THE COVENANTER
I have referred now to two further primary fold.
sources. At www.army.mod.uk/medical etc However, one last point: would Robin
one finds Royal Army Medical Corps and A Buchanan-Dunlop now like to join me
Brief Historical Tour of Army Medicine. I in a campaign to get those two VC’s back
quote: from the Army Medical Services Museum in
‘Following the restoration of Charles II in Aldershot and into the Cameronian Museum
1660, the Standing Regular Army was formed. in Hamilton where they clearly belong?
For the first time, a career was provided for
a medical officer, both in peacetime and Yours etc
war. The Army was formed entirely on a Philip R Grant
regimental basis … and a medical officer
with a warrant officer as his assistant was Sir,
appointed to the regiment which also I would be obliged if you would be good
provided a hospital. The regimental basis of enough to publish this letter addressed to
appointment for medical officers continued all members of our Regiment.
until it was abolished in 1873…. Yours etc
Emerging from this fiasco (the Crimean War) DO Christie
was the formation in 1855 of “The Medical
Staff Corps” composed of “...men able to May 2008
read and write, of regular habits and good Dear Cameronian Friends,
temper and of a kindly disposition”. In 1857 Jan and I are so sad that we cannot be with
the Medical Staff Corps was reorganised into you this weekend, at what may be the last
the “Army Hospital Corps” a title it held major gathering of the Regiment.
until 1884 when it reverted to its former I count having served as in The Cameronians
name.’ (Scottish Rifles) as one of the greatest
It seems almost certain then that both Home privileges of my life. I am sure you many of
and Bradshaw, whose wonderful deeds took you do too.
place on 26 September 1857, were regimental On that very sad day, 14th May 1968, when
surgeons. Whether they later transferred to the Rev Donald MacDonald said:
the Medical Staff Corps is not known. “To most of us here, and many not here, so
There is one further source too: the National long as life lasts, this Regiment will never
Archives (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ die,” he indeed spoke the truth.
documentsonline etc). Here is the entry: But I believe it goes even farther than that.
The Cameronians have left a legacy to
Description Scotland, which in my opinion, surpasses
Medal listing of: Home, Anthony Dickson that of all other Regiments, significant
Rank: Surgeon though these might be. Having looked
Regiment: 90th Regiment carefully at the behaviour of the forefathers
Date of Act Of Bravery: 26 September 1857 of our Regiment, and our very early service,
Campaign: India it seems that the battle of Dunkeld may have
Locale: Lucknow been as critical to eventual genuine religious
freedom in Scotland, as Bannockburn was
Date - 1856 Feb 20 - 1864 Aug 06 to Scots’
Catalogue reference - WO 98/3 independence. If this is so, after we are all
Dept - Records created or inherited by the dead and gone, our heritage will
War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate still endure.
General, and related bodies What other Regiment can claim that?
Series - War Office: Correspondence and Jan and I send not only our good wishes,
Papers Concerning the Victoria Cross but also a Blessing for this
Piece - Victoria Cross Register weekend, and for the years that lie ahead.
“May The Lord bless and keep you
May I suggest that we leave the matter there? all, everyone of you.”
I agree that we should not be in the business David Christie.
of garnering any more greatness than is our
regimental due. There is no need. There are Sir,
enough wonderful tales to be told without Since this is to be the last edition of The
adding any which are not fully merited. In Covenanter, may I crave your indulgence
my view Home VC and Bradshaw VC should over a few personal thoughts.
stay where they are: firmly in the regimental
97
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