8th Field Ambulance (Australia)
| 8th Field Ambulance | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1916–1919 1942–1945 1966–1972 |
| Country |
 Australia
|
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Medical |
| Engagements | Vietnam War |
The 8th Field Ambulance was a medical unit of the Australian Army. It was original formed for service during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force, and served mainly on the Western Front between 1916 and 1918, before disbanding in early 1919. During World War II, the unit was re-raised as a Militia unit and served in Western Australia, New Guinea and Bougainville. During the Vietnam War, the unit served in Vung Tau in support of the 1st Australian Task Force between 1967 and 1968, before being disbanded in 1972. The unit's designation is now perpetuated by one for the 1st Close Health Battalion's close health companies.
The 8th Field Ambulance was first formed during World War I, being raised in Egypt in January 1916, when the Australian Imperial Force was expanded following the unsuccessful Gallipoli Campaign. Assigned to the 8th Brigade, 5th Division, the 8th Field Ambulance was subsequently deployed to the Western Front. Responsible for providing second line evacuation from regimental aid posts that were deployed forward with the attacking troops, to casualty clearing stations, Australian field ambulances at the time consisted of 10 officers and 224 other ranks and were organised into a headquarters and two company-sized sub-divisions known as the "tent sub-division" and the "bearer sub-division".
The unit's first major battle came during the disastrous Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, after which it served throughout the remainder of the war supporting the 8th Brigade's operations in France and Belgium. The unit's last war diary entry was made in March 1919, after which it was disbanded.
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