World War 2, Middle East, 2/1 Australian General Hospital, 1940
1942Informal outdoor group portrait of signal officers with senior officer
The 2/1st Australian General Hospital (AGH) was established to provide medical and surgical support to the 16th Brigade, 6th Division, with an initial capacity of 600 beds. Departing from Sydney and Melbourne in January 1941, the unit reached Gaza Ridge, Palestine, in February, where they gradually established operations, expanding to 484 patients by June.
During the Syrian campaign, patient numbers surged to nearly 2,000, necessitating additional staffing, including VAD personnel in November 1941. In March 1942, the hospital embarked on a 12-week journey back to Australia, setting up a tented hospital in Merredin, Western Australia. Male staff constructed the facility while nursing staff managed a temporary 250-bed hospital at Guildford Grammar School. Located strategically near rail lines and a water source, the Merredin hospital operated until mid-1943 before relocating to New South Wales.
In September 1943, the hospital deployed to Port Moresby, establishing a 1,200-bed facility, which expanded to 1,800 beds during the Lae and Finschhafen campaigns. The unit returned to Brisbane in June 1944 and redeployed to Torokina, Bougainville, in October. By March 1945, the hospital managed 1,202 beds. It ceased operations in November 1945, transferring remaining patients to the 109th Casualty Clearing Station before officially closing.
Throughout its service, the 2/1st AGH adapted to diverse challenges, providing critical medical care across multiple theaters of war.
Details
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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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