Page 17 - The Story of the RAMC

The 1948/49 football victory was notable for on that occasion Sergeant Major Tennuci led his team to a great 6–0 victory, a record in the 69 years that this competition has been played.
The rugby victory of 1947 was largely inspired by that great “Barbarian” Brigadier Glyn Hughes who was commanding the Depot at the time, and some may remember the famous army champion heavyweight Major “Mick” Leahy who, having lost a leg at the hip joint in the first world war, would come to Millbank to train the young idea. Pivoting round on his artificial leg he met the onslaught of all comers, always giving a good deal more than he received.
Captains Chavasse and Bannister won their Olympic laurels before joining the RAMC but three others have represented their country while serving. Captain T Anderson (Pole Vault) 1952, Corporal R Jackson (Cycling) 1956 and Captain J Bell (Hockey) 1960.
In recalling the laurels won by the Corps in days gone by we must take care that we do not dwell too much on our past history but should look forward to further achievements in the future.
We have been reminded of this by our Colonel-in-Chief Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, the titular head of the RAMC, who ended her Diamond Jubilee message with the following words:-
“We must not rest on the laurels of the past, for the future holds a great challenge, a challenge which I know will be met, and I am confident that in the years ahead the fine traditions of the Royal Army Medical Corps will be most worthily maintained.”
The younger generation:-
Major AA Barton RAMC claims to have been the youngest soldier in the field during the First World War. At the age of 14 years and 11 months he sailed for France with 2nd Field Ambulance, 1st Division, was in the thick of the fighting from Mons to Ypres and was posted home in 1917 on the grounds that he was under 18!
Boys and ex-boys have been the leaven of the RAMC since the days of its formation, but, until 1955, they underwent no technical training, their whole time being occupied with blowing bugles, education, drill, PT and sport.
One of the most significant days in the history of the Corps was 4th February 1955 for it was then that fourteen boys came from Chepstow to form a new “Apprentice Company”.
13