The Evolution of Casualty Evacuation in the British Army in the 20th Century

1918 to 1945

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ABSTRACT

This is the second in a series of papers that examine the evolution of the military casualty evacuation chain during the 20th century. The Spanish Civil War demonstrated to the world the revolutionary tactic of ‘Blitzkrieg’ developed by the Germans.

 

This and the experience of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940 emphasised the need for mobility in forward medical units. The campaign in the Western Desert led to
the creation of a number of new units such as the Field Surgical Unit and the Field Transfusion Unit which were introduced across the British Army as a result of the findings of the Hartgill Committee. The aeroplane transformed the evacuation chain from CCSs to base hospitals and beyond.
 

INTRODUCTION
 

This is the second in a series of papers that examine the evolution of the military casualty evacuation chain during the 20th century.

 

This paper reviews the period 1918-1945.  The Spanish Civil War in the 1930's heralded major escalations in the level of violence consequent to warfare. It provided some insight into the effects of the global warfare that was to start at the end of the decade.

 

The technology of the tank and the aeroplane radically altered military operations and the medical support required to care for injured soldiers.

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