AIR AMBULANCES

Otago Daily Times, Volume 25193, Issue 25193, 6 April 1943, Page 3

AIR AMBULANCES

USE IN TUNISIAN BATTLE EVACUATION OF WOUNDED (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) (Rec. 1.30 a.m.) GABES, Apl. 2. Quick and comfortable evacuation of the wounded from the battle was effected by the use of air ambulances operating, from a landing ground constructed by medical personnel close to the main dressing station. Working with pick and shovel, and aided by only one bulldozer, the men of the medical service in one day made a landing ground half a mile long and 100 yards wide. The use. of ambulance planes obviated the long, rough land journey that would otherwise have been necessary. All stretcher cases were evacuated by this means, the majority straight to a hospital well behind the lines, and some through the New Zealand casualty clearing station which has followed close on the heels of the Eighth Army’s advance. Serious abdominal cases which could not be moved after the. New Zealanders went forward through the gap remained under the care of the medical company, but these have now all been evacuated by plane. Probably never before in this campaign has air transport been used so extensively for this purpose. Over 200 wounded prisoners were attended by our medical services, serious cases receiving air evacuation. The landing ground was efficiently operated by members of the field hygiene section. The landing ground received a surprise visit from a Spitfire pilot who landed with a shrapnel wound in the arm. The back of the pilot’s seat was found to be on fire. Tne staff quickly extinguished the fire and attended to the pilot’s wound. Within a short time the pilot was again in the air.