Page 20 - The Story of the RAMC
P. 20
Conclusion
In the past the RAMC has too often been looked upon as some kind of semi-pacifist, non-combatant, humanitarian organisation in some respects comparable to the first aid men at a football match who, having done their work, go back behind the touch line and take no further part in the game. Nothing could be further from the truth, for in 1898 the Corps became full playing members of the team. Nothing in the Geneva Convention precludes their carrying arms for the defence of themselves or their patients, and in the past they have been given a good account of themselves in doing so. The REME is largely concerned with keeping fighting vehicles on the road and the RAMC has even greater responsibilities in the “maintenance” and “repair” of the fighting men in peace and war.
The vital part played by the medical services in the Second World War was fully appreciated by our great commanders. Writing from Berlin on September 28th 1945 Field Marshal Lord Montgomery sent the following message :.
“To the Royal Army Medical Corps with admiration and high regard to a Corps whose contribution to victory has been beyond all calculation”.
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