3 CCS

[mutley]

Can any pal tell me how Number 3 Casualty Clearing Station was made up when it deployed in Aug 1914? Was it a regular or territorial orgnaisation. I have got its movements from the long long trail so I know where it went and when but dont know very much more. I am researching a colleagues grandfather who served with it for the whole of the war, survived and lost his life in Aug 1940 when the ship he was on was sunk. He was still serving and still a private! Greatful for any help.

thanks

Mutley

[Grenadier]

Hello

Here some info about a CCS:

The essential parts of a C.C.S. were:

(1) A large reception marquee.

(2) A resuscitation tent, where severely shocked or apparently dying cases were warmed up in heated beds, or transfused before operation.

(3) A pre-operation tent, where stretcher cases were prepared for operation.

(4) A large operating tent with complete equipment for six tables.

(5) An evacuation tent, where the cases were sent after operation, to await the hospital train for the Base.

(6) Award tent for cases requiring watching for twenty-four hours, or too bad for evacuation.

Hopefully a begin for your search.

[BJanman]

Mutley

No 3 CCS was formed as No 3 Clearing Hospital, under Major J B Barnett, at Aldershot 14th August 1914. Re-designated No 3 CCS Army Orders 509/1914.

It sailed from Southampton to Rouen on 17th August 1914, but was delayed at Rouen until 23rd August. It was a regular unit.

An A&D book for this unit is at the National Archive under ref. MH/106 and the war diary ref. WO95/412

Barbara

[petestarling]

Mutley

To add to what Barbara has said, note that it was formed as 2 CCH. The authorities then decided that the 'hospital' in the title was giving the wrong impression that it was a large equivilent to a hospital but under canvas or in an improvised building so changed the 'hospital' to 'station'. Little did they realise that as the war progressed they would go full circle and become large hospitals with operatining theatres and specialise in various types of wounds or conditions.

In the 1970's they changed their name to 'Field Hospital' and remain so today.

Pete Starling