Stretcher Bearers

[GRANVILLE]

Am looking into the insignia worn by Stretcher Bearers. Were Red Cross shoulder titles the norm or might a SB wear regimental titles? Also, the Red Cross armband figures on many photos (usually seen on the left arm). Was a Red Cross shoulder patch also to be expected on the other arm?

 

David

[clive_hughes]

If they were Infantrymen designated as stretcher-bearers, they had a white armband with red letters SB, but otherwise same uniform & insignia as their armed mates.  Willing to be corrected on this, but I've seen a number of photos of them.

 

It was the RAMC personnel who had the red cross armband, circular insignia on top of the arm, etc.

 

Clive

Edited 3 October , 2018 by clive_hughes
wrong colour!

[johnboy]

I agree with Clive.

[Andrew Upton]

1911/15 RAMC Training manual on page 190, under Article 362:

 

"As regimental stretcher bearers are not exclusively engaged in the care of the wounded, they are not entitled, as such, to protection under the Convention or to wear the Red Cross Brassard".

 

Chapter III, Article 9 of the 1906 Geneva Convention:

"CHAPTER III.--PERSONNEL.

 

Article 9.

 

The personnel engaged exclusively in the collection, transport, and treatment of the wounded and the sick, as well as in the administration of medical units and establishments, and the Chaplains attached to armies, shall be respected and protected under all circumstances. If they fall into the hands of the enemy they shall not be treated as prisoners of war.

 

These provisions apply to the Guard of medical units and establishments under the circumstances indicated in Article 8 (2)."

 

HOWEVER, in Chapter VI it is made clear that personnel covered by the Convention must wear the red cross on a white background to show they are protected:

 

"CHAPTER VI.-THE DISTINCTIVE EMBLEM.

 

Article 18.

 

As a compliment to Switzerland, the heraldic emblem of the red cross on a white ground, formed by reversing the Federal colours. is retained as the emblem and distinctive sign of the medical service of armies.

 

With the permission of the competent military authority this emblem shall be shown on the flags and armlets (brassards) as well as on all the material belonging to the medical service.

 

Article 20.

 

The personnel protected in pursuance of Articles 9 (paragraph 1), 10, and 11 shall wear, fixed to the left arm, an armlet (brassard) with a red cross on a white ground, delivered and stamped by the competent military authority, and accompanied by a certificate of identity in the case of persons who are attached to the medical service of armies, but who have not a military uniform."

 

Somewhat copied and pasted from my earlier post in the relevant thread, so excuse some superfluous comments. As Clive said - regular infantry would be standard insignia, with SB brassard added. In theory only RAMC and other similar purely medical related troops would wear the Red Cross insignia (though examples can be found of some units using Red Cross insignia in violation of this).

[GRANVILLE]

Much appreciated chaps.

David