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 travelled 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 Ieper (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.

Our next reunion will be in October 2011 it is hoped to be in Coventry.

To all who travelled to Hohne this time and to all the personnel off 2 " Medical Regiment .

You made the 1250 Mile Journey worth  the effort