The 128th Evacuation Hospital was the first Evacuation Hospital to land in Normandy, and disembarked at 1530 hours, at Utah Beach on 10 June 1944. To learn more about the history of this incredible unit, please see the Unit History published on the WW2 US Medical Research Centre.
Since it is not possible for any living history group to accurately portray a full-scale Evacuation Hospital, Strictly GI focused on a small section of the Hospital to offer a glimpse of the life inside a US Army field hospital to members of the public. The display featured several of the group's vehicles including a fully-equipped WC54 Ambulance and GMC Mobile Dental Clinic, as well as a large amount of original US Army canvas tentage. The display included a clerk's office, Nurse's quarters, X-Ray tent, Operating Room and a Hospital Ward. Each tent was outfitted with genuine WWII-issued items and equipment, including a 1942 Picker X-Ray machine.
Despite some unsettled weather, the event was a huge success both on the whole and for Strictly GI. The display was extremely well-received, with many members of the public (and fellow re-enactors) commenting on the quality and quantity of equipment on display. Member Lawrence Riley also received the runner-up award for the Best Military Vehicle for his GMC workshop truck marked up as a Mobile Dental Clinic.
All in all, a very successful event for the group, and one that we will be sure to attend next year. Please click on the photographs below to enlarge them.
