256 (City of London) Field Hospital

256 (City of London) Field Hospital is a field hospital unit of the British Army's Royal Army Medical Corps. It is part of the Army Reserve and is based in London. The unit is tasked with providing medical support and services in a field environment.

History

The 256 (City of London) Field Hospital traces its history back to the Volunteer Force, a military reserve force established in 1859. The unit was originally formed as the 1st London Volunteer Brigade Ambulance Company. Over the years, it has undergone several reorganizations and name changes, reflecting the evolving structure and role of the British Army's medical services.

During World War I, the unit served on the Western Front, providing medical care to wounded soldiers. In World War II, it was deployed in the North African Campaign, the Italian Campaign, and the Western Front.

In the post-war period, the 256 (City of London) Field Hospital has continued to play a vital role in the British Army's medical services. It has been deployed on numerous peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions, as well as in recent conflicts such as the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

Role and Capabilities

The primary role of the 256 (City of London) Field Hospital is to provide medical support to British Army units in the field. This includes emergency medical treatment, surgical services, and rehabilitation services.

The unit is capable of setting up a fully functioning field hospital in a short period of time. This hospital can provide a range of medical services, from initial casualty reception and triage to intensive care and surgical operations.

Training and Personnel

Personnel of the 256 (City of London) Field Hospital include both regular and reserve members of the Royal Army Medical Corps. They are trained in a variety of medical specialties, including surgery, anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and nursing.

Training for the unit includes both military and medical skills. This includes training in field medicine, military tactics, and the use of military equipment.

See Also

• Royal Army Medical Corps
• Field hospital
• Army Reserve (United Kingdom)