Rory,
I think from memory a Leader is in charge of 25 men.
NATAL VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS.
The N.V.A.C. was formed by Colonel Gallwey P.M.O. Pietermaritzburg. Where 2000 Volunteers were taken from all social classes. “Gentlemen”, Lawyers, and Chemists, to Labourers, Miners, and Dock Loafers. Many put out of work by the war, or refugees from Transvaal. Their duties would be to retrieve wounded off the field, transport serious cases from advanced Hospitals and Dressing Stations, and transport cases from the Stationary Field Hospital to the railway. No official uniform was issued and in all they were wild and shabby looking, disorderly, unsymmetrical, and quite bizarre unit, who’s work in the field earned them the nick name of “The Body Snatchers”, which was given to them by the soldiers.
Under the command of Major Wright, the unsuitable and undesirables were gradually weeded out and the Corps began to improve, saving many lives and an infinite amount of pain. They earned the reputation of going wherever they were needed; often sustaining casualties among themselves, some even losing their lives. The Corps were now wearing some remnants of uniform. Khaki tunics had been supplied, along with “some” trousers. It was common to see a gaiter on one leg and a put tie on the other, and there was still a large variety of hats on show, from the Bowler hat, to the Tam-o-shanter, the Slouch hat to a hat of their own creation. All their possessions were carried hanging about their bodies on straps or pieces of string, the most valuable being their water bottle, which could be military style, that had been found, or just a simple glass bottle slung around the waist. Between them they carried all they needed. One man with a bungle of firewood dangling, another with a saucepan, a third with a kettle, and so on.
There is one story told by Frederick Treves, Surgeon, No. 4 Stationery Field Hospital. Who recalls how on February 8th 1900 150 seriously ill cases were carried on stretchers, by hand, from Spearman’s to Frere. This trek was undertaken by the much underestimated “Corps of Body Snatchers”. Who covered a distance of 25 miles on non existent roads, in the blazing South African heat and dust.
With 12 men to each stretcher, a total of 1,800 men were required. They began their journey at sunrise and accomplished the distance in only one day arriving at sunset that same day. Out of the 150 cases transported that day, only one life was lost. Considering every one of these cases was so seriously ill it was not advisable to transport them by any other means, such as Ox Wagon or Ambulance, due to the conditions of the road, this was a spectacular feat carried out by a very odd looking bunch.
The N.V.A.C. was disbanded in March 1900. Just one month after this incredible trek.
James.
