Royal Navy Medical Service [Archive] - World Naval Ships Forums

Doc

04-12-2009, 10:22

Hi Kath,

I have recently done some research into the SBAs for a paper I gave at the Institute of Naval Medicine. What would you like to know?

The sick berth rating was generally the navy's sea-going nurse, though in reality they did a lot more than that. In most cases when at sea the SBA was an assistant to the Medical Officer, helping keep the ship's company healthy and fit, preparing them for overseas service (ie inoculations). He was also a dispenser, preparing medicinal treatments as a well as maintaining the notes of the patients. Occassionally SBAs would have a specialism in one of several areas including Dentist Technician, Dental Mechanic, Operating Theatre Assistant, and even Masseur. They would obviously have a role to play when at action stations but I won't go into that here.

On a smallish ship such as HMS NIGELLA your father may have actually only been the only medically qualified person onboard and would therefore take on many of the doctor's responsibilities and also be responsible for treating minor ailments and injuries. Medical officers were only posted to Corvettes and Frigates as and when they could.

My father was a Medical Assistant (which is the modern equivalent of the SBA) on submarines for nearly 30 years.

Hope this helps,

Doc / Ian

Wombat

10-12-2009, 12:05

Kath,

There is an excellent small book around that would give you a good insight into the life of Navy Medic's. "Doc" 100 Year History of the Sick Berth Branch. Its an interesting read and full of information, and only costs a few pounds. I fully recommend you read it.
These men were originally known as "Loblolly Boys".
In 1884 the Medical Branch came into being and men were trained to deal with the sick and wounded, they were put into uniform and were known as Sick Berth Stewards & Attendants.
This Branch of the navy evolved into the Medical Technicians as known today. A very highly skilled bunch, capable of working in Military and Civilian Hospitals as specialists in their own right.

Wombat,
(James).

steve roberts

10-12-2009, 12:59

Hi Kath.I served 22 years as SBA/MA.its a tough old branch with loads of responsability and little thanks! Steve roberts:)

Doc

11-12-2009, 10:46

Wombat,

From my understanding in the UK, RN Medical Assistants currently have no transferable qualifications for working in civilian hospitals. After leaving the RN they would need to retrain under civilian guidelines.

Whether or not this is fair is not for me to decide. As I understand it the Medical Service is trying to get some kind of recognised qualification attached to MA status to correct this.

As you and Steve both said, these ladies and gentlemen often have a high degree of responsibility, are highly skilled and work their pusser's issue socks off. My old man works with people who train them!

You only need to look at the story of MA Kate Nesbitt MC to see some of the the work they have to do.

Doc

steve roberts

11-12-2009, 14:40

Hi. Thanks Doc for your reply to the above posts. I qualified as an SEN only to have the qualification cease to be recognised by the Royal Colledge of Nursing six months later!I then qualified as a Paramedic. when i left the andrew i was told by the ambulance sevice that my quals counted for nothing! I hope that has been rectified since. Regards Steve.

Wombat

12-12-2009, 10:07

Doc,

The reason for my referring to these men and women working in the civilian sector was because in 1939 there was a “limited” time zone approved in which members of the sick Berth Branch with the appropriate training could go and sit their Civilian equivalent exam. I assumed that this would have been up dated as time went on, especially as in the 60’s the larger Naval Hospitals began admitting civilian patients, and civilian Hospitals service patients. But from what you say the sick Berth Branch was capable of nursing civilian public cases in the naval hospitals, but not considered qualified to do the reverse. Something definitely not right there, that’s what I really would call double standards. I can well imagine how that must have upset a lot of people, especially after 20 years or more working in a large Naval Hospital, to be told your not qualified to continue working in a civilian hospital. Well I have certainly learned something from this post.

This is an interesting subject, so I hope others will also add their comments, as I particularly enjoy the topic of the Sick Berth Branch.

Wombat,
(James).

harry.gibbon

26-12-2009, 21:54

Alan Hirst Memorial Prize

Congratulations to the recipient of another award given to one of OUR medical personnel:-

http://www.royal-navy.org/lib/index.php?title=Royal_Navy_doctor_recognised_for_w ork_in_Afghanistan

Little h

harry.gibbon

12-01-2010, 22:48

At the same time as giving information about a TV programme I watched this evening, making this post on this thread enables us all to recall the fantastic action and award of young Kate Nesbett MC ...

I am prompted to advise that I have just finished watching the trauma medic teams in action in Afghanistan on ITV1 Granada .. entitled Doctors and Nurses at War... which included the surgical activities of mainly 'NHS' surgeons one of whom was on his 5th tour.

There was/is another thread about the closure of dedicated Military/Naval hospitals which contains some misgivings at their closure...BUT... having viewed this programme and others recently, I have to say that I am re-assessing my blinkered view about the involvement of the NHS Staff in the care of our wounded and maimed.

Little h

harry.gibbon

13-01-2010, 22:14

A couple of links I meant to include with my post yesterday evening:-

http://www.qaranc.co.uk/doctors_and_nurses_at-war.php

these two links have a 2007 to 2010 separation:-

http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/defencenews/militaryoperations/humbledbyafghanexperiencetamedicscomehome.htm

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/TaMedicsPrepareForAfghanistan.htm

Bravo Zulu I'd say

Little h

astraltrader

13-01-2010, 23:02

harry.gibbon

13-01-2010, 23:36

Terry,

Indeed so, but amongst the Surgeons and Nurses who kept/keep them alive and did/do the trauma surgery, are a high proportion of NHS staff serving in uniform in Afghanistan!!!

This MOD link outlines the 2007 to 2010 structure which eventually majors on the Headley Court facility... enabling our maimed servicemen and servicewomen to recuperate amongs their own!!

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/FactsheetMedicalSupportToPersonnelInjuredOrSickOnO perations.htm

Lets hope that the likes of young Kate are able to assist our wounded in the battlefield to enable them to eventually make the best possible recovery outcome at these facilities.

Little h

Doc

26-01-2010, 11:49

I have noticed a number of ex RN Medical Service types on the forum recently and thought it might be a nice idea to start a thread for them to share experiences and also the stories of those on here who have had call to visit the sick bay... Also to compare it to the medical services of yesteryear.

When I can figure out how to reduce the file size of the pdf I will attach a copy of a report by one of the Medical Officers on board HMS NORFOLK during the Bismarck chase. His description of the preparations in anticipation for action stations is very clear and fits almost exactly with those which had been laid down by Admiralty Order 1489/42.

This order built on the experience gained during the first couple of years of the war and essentially recommended the provision of Medical Distribution Stations (usually one fore and one aft) and a series of first aid posts (fore, mids and aft). This made sure that the medical team including the non-medical rescue parties and after-action helpers and the stores and equipment were distributed around the ship. If one part of the ship should be damaged medical provision could still continue.

I have also attached a few phots all from IWM collections including:

1) SBA (in fore and aft rig rather than normal suit which is common now) IWM Ref No A 229700
2) Principal Medical Officer of Bellona, Surgeon Lieut Cdr A Daunt-Bateman, OBE, RNVR directing his team during an attack.IWM A 227581
3) Medical treatment on Manchester after torpedo strikeIWM A 4924
4) Sick bay of HMS RODNEY A 1217
5) Sick Bay of HMS MOURNE A 17883
6) Wardroom of unknown cruiser being used as emergency operating theatre HU 104310

SBA

26-01-2010, 12:10

Hmm not sure the SBAs deserve a thread of their own ;)

SBAs now wear square rig until PO.

Thanks very much for sharing the pics with us, it shows little changes!!

Batstiger

26-01-2010, 12:21

Great Pics Doc. I presume pics 4,5and 6 were posed pictures?

Bob.

Doc

26-01-2010, 13:19

Bob,

I can only say whether they were staged according to what info we have or my own gut feelings. Many of these images came with poor documentation. I don't think the one of RODNEY's sick bay was staged. The way the RN Phot section used to take photographs they would certainly have hammed it up more than that! MOURNE's sick bay may well have been - it was taken as part of a set when the ship was first entered service. As far as I can tell the last one "wardroom of an unknown cruiser" is probably genuine. As it is a wardroom being used for an Medical Distribution Station (only used during and after action) I doubt they would have laid out everything needed just for a photoshoot. Also the scuttles being open implies the use of ether anesthetic something which needed a good deal of ventiulation.

Attached is the document by the Medical Officer of HMS Norfolk. I have had to put it in three stages due to size of file.

Some more for you...

1) Medical staff (in this case JMO (Srg Sub Lt) and SBPO of RODNEY ) ensured the health of the company by organising programmes of vaccination. Some informed sailors used to say they could work out which part of the world they were going to from the jabs given after leaving port. IWM Ref No: A 1218
2)Dentist Surgery aboard HMS KGV IWM Ref No A 1781
3) It was the responsibility of the Medical Officer to ensure that as many of the ships company were instructed in first aid. Pre-war this was 10% of the company but later it became as many as possible to have one hours training plus others who have at least four in depth courses. Torpedomen's messdeck HMS SHEFFIELD A 6880
4) On aircraft carriers a Medical Officer was always situated at a station in the island just off the flight deck when aircraft were flying even if action wasn't expected. Albacore returning from shadowing the Tirpitz during which the observer was shot and injured HMS VICTORIOUS A 7902
5) A naval beach party takes a break after clearing casualties from the landing beach on Sicily during OP Husky. A 17964
6) Transfer of patient with Peritonitis from HMS CAMBRIAN to HMS BERWICK by jackstay A 26430
5) Appendectomy on Marine Thomas Quinn on board HMS RENOWN A 24421

Hope these are of interest... all Second World War i'm afraid. I am working on pre and post war as well but as yet I have little digitised.

Doc

harry.gibbon

04-03-2010, 23:40

A local story printed yesterdays in on of our free newspapers the Star news. I couldn't resist making forum members aware of this story (so far).

It is so great to read that the work of the military medical staff, initially in the field then back in the UK, together with the courage and tenacity of the seriously injured individual members of our fighting forces, can result in the likes of that which one of our local lads displays in these articles.

Neither should we ever forget the essential supportive role that family members and loved ones contribute. Their role in helping our seriously injured service members to achieve the best possible recovery situation, can never be underestimated.

Little h

harry.gibbon

22-03-2010, 10:24

Although not exclusively RN I thought it right to advise of a programme on UK TV:-
Thursday 25th, at 9pm, Channel 4,
Cutting Edge programme entitled The Air Hospital,
featuring the care given to injured troops on a flight(s) from Afghanistan back to UK on the RAF C17 Globemaster aircraft.

Little h

Doc

22-03-2010, 15:14

Thanks Little h, that does indeed sound interesting. I will have to set the recorder.

John Odom

22-03-2010, 18:51

Interesting pictures, Doc. I have known a number of USN Docs, They all had great stories to tell.

steve roberts

22-03-2010, 19:18

Hi Doc.Being ex-medical branch myself,I have only just found this thread.There are millions of stories out there,but Medical Confidentiality may well put the Kybosh on numerous being told in these hallowed halls.I have a few funnies,which I will post a bit later.Not feeling too well at the moment,so not spending much time on the forum.Stand by your beds and watch this space!!! Regards Steve.;)

steve roberts

22-03-2010, 20:33

Just a quick dit before I have to shut down for the night.When serving on HMS/M Revenge,we had the skipper of a Sea King squadron on board for our 7 day INDEX prior to patrol.He happened to mention to our "Jimmy" that one of his squadron had recently tried to airlift a rating from the fin on an American submarine and found it impossible to lift a stretcher from there on a submarine."Jimmy" being quick off the mark,stated that it would be quite simple and would organise a demonstration.We got wind of this,and me being the smallest and lightest of the Medical Ratings on board,was "Volunteered" to be the casualty!
Strapped in a Niel Robinson stretcher on my bunk,I was manhandled from deck three,to the top of the fin.Not a very easy maneuver in the confined spaces available.When we reached the top of the fin,me being gullible thought I would be released from the stretcher.:rolleyes: Oh NO! there hovering about 100 ft above me was a Navy Search and Rescue Helicopter.Down comes a metal basket stretcher,and I'm unceremoniously strapped in to it.That's it I thought ! Tight in a stretcher that Houdini would have a job to get out of,and into a metal basket!!!:eek:My thoughts were,If this chopper goes down,I'm still going to be sinking come Christmas!!!!:D Anyway,I reach the helicopter OK and expect to be winched back down free of the stretchers.OH NO! The Air crewman pops a boiled sweet in my mouth and heaves me back out the door:( I had horrible visions of them trying to winch me back down on to the fin,but thank God they only lowered me on to the Missile Deck,where I was released and told to get my self and the stretcher below.I was not amused at all by this "Exercise" and neither was the "Jimmy" when I put in for a days "Flying Pay".Some people have no sense of humour. Many Regards Steve:D

qprdave

23-03-2010, 00:14

I have moved 1 thread and 6 isolated posts to here to keep the medics in one place

Dave

harry.gibbon

25-03-2010, 12:54

just a REMINDER of the programme at 9pm tonight (my earlier post #18 refers)

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-air-hospital/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1

Little h

steve roberts

25-03-2010, 16:42

Hi Little h.Thanks for the timely reminder.I fully intend to watch it,despite 'er in doors saying "It'll set your PTSD off"! Rhubarb is my honest reply.I used to the do the job and am extremely interested to watch how life saving these "Flying Hospitals" are.As an ex-medic,every one doing the job today is well worth their salt.
And as Monty Python would say "Now for something completely different."

THE GENEVA CONVENTION(RELEVANT TO MEDICAL SERVICES).

As we all probably know the G.C. is a set of rules drawn up to set down behaviour in war time forces.ie,mercy clemency,treatment of civilians and other non-combatants.
There is a whole chapter on Medical Services.
A medic is permitted to carry a pistol and five rounds of ammunition.Not for his/her protection,but for that of the Patients under their care.
There are 2 forms of identification for medical and ancillary personnel attached to medical units. 1. F.Ident 107. A white arm band with a red cross emblazoned on it.This may be issued to stretcher bearers and first aid parties.Should also be worn by Medical and nursing personnel and Padres. 2.F.Ident 106. A form of ID card bearing a photograph of the holder.This may be issued to Medically trained officers and other ranks,also to Padres. This under the terms of the convention states.The capturing force may keep only medical staff required for the treatment of P.O.W.'s.Other medical staff excess to this requirement MUST be repatriated by a controlling neutral power at once.Holders of F.Ident 107 are not included in this category.
Sounds great doesnt it.But has never ever been followed in any war.In fact anyone wearing a Red Cross arm band are prime targets for snipers.Also at sea,it is a bit difficult to tell an incoming shell that you are Medical,and there for non-combatant!
The war movies depicting the medical staff in the field with Red Crosses emblazoned every where may have been true at the start of WW2,but soon died out.It is difficult to impress the Convention on a country that has not signed it,and insurgents and terrorists would love to take a pot shot at a medic.The Japanese were told specifically to shoot field medics as were the Viet cong and NVA! One medic down meant untreated wounded or other troops trying to deal with the wounded and therefore out of the fight!.
When I was on detached duty with the Royal Marines in both Borneo and Aden,I never wore a Red Cross arm band or indeed had it on my field medical valise. As to a Pistol and five rounds.NO WAY! I carried a Stirling sub-machine gun and as many magazines as I could get in my webbing pouches.There was no way I was exposing my self to deliberately aimed fire because I was a Medic.It may have back-fired on me as I was wounded both in Aden and Borneo.Both times attending to wounded Marines.I very much doubt if ANY field Medic in the world shows any indication of their trade,though I should imagine that they do carry the ID card.OK Carrying of another weapon might mean you surrender your right to protection under the Geneva Convention,but what the heck.Try telling that to the staff of the field hospital in Crete in1941 who were shot down by German Paratroopers,or the corpsman in the field in other theatres of WW2 and Vietnam.
Sorry to rabbit on but I thought it might be of interest to those of you who read this thread..Regards Steve.

oldsalt

25-03-2010, 17:59

Some of the saddest grave headstones are those in Singapore of young female nurses slaughtered by the Japanese.

harry.gibbon

25-03-2010, 21:49

Steve, I found your post #18 very interesting mate.

Whilst in Singers, my missus was friends with the wife of a bootneck and they lived in a bungalow across the road from us making the hoolie a very popular event when we were both at home from our respective activities during the confrontation.

He did more than his fair share of tours in Borneo and between tours he displayed some very alarming habits. So I know something of what you describe mate.

Although our small team did more than our fair share of 'sneakies' during our stay out there, I thank my lucky stars that I had no real reason to end up with the mental state of mind that he did, although some of our patrols were a tad hairy to say the least.

Little h

harry.gibbon

25-03-2010, 21:55

Here is a link which includes many articles on Military Medicine (NHS) and a substatial number of other links of military interest.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Militarymedicine/Pages/Militarymedicinehome.aspx

Little h

steve roberts

25-03-2010, 22:26

Hi Little h.referring to your post#27.Borneo was very very hairy at times.Starting with the unsupported landing at Limbang and up to the Regular Indonesian Army becoming involved.We had some hard times against them,but they knew very little jungle sense.Smoking on patrol and indescriminate use of unscrambled radios let them down.But they still put up one hell of a fight.After a tour over there R&R in Singers tended to be a little wild!!! to say the least.A lot of the lads started to develop PTSD,but kept doing their duty regardless.The Booties are tops in my books.I never regretted a day with them.Despite them getting me wounded twice.But that was my fault really,going to the aid of wounded,I suppose I made it obvious that I was a Medic.... Regards Steve.

steve roberts

27-03-2010, 09:33

Hi Little h and All.I watched the programme Air Hospital on Thursday evening and was most impressed and moved by it.The standard of care on that aircraft rivalled any ITU or Theatre suite in a General Hospital.I noted that the aircraft carried troops into Afghanistan and was said to be self defended(Type of weapon not disclosed) I would imagine the weapons to be GPMG's or Chain Guns.These weapons were not deployed on CASEVC return flights.Why? the Taliban have definitely not signed the Geneva Convention.The same procedure was carried out in Burma in WW",troops and a nurse in,wounded and nurse out.I would Imagine that the American forces did the same in the Pacific and in Vietnam.Nothing like the facilities shown were available in my day, but then we had BMH's and RNH's scattered round the World and wounded could be cared for,operated on and generally Stabilized before CASEVAC. Regards Steve.

Dave Hutson

27-03-2010, 10:35

Steve, I found your post #18 very interesting mate.

Whilst in Singers, my missus was friends with the wife of a bootneck and they lived in a bungalow across the road from us making the hoolie a very popular event when we were both at home from our respective activities during the confrontation.

Little h

Hi Harry,

Just interested, where/when did you live in Singers.

Steve - That programme was first class, waiting to see one on the hospital in Birmingham, we have a friend who is a Major [Nursing] there. Not morbid curiosity, the general public needs to see the care our boys and girls get.

Dave H

harry.gibbon

27-03-2010, 15:22

Dave H,

Seletar Hills Estate, a flat initially then moved to a bungalow.

Little h

Dave Hutson

27-03-2010, 15:40

Likewise Harry,

Serangoon Garden Estate - Flat above the Barbers Shop then to a Bungalow in Walmer Drive.

Knew Jalan Kayu well - particularly the Fish and Chip Shop - top on the right hand side. Had our Camphor Wood Chest made up there also top on the right.

Dave H

Anson6423

02-04-2010, 15:00

Hello All.

My Dad, Dudley Pope, started his RN career as a probationary SBA. Whilst in training, he met my Mum who was part of the first intake of WRNS SBAs.

I know that Dad served on Chevron, and remember him at Bhigi, Stonehouse, Deadalus; Halsar and Nelson.

Now both 80 years old, they have moved back to Portsmouth and are doing well in their new house.

Regards

Andy

steve roberts

02-04-2010, 19:19

Another funnyish dit from the medical branch!
In 1973 I was on HMS/M Dreadnought on her Far East deployment.We were travelling on the surface Southbound down the Malacca Straits.Suddenly,somehow in a sharp rain storm,two Merchant ships managed to collide.One was a Tanker the MV Anson,a Greek Cypriot ship,and the other was the SS Carnation,a Chinese General Cargo ship.The first we knew about it down below was the pipe " Man Overboard emergency party to the fore-ends".Grabbing my life jacket and first aid kit,I dashed there.The next pipe was "Salvage Party muster in the fore-ends" No one had a clue what was going on.Then the casing party was ordered up the forward escape hatch.The Chinese crew having seen what they had Collided with,wasted no time in manning one boat and abandoning ship.They rowed towards us and we were obliged to assist them(Thereby qualifying as first assist vessel and obtainer of Lloyd's Open Form) As they were climbing up over our fore plane,one of them slipped and banged his chest rather badly,so I was called to the casing.Meanwhile the remainder of the crew were being shown down the hatch into the fore-ends.As each one came down,the Fore-ends watch keeper kept asking each of them "What is your Cargo?" (£ signs lighting up his eyes) Only the ships bosun spoke any English and when asked the question,replied "F******g S**t!" He was right too.The Cargo was 7,000 tons of Manure!!!. Meanwhile up on the casing I tried to examine the injured seaman,who was clutching his stomach and moaning fit to die.As soon as I opened his shirt I saw an old Laparotomy scar and about four old bullet wounds.That was it! I screamed up to the bridge for a "Chopper" from HMS Tiger,about 30 miles behind us.No way was I going to try and deal with this one on a Submarine.I thought I had better write a quick report,but the only thing I had on me was a Letter from my wife(No envelope) so I wrote my report and reasons for evacuation on the back of one of the pages.The man was evacuated and that's the last I ever saw of my letter.A Few years later I was informed that it was now in the RN Medical museum at Haslar,as one of the strangest form of medical report ever received.(just because it was on the back of a letter.Nothing special in the report)Eventually we received £13.76p Salvage money,unfortunately it was spread around the entire task group. More funnies when I get the time.Regards Steve.

steve roberts

05-04-2010, 16:54

Another piece of legislation often misused.

THE GENEVA CONVENTION AND HOSPITAL SHIPS.

The Convention is very clear on the description of Hospital Ships.What they may NOT be and what they must not carry.There is a section on Hospital Tenders as well.

Hospital ships MUST be designated Civilian Merchant Ships or Purpose built by the Operating Country for that use.
They must be painted white overall.A Green band is to be painted around the hull,mid way between the waterline and deck level.Two large Red crosses must be painted on either side of the hull.The funnel should also bear a Red Cross on either beam.A Red Cross Flag is to be flown from Forward and After masts.
Such ships are to be fully illuminated at night and Red Crosses on hull and funnels Illuminated by spot lights.Spot lights must also be arranged around the ship at deck level pointing down towards the water to illuminate the hull.
Crews on these ships must be either Civilian or designated non-combatant naval members.Medical staff must carry forms F.Ident 107. Neither crew or Medical Staff may be taken as prisoners of war.
The ships are to be unarmed,and no member of the crew may carry arms.The small arms of Injured personnel carried may be retained,but must be unloaded and in a locked and secure place.The key to this must be retained by the Captain or one of his designated Officers.
Under no circumstances are Hospital ships to carry arms or ammunition for other forces.(with the exception to those mentioned above.)
All ships designated as Hospital ships must be declared to a suitable Neutral power.The ships must be inspected before commencing such duties and at any time at the discretion of the Neutral Power.
Enemy Warships MAY stop and examine such ships at sea,but in no circumstances take the ship into custody as a prize.If not satisfied with the findings on such ships,they may be ordered to a NUETRAL Port for inspection in that port.

HOSPITAL TENDERS.

These may be small civilian vessels or minor unarmed warships designated for this task.They may be manned by Naval personnel but the crew may not carry arms.
They shall be painted in the same manner as Hospital Ships with the exception of the omission of the green line around the hull.They are covered by the same rules and regulations as cover Hospital Ships.They must be extended the Same rights as these ships,unless found to be used for war like purposes.( This is covered in a long list of misdemeanors such as Arms Spying Cargo carrying of any kind)

As we all know this Convention was widely breached by Axis sides in Both World Wars.In General the Allies respected the convention,even though some Hospital ships were clearly carring armed troops(Or at least suspected of doing so)The most blatant miss use of the Red cross was Armed German float planes that flew up and down the English coast during the Battle of Britain.When one was forced down it was fully armed with machine guns and carried a few light bombs.The most recent breach of the convention was during the Falkland's War.The Argentinians used the Ice Patrol ship ARA BAHIA PARAISO to carry troops to South Georgia at the commencement of hostilities then returned to Argentina and was declared a Hospital Ship.No Neutral inspection of her was ever carried out.

Regards Steve.

harry.gibbon

05-04-2010, 21:39

Medics (and others) in preparation for Afghanistan....

------------------

Royal Navy personnel train for Afghanistan

Royal Navy staff serve in Afghanistan across a range of medical, administrative, logistical and tactical roles, both at the main operating bases, such as those at Camp Bastion and Kandahar, and the smaller forward operating bases.

The Royal Navy ensures that every naval serviceman or woman preparing to deploy to Afghanistan receives the same rigorous package of individual pre-deployment training (also known as OpTAG) as that undertaken by the Army.

link reporting on the pre-deployment training of RN personnel:-

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/RoyalNavyPersonnelTrainForAfghanistan.htm

-----------------

Little h

steve roberts

23-04-2010, 11:35

Have just got back up from Town after watching a Parade.It was to honour the return to the UK from Afghanistan,33 Field Hospital.I was more than pleased to see the RN Element of this unit represented.They were granted the Freedom of the Borough,which of course the Royal Naval Medical Service has held for years,thanks to Haslar Hospital.
Regards Steve.

steve roberts

05-05-2010, 17:05

Another little dit from my time attached to the Royal Marines.Aden,1964,up country,not in the flesh pots of that glorious Town. To break the monotony of just sitting in the First Aid tent,I used to frequently go out on patrol with the booties.On one particular patrol we saw action.I was carrying a Stirling SMG, none of your pistol and five rounds rubbish!!. Our two point men had passed an outcrop of rocks,when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a flash of colour.I was just about to shout out,when I felt a sharp sting in my left elbow,which caused me to swing round to my left.I was carrying the SMG in my right arm/hand,with safety off!!.
The shock made my trigger finger contract and I emptied a whole magazine of 9 mm ammo. I have never seen anyone leap so high in the air as the Arab who had fired the shot.I swear he must have made 5 feet.All I can recall is the Corporal next to me saying "You should not have done that Doc!".Needless to say the Arab dissident was dead and I would have had some explaining to do.True to form,the patrol,who always carried spare loose ammo,made up the 28 rounds I had fired,and said in the report that some one else had fired the shots.
That should have taught me to get bored! Sit tight and safe and NEVER Volunteer!
Regards Steve.
PS It was only a local made soft lead bullet from a Musket! It did not even end up more than skin deep in my elbow!!!

steve roberts

10-05-2010, 19:08

Another from Aden,that would have been funny if was not so serious.
Time July 1967,just before the withdrawal from Aden.I had got there on the Hermes,but had developed Mumps,not too nice a thing to catch at a youngish age.Anyway I was landed to RAF Khormaksar,being infectious!! Had got over the Mumps and was waiting around for a flight home.
I'm sunbathing on the roof of one of the accommodation blocks,when I heard over the Tannoy "Would all Medical Personnel report to the Station sick quarters. AT THE RUSH!". Not waiting to get dressed ,off I shuffle in swimmers and flip flops.Everyone available was told to board the six station Land Rover Ambulances as there was trouble in Crater City.
It had recently been taken over by local dissidents and they were snipping from the roof tops.The British Regiment there at the time was The Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders,under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Colin Mitchell(Yes he of "MAD MITCH" fame) He decided that this situation could not go on.Complete with Pipes and Drums at the front,he led his men into Crater to sort things out.When the first shot was fired at them,there were Bagpipes and drums flying all over the place as the band dropped their instruments to free up their weapons.There was me sat in a Land Rover with only my trunks and flip flops on.I dread to think what some poor squaddie would have thought if he had needed my Ambulance.
Well the outcome is well known.Mitch and his men retook Crater,only to have to hand it back a little later! Funny enough,the Station Medical Squadron Leader was not amused by my "kit" and the next day I was suddenly found a seat on an old Bristol Britannia cargo aircraft returning to the UK.
I sweated buckets on my leave fully expecting to be reported.But thank the good Lord,he must have thought better about reporting me,just glad to have a mad Naval Medic off his station!!:D
Regards Steve.

emason

10-05-2010, 21:11

Steve, two very interesting posts. I just love personal stories like that. By my counting that's the second time you've been shot (at). You are a dangerous man to keep company with.:D

steve roberts

10-05-2010, 21:15

Hi Bill.Thanks for that little comment.The Bootnecks I was with for some years thought exactly the same!!!:D:D
Regards Steve.

harry.gibbon

10-05-2010, 21:16

Steve, two very interesting posts. I just love personal stories like that. By my counting that's the second time you've been shot (at). You are a dangerous man to keep company with.:D

Thats why he was a nukey doc in boats .... because he was a 'rad'-'fan':):)

Little h

Powers

11-05-2010, 00:57

Reference Steve Roberts post 40 above.

Steve, I was stationed at RAF Khormaksar throughout 1967 right up to the last few days' of our occupation of that unbearably hot and smelly part of the old British Empire. I therefore remember very well the events you describe. For my part riding 'shotgun' on RAF convoys through those dirty and dusty streets was always a dicey occupation because of the sniper problem you referred to. Mind you, we always remembered to change out of our 'bathers' and flip flops before we set off!

As you probalby gathered during your time there, Aden was a terrible place and came as a great culture shock to most of us. The flight out of there is still one of my happiest memories. Mentioning flying, the Britannia you came home on was, with the Comet and VC1O, the standard RAF passenger aircraft of the day, although it could also carry freight. It was luxurious compared to our standard 'cargo' types such as the Beverley and Argosy which were also used to evacuate many less fortunate bods to the Gulf Stations or even all the way home!

Thanks for the memories, even though they aren't particularly good!

Regards .....Paul

steve roberts

11-05-2010, 09:31

Hi Paul.Thanks for those comments.I totally agree.Aden was not exactly Shangri-La.And certainly not the best place to be at that time.Unfortunately No one took a pic of me at the time,now that really would have been one for the scrap book.:D
Regards Steve

emason

13-05-2010, 16:46

For all you medics, and others, I noticed today that there is a new book out simply called "MEDIC". It is a paperback by John Nichol and Tony Rennel and tells the stories of military medics from WW1 to Afghanistan. It is currently on a "3 for 2" offer in Waterstones.

steve roberts

13-05-2010, 16:57

Hi Bill.Thanks for that information,I will check if it's available through Amazon books.We don't have a Waterstones in Gosport or Fareham,and I'm certainly not going over to Pompey for it.
Many regards Steve.

Wombat

14-05-2010, 05:22

Hello Bill,

Thanks for the information. Can you tell us how much the book is selling for, and do they have an email or web address? We don't have Waterstones in Tasmania either!
Maybe I could order one on line unless anyone on the Forum is taking advantage of the 3 for 2 offer, in which case I would gladly take one and pay Air Mail postage to Australia.

Regards,
Wombat,
(James).
PS Is there writing and pictires:o:o:D

emason

14-05-2010, 16:31

Hello Wombat,
at the moment it is £6.19 for paperback, and £14.00 for hardback.

Have a look here:-

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/john+nichol/tony+rennell/eleo+gordon/medic/7521857/

I hope this helps.

Wombat

16-05-2010, 12:07

Thanks Bill, I will get on to them.

Wombat,
(James).

steve roberts

18-05-2010, 10:37

Hi Gang.Having related a couple of incidents in Aden,I had better tell you about Borneo.
First action.I am attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines.Home base Neesoon Barracks Singapore.There was big trouble brewing in Borneo and Sarawak,where Indonesian inspired dissidents were trying to overthrow the local governments.It was decided to send in British troops to quell the uprising.We had to go up river to Limbang where there was a rebel strong hold.Having arrived on the "Grey Ghost of the Borneo Coast" otherwise known as Bulwark.We had not landing craft to get up stream and local river boats were no good.So two Shell supply carrying Barges were "Borrowed".Maximum speed against the current aprox. 2 knots!!!
We approached the chosen landing sight in broad daylight and ran the lighters ashore,to be met with very heavy but inaccurate fire.This was soon suppressed with typical RM Efficiency.Except! in his eagerness to clear a hut of possible rebels,a young Boot neck did the classic Grenade throwing drill.Kicked open the door of the hut,tossed in grenade and flattened him self against the wall,prepared to charge in afterwards,all guns blazing.Silly sod forget that the walls of the "Basha" were made of straw!!!.Needless to say,he got a bit of his own grenade back,fortunately with only minor injuries.Operation carried out successfully,then things took a nasty turn when the Regular Indonesian Army decided to partake in the up rising to try and secure the entire Island for expansion of Indonesian Territory.
Part two to follow at some other time.
Many regards Steve.

steve roberts

22-05-2010, 16:26

Borneo.Second Action.

Up country in the highlands near the Indonesian Border.
Lima Company 40 Commando Royal Marines,at home in local Kampong,fighting off mosquitoes and rats,plus other Jungle creepy crawlies!
Some bright spark back at base decides,that because regular Indonesian Troops are infiltrating over the Border,it would be a good idea to set up and observation post and listening station on a nearby hill top.One platoon was detailed off for this operation.We had to stop washing,using smellies like foo foo powder and if possible stop smoking for at least three days before patrol.Oh,no cleaning of teeth either,it is absolutely amazing how the smell of anything alien to the jungle can carry.
We were approaching the top of the selected hill only to find it already occupied by the opposition.A frontal attack was decided on,and commenced at sunset.As we moved slowly up the hill,we were opened fire on.One Marine was hit,and me like an idiot,instead of waiting for the patrol to get ahead of me,dashed to the young lads aid.I threw myself down in front of him,shielding him from enemy fire.Thinking they would know I was a Medic,although I carried no distinguishing items,such as Red Cross arm band of markings on my pack.Needless to say the Indonesians opened fire on me.I felt two thumps on my left thigh,but as they did not hurt,assumed it was debris thrown against me.
I treated the wounded man,as the patrol stormed the hill top.It was not until I went to stand up that the pain hit me.I had been shot twice.
The patrol Sergeant came back down to where we lay and said,"It's OK Doc,none of them will be firing at you again".This is the last thing I remember until waking up in an RAF Belvedere Helicopter,being casevaced to base.
Glad to say the young Royal Marine made it OK as obviously I did.But after three months in BMH Singapore,in a ward run by an Army Nursing Sister who Adolf Hitler would have been proud of,I was flown home in a beautiful Air-Medevac Comet and lots of lots of lovely leave.
The moral of the story being.Don't try and get to your wounded until is reasonably OK to do so.
Regards Steve.

Scurs

22-05-2010, 19:54

Steve.....you met my first wife then? :D:D

Seriously.......she was an Army Nursing Sister (Captain QARANC).......wasn't at Singapore though, served Oxford, Aldershot and Colchester. Adolf would have awarded her the Iron cross with umpteen oak leaves!:D:D

steve roberts

22-05-2010, 21:28

Hi Scurs.I seem to have had many a run in with QARANC Sisters and nurses in my time(Bess them) Could never get used to calling a Ward sister Major,or a Nurse Sergeant.To Me they were all SISTER or Nurse.Made you feel as if you had to stand to attention just to ask a question? But that is besides the point,all service Medical staff have the patients welfare at heart(I think?)
Regards Steve.

Scurs

23-05-2010, 05:44

Steve..........All right for you mate, I had to salute the wife before I kissed her!! :D

Joking apart....she was a civvie again before we married! Basically though, she had a holiday in Weymouth with her friend Patricia, who's brother was my mate onboard KEPPEL which is how we met!

Ever come across an SBA "Bob" Foord? He was one of my best mates at PHOENICIA. Not a typo, that's how he spelt his name.

Wombat

23-05-2010, 12:01

Great story Steve,

I married a nurse too, she did her training when they still had straw on the ward floors and bullets were loaded from the front end:D:D
I still love her to death even after 40 years.:o

Wombat,
James.

steve roberts

23-05-2010, 14:23

I was unsure of which Thread to post this,but as RNH Haslar was the "ALMA MATER" of the Royal Navy Medical Branch.I thought this was the most fitting thread for these water colour prints I have just received from my cousin in Timaru,South Island, New Zealand.Don't ask me how they found their way all that distance!!!
The Hospital at Haslar was first opened to Patients in October 1753,though it was not fully completed until 1762.It ceased to be purely RNH Haslar in 2001,and became the Royal Hospital Haslar,a tri-service hospital.It closed to its last patients completely in 2009.
It's future now hangs in the balance.There is much speculation as to what purpose the site will be used for.Fortunately,every building in these prints is preserved and can not be altered from the outside or demolished.That will be a blessing in disguise though as there is a toss up between civilian developers and the Princes Trust as to who gets their hands on it!
If the Princes Trust is successful,the main building will become a pensioners residence,totally different to the Royal Hospital Chelsea,as it will be converted into self contained flats for Naval Pensioners and their Wives.This will include Medical and Social amenities.
If out-side Developers succeed,it will no doubt become high price luxury apartments.
At the moment the site is still owned by the MOD.
1) The main building seen from just inside of the Main Gate.The first sight of the Hospital patients would see.
2) Sentry post & Eliza Mackenzie House.This overlooks the old patients airing grounds and the house opened in 1901 as the Sisters Mess.
3)Canada Block.Built by contributions from the women of Canada,to provide accommodation for Hospital Staff.Once the Main Staff Quarters,but later used as the Senior Rates Mess.
4) The Terrace.Completed in 1798.The residence was built for the Hospital Governor and Later the Surgeon Rear Admirals residence.Last used as the official Residence of the MDG(N).
Many Regards Steve.

harry.gibbon

16-05-2012, 16:37

Military Cross for Royal Navy medic Liam O'Grady

A Devonport-based Royal Navy medic has been awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in Afghanistan.

Liam O'Grady saved the lives of four colleagues after a grenade attack, despite being wounded with shrapnel himself.

The 22-year-old medical assistant, who lives in Plymouth, was presented with his medal by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

"I told him it was a job that needed to be done, so I did it," MA O'Grady said.

The HMS Sutherland medic was attached to an Army patrol in the Upper Gereshk Valley last year when the attack happened.

"A grenade landed near me and shrapnel went into my leg and grazed my face as well," he said in an interview with British Forces News.

“The training kicks in and you do the job you're trained to do”

"I sorted myself out, got up and treated everyone else."

Despite his own wounds, MA O'Grady ran across open ground with grenades exploding around him to help his severely injured patrol sergeant who had lost a lot of blood and was in "real trouble".

"The shrapnel had penetrated his chest and lung and I knew I had to try to get some fluids and morphine into him - it's to his credit that he was a strong man, he was really fighting for his life," he said.

The medic then went on to treat three other wounded soldiers.

'Massive grenade attack'

It was only after medical staff at Camp Bastion took over the care of his injured colleagues that MA O'Grady allowed himself to be treated.

"Someone turned around and said 'it's our job to look after them' and I realised it was my job to be a casualty," he said.

"I did feel the pain from my own wounds, but I assumed we'd just been in a massive grenade attack and it's a small place so everybody's going to have injuries quite similar so I just got on with it.

"The training kicks in and you do the job you're trained to do."

When he was presented with his medal, MA O'Grady said Prince Charles knew the the details of the attack and asked him how he dealt with it and how the casualties were recovering.

The Military Cross is awarded in recognition of "exemplary gallantry" and is the third highest medal for bravery.

----------------------

from BBC News Devon (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-18082578)

BZ Liam

Little h