get 28 Sqd at 2 Med Regt to also be part of this reunion.

More details will follow as we get them.

As members know we do have our own 28 Field Ambulance Badge and if you are interested do let me know. (Graham Mottley)

We look forward to seeing all old and new members in 2011.