2nd Field Ambulance (Australia)

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Active	1914–1919
Disbanded
Country	Australia
Allegiance
Branch	Australian Army
Type	Medical unit
Role	Field Ambulance
Size
Part of	Australian Imperial Force
Garrison/HQ

Military unit

The 2nd Field Ambulance was a medical unit of the Australian Army that served during World War I. It was part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and played a crucial role in providing medical support to Australian troops on the battlefield.

History

The 2nd Field Ambulance was formed in 1914, shortly after the outbreak of World War I. It was one of several field ambulances raised to support the AIF, which was Australia's main expeditionary force during the war. The unit was composed of medical officers, stretcher bearers, and other medical personnel who were responsible for the treatment and evacuation of wounded soldiers.

World War I Service

The 2nd Field Ambulance was deployed to the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915, where it provided medical support during the landings at Anzac Cove. The unit faced challenging conditions, including difficult terrain and constant enemy fire, but managed to establish dressing stations and evacuate casualties to hospital ships.

After the withdrawal from Gallipoli, the 2nd Field Ambulance was redeployed to the Western Front in France and Belgium. There, it continued its vital work, setting up advanced dressing stations close to the front lines and ensuring that wounded soldiers received prompt medical attention.

Post-War

Following the end of World War I, the 2nd Field Ambulance was disbanded in 1919. Its members returned to Australia, and many continued their medical careers in civilian life.

Structure and Function

A field ambulance was a mobile medical unit designed to provide immediate care to wounded soldiers. It typically consisted of several sections, including:

• Bearer Division: Responsible for retrieving wounded soldiers from the battlefield and transporting them to dressing stations.
• Tent Division: Set up dressing stations where initial treatment was provided.
• Transport Division: Managed the evacuation of casualties to field hospitals or casualty clearing stations.

Legacy

The 2nd Field Ambulance, like other medical units of the AIF, played a critical role in saving lives during World War I. Its members demonstrated courage and dedication under fire, and their contributions are remembered as part of Australia's military history.

Also see

• Australian Army Medical Corps
• Gallipoli Campaign
• Western Front (World War I)
• Australian Imperial Force