19TH FIELD AMBULANCE
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

19 Aust Field Ambulance was formed at Rockhampton in October 1941. The Unit moved to Sellheim to service the 11 Aust Infantry Brigade Group in January 1942. "A" Company took over the camp dressing stations at Townsville and Cairns from 116 General Hospital. In February 1942, "B" Company took over the detachments and in March 1942 the 19 Aust Field Ambulance moved to Reid River with Headquarters Company operating a Casualty Clearing Station while "A" Company opened the MDS at Roseneath.

The 26th Australian Infantry Battalion and the 19th Australian Field Ambulance both camped in the Reid River airfield area from late March 1942. The airfield was under construction at that stage. The 19th Field Ambulance's Casualty Clearing Station at Reid River was redesignated as the 1st Australian Camp Hospital on 5 April 1942. The 19th Field Ambulance relocated to Roseneath closer to Townsville on 9 April 1942.

The 19th Field Ambulance moved from Roseneath to Calcium, west of Townsville on 16 May 1942.

"A" Company of the 19th Field Ambulance moved from Calcium to Townsville by Motor Transport on 17 June 1942 to catch a train to to the Casualty Dressing Station at Little Mulgrave, south of Cairns.  They were to carry out anti-malaria measures in conjunction with the 5th Australian Field Hygiene Section.

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This page first produced 18 July 1998

This page last updated 04 December 2022