28 Field Ambulance Reunions

Hi All.

Our Reunion was in Munster between the 10 -14 May 2012.

We were the Guest off 1 Medical Regiment who are at this time, making the move to our old patch Hohna.

We kicked off with a few beers at a local Pub on the Thursday night.

The food, company, beer and the welcome from the locals was excellent.

We left at some time o’clock with a little drizzle and flashing of lightning.

We had gone but 100mtrs and the heavens opened. Needless to say there was not a single bit if my body that was not wet, by the time we got to our accommodation. But it was all smiles and other than George Poole having to dry and iron is jacket it made the start even more memorable.

Friday the 11th we meet Lt Col Finn, Maj Jones and a list of many others that is too long to list.

Shown around the Unit and with a briefing from Maj Jones that was not just interesting but showed how much effort had been taken.

With a display from all ranks showing their equipment that made our old flak jacket look arcade, But the tentage is just the same. Made me feel quite at home.

Then to the WO&Sgts Mess for a games evening and again the washing down of good beer. A brilliant night and again we were all made so welcome.

Bob and I did a few songs for the lads and I believe it went down well.

Sunday 13th after breakfast in the officer’s mess it was a trip to a shopping centre for the ladies and getting ready for our Dinner night in the officers mess.

I can only say the food was second to none. I have eaten on the QE2, I have eaten in some of the best reactants around but this beat them by far.

Not only that. Maj Finn and his officers made us feel not only at home but gave us a night to remember. Again Bob and I did our little bit to entertain. We were even asked to come back again.

Once again we left the Officers Mess at Some time O’clock.

Sunday 13th we all went to the Mohnesee Dam for the day. We were escorted and driven , not only to the dam but at any time we required transport by a young Cpl , set up by 1 Medical Regt. Me being an old fart has forgotten his name but not what he did for us all.

Monday I am afraid we had to travel back.

There is so many we would like to thank Mostly Maj Jones for his enthusiasm and understanding of us old comrades.

To all of 1 medical Regiment I say you are a credit to your unit and I am sure

When you arrive at Hohna you will make the Garrison proud to have you as a Unit.

We wish you well and hope one day we can come to see you and 2 Med Regiment in all your glory. My Final thank you goes to Roger (Satch) Owen and his Wife Faith. Without you both this would have not happened.

From us all Thank You

We held a small Reunion at the Shelley Court Hotel in Torquay 22nd – 26th October 2010

It was very low key and though we only had 20 members at the reunion, we were well looked after by Carole the proprietor at the hotel.

The weather and the company could not have been better.

We are still looking for the person/persons that blackened the teeth on the pictures on the wall, though it is thought they were done before we got there.

Everyone ended up on parade and made the decollation that they did not do it and that was the tooth the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth. Can say much more than that.

We had a discussion about holding our next reunion October 2011 in Nottingham or back to Torquay, so if you have any preference let us know.

We are also hoping to have our reunion in 2012 in Ypres (Belgium)

With a day visit at the battle field graves and a parade at the Menin Gate.

We are hoping we can get 28 Sqd at 2 Med Regt to also be part of this reunion.

More details will follow as we get them.

As members know we do have our own 28 Field Ambulance Badge and if you are interested do let me know. (Graham Mottley)

We look forward to seeing all old and new members in 2011.

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 traveled 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 Leper (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.