The British Army recently celebrated the formation of the 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment (215 (Sc) MMR), the only Army medical services unit in Scotland, with a special parade at Edinburgh Castle.
This formation marks the merger of the 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment (225 (Sc) Med Regt) and the 205 Field Hospital (205 Fd Hosp), both Army Reserve Units with distinct roles in the Patient Care Pathway.
According to Lieutenant Colonel BP Gordon, the Commanding Officer of 215 (Sc) MMR, “Today, 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment paraded on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle. A significant and historical location to mark a significant and historical moment of the formation of the only Army medical services regiment in Scotland. A Multirole Medical Regiment delivers every capability required to support the fighting forces on the battlefield.”
The merger integrates various healthcare capabilities to support operations globally. The parade was a momentous occasion, attended by dignitaries including the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alistair Bruce of Crionaich OBE DL VR, and the Honorary Colonel of 215 (Sc) MMR, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE. Also present were General Officer Scotland, Major General Robin Lindsey CBE, and Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts CB CBE KHS OStJ DL.
Following the parade, a blessing took place in the Scottish National War Memorial. Lt Col Gordon had the honour of wearing the sword of Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC & Bar, MC, an esteemed figure awarded the Victoria Cross twice during World War One.
The new 215 (Sc) MMR, with its Regimental Headquarters in Glasgow, encompasses a wide spectrum of healthcare capabilities. It includes a Role 1 Medical Squadron in Glenrothes and Hospital Squadrons in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with additional troop locations in Dundee and Inverness.
In 2024, 215 (Sc) MMR is set to deploy to Kenya to conduct Health Outreach Clinics in collaboration with local charity organisations and engage in Defence activities alongside the Kenyan Defence Force.
The former 225 (Sc) Med Regt, based in Dundee, provided Role 1 Medical Support, while the 205 Fd Hosp, headquartered in Glasgow, was responsible for Deployed Hospital Care, including surgical interventions and resuscitation. Both units have a rich history of medical support in various operations since the Boer War.
At least that’s some sort of positive.
Something good 👍 you can take me off now George
Usually a merger of units hides a reduction of personnel numbers.
I was thinking exactly the same
It looks like another cut
3 medical units combined to one
Thank God it has a regular name and not some daft Americanism like Regimental Medical Team
Glad to hear that the Chavasse name lives on, VC & Bar!
His sibling Bishop Chavasse MC etc founded our local Secondary School so that name is not forgotten.
In the morning and at the going down of the sun,
We will remember them.
#RBL