Patron: MAJGEN David G. Rossi AO Ret'd 

BACKGROUND

In March 1996, the 1st Australian Field Hospital Association finally got off the ground. Several attempts had been made previously but the time was, now, obviously right and the ex-members of the unit were ready to “Come Home”.

At a small Reunion, held in Melbourne, a unanimous decision was made by those who attended to finally form an Association in line with a development proposal submitted. At the completion of the weekend the Association had 18 Financial Members.

We set about tracking down ex-members of the Unit and I must say after 28 years, it was ‘NOT’ easy! We persevered and now after 11 years, we can proudly boast a membership of people from all corners of Australia, Texas (USA) and New Zealand. We have discovered an ex-member in Thailand and one in England (he actually found us through a copy of the Army News). We’ve gone global.

Approx. 800 men and women served with the Unit, and attached units, in Vietnam, so we still have some work to do finding them all and, then there are all those who have served since Vietnam to find as well.

THE PRIDE OF THE ASSOCIATION

1st Australian Field Hospital (1AFH) was formed in Vietnam (see History) and on return to Australia set up base at Ingleburn Military Area, NSW, and more recently at Holsworthy Barracks. The personnel who have served with the Unit since SVN have continued the excellent standard set by their predecessors and is the Premier Medical Unit of the Australian Army. On the 16th of August 2000, the 1st Field Hospital underwent a name change and is now known as 1st Health Support Battalion (1HSB).

OUR OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Association is not to dwell on the past, but to reunite those that served with the unit and shared common experiences. The Association will hold a National Reunion every two years as well as regional ‘Get Togethers’ such as ANZAC Day etc. This presents the opportunity to renew old friendships as well as meet those we are yet to know. (O.K., we’ll tell the truth – we just want to have a damn good time!)

THE FAMILY

We actively encourage the wives, partners, families and friends of members to participate in all our activities. By doing so they become part of, what we call, “The Family”. This involvement helps them to understand the strong bond that exists amongst unit personnel, and this in turn has been a major contributing factor in the success of the 1st (Aust) Field Hospital Association.

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