About this Unit
The 82 Field Hospital is a unit of the British Army’s Royal Army Medical Corps, established in the late 1960s as part of the Army Reserve (then known as the Territorial Army). Throughout its history, the unit has provided crucial medical support during major operations, including deployments to the Gulf War, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The hospital specializes in delivering emergency medical care, surgery, and treatment to soldiers in field conditions. Today, 82 Field Hospital continues its vital role, supporting both military operations overseas and humanitarian missions around the world.
Historical Facts
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Formation: The 82 Field Hospital was formed in 1978 as part of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), providing deployable medical support to the British Army.
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Location: The unit is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and is part of the British Army Reserve.
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Role: Its primary function is to provide field hospital capability, offering immediate surgical and medical care close to the front lines during military operations.
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Gulf War Service: 82 Field Hospital played a significant role during Operation Granby (the British codename for the Gulf War in 1990-1991), deploying medical staff and equipment to support coalition forces.
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Balkans Deployments: Members of the unit were deployed to the Balkans during the 1990s as part of NATO peacekeeping operations, providing critical medical support in challenging conditions.
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Afghanistan and Iraq: The hospital supported Operation Telic (Iraq) and Operation Herrick (Afghanistan), with personnel regularly deploying to provide life-saving care to both military and civilian casualties.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat deployments, 82 Field Hospital has provided assistance during humanitarian crises, including responses to natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
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Reserve Integration: The unit is notable for being a reserve unit that works closely with regular Army medical services, demonstrating the effectiveness of reservist integration in modern military operations.
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Exercise Participation: The hospital routinely takes part in large-scale international exercises, such as Exercise Joint Warrior, to maintain readiness and interoperability with NATO allies.
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Army 2020 Reforms: Following the Army 2020 restructuring, 82 Field Hospital became paired with 34 Field Hospital, enhancing its capability and operational reach within the British Army Medical Services.
