Duties of an Ambulance Driver

Hello … my Dad was enlisted in 1939, as a Driver in the 8th Field Ambulance corps. I know he drove Ambulances, and Lorries, and have photos of him sitting in these. My query is, would he also have been expected to act as a Stretcher Bearer ? He didn’t have a medical background and, as far as I know, didn’t have any training. Thanks for any information of views.

 

It would be helpful, I think, to confirm which Arm of Service your father was in. I ask because in Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) units there were normally Drivers, IC, attached from the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). The RASC personnel were responsible for driving the RAMC's transport, including ambulances. Under difficult circumstances, anyone could be expected to help evacuate casualties, however it was normal for drivers to remain with their vehicles and ensure they were ready to move when ordered. RAMC stretcher bearers were included on the establishment of Field Ambulance units.

Gary

 

In this thread Tezden says his Dad's number is T/99761.

The T prefix suggest RASC.

8th Field Ambulance Depots in 1939

 

Hi Tezden

As you say your Dad was enlisted into the RASC in 1939, there is a very good chance he went to France with the BEF.

According to the internet, there were 4 RAMC Motor Ambulance Convoys in the BEF

4th Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Medical Corps
5th Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Medical Corps
6th Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Medical Corps
8th Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Medical Corps

According to Trux Motor transport units rasc

NON DIVISIONAL UNITS (MEDICAL)
Motor Ambulance Convoy
The Motor Ambulance Convoy was a Corps unit used for evacuating casualties to Casualty Clearing Stations. These were originally Corps units but were removed to Army control later. Motor Ambulance Convoys were driven and maintained by the RASC but were operated under the control of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Official history of RASC can be bought from here

STORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS, 1939-1945 - Naval & Military Press.

Official History of Army Medical Services in BEF can be read here

The Army Medical Services: Campaigns: Volume 1 France and Belgium, 1939-1940. Norway. Battle of Britain. Libya, 1940-1942. East Africa. Greece, 1941. Crete. Iraq. Syria. Persia. Madagascar. Malta (History of the Second World War UK Medical Series) : F A E Crew : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

But his service records are the only way to be absolutely sure.

Hope this helps

Gus

 

Thanks Gary … Dad was in the RASC

 

Hi Tezden

If you've not already got it, your dad's Record of Service is available via TNA.

Apologies if you've already been down this road.

Best.
John.

Name: A T Robinson . Service number: T/99761 . Date of birth: 12 June 1918 . | The National Archives

 

Thanks Gus, much appreciated