Unit History: Royal Army Medical Corps
The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) is a specialist corps in the British Army which provides medical services to all British Army personnel and their families in war and in peace. Together with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, the Royal Army Dental Corps and Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, the RAMC forms the British Army's essential Army Medical Services.
The RAMC does not carry a Regimental Colour or Queen's Colour, although it has a Regimental Flag. Nor does it have battle honours, as elements of the corps have been present in almost every single war the army has fought. Because it is not a fighting arm, under the Geneva Conventions, members of the RAMC may only use their weapons for self-defence. For this reason, there are two traditions that the RAMC perform when on parade:
Officers do not draw their swords - instead they hold their scabbard with their left hand while saluting with their right.
Other Ranks do not fix bayonets.
Unlike medical officers in some other countries, medical officers in the RAMC (and the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) do not use the "Dr" prefix, in parentheses or otherwise, but only their rank, although they may be addressed informally as "Doctor".
The RAMC does not carry a Regimental Colour or Queen's Colour, although it has a Regimental Flag. Nor does it have battle honours, as elements of the corps have been present in almost every single war the army has fought. Because it is not a fighting arm, under the Geneva Conventions, members of the RAMC may only use their weapons for self-defence. For this reason, there are two traditions that the RAMC perform when on parade:
Officers do not draw their swords - instead they hold their scabbard with their left hand while saluting with their right.
Other Ranks do not fix bayonets.
Unlike medical officers in some other countries, medical officers in the RAMC (and the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) do not use the "Dr" prefix, in parentheses or otherwise, but only their rank, although they may be addressed informally as "Doctor".
Related Historic Documents
Memories of Royal Army Medical Corps
(Memories written by members of Forces Reunited)
Royal Army Medical Corps Crookham Barracks in 2010
Written by Keith Mather
Queen Elizabeth Barracks was used for basic ytraining. AfterNational Service finished, I am told by an ex RSM, it was used by the Ghurkas, until it was sold for building to Taylor Woodrow I and some members of the RAMC Association Manchester Branch went to the barracks in June 2007 before the demolition, andwas given a tour of the Camp.Royal Army Medical Corps Crookham Barracks, in 1956
Written by Graeme Wilson Webb
My greatest memories are of Meanee barracks, where I met some great mates, one of whome was Des Graves. We were in the RPs together for a short while. For some daft reason or other, we were all looking forwards to going to Suez. We were all kitted out with puttees and shorts, and looked the bees knees. For example, I can’t for the life of me, figure out why we, in the RAMC,were put on the firing range. I was given an old 303, with three rounds, each of which kicked up dust, about 30 yards in front. Brilliant days.Royal Army Medical Corps Crookham Barracks, in 1956
Written by Derek George Smith
At last I have found some photos This the statatory memorable portrait to send home and Our squad (cant remember the number) ’D’ Company at HQ Training QE Barracks, Church Crookham. Taken about March/April 1956