Ceremony celebrates 202 Field Hospital and creation of new regiment

One of Birmingham’s oldest regiments and its new incarnation have been celebrated in a special ceremony in the city.

The regiment will become the Army’s first Reserve multi-role medical regiment as part of the Army’s Future Soldier programme.

Re-named 202 (Midlands) Multi-Role Medical Regiment, it is the first of nine new Multi-Role Medical Regiments being formed in the Army Reserve.

The new regiment will provide immediate first aid and emergency care at medical treatment facilities close to the frontline, through to the evacuation and treatment at a field hospital. They do this by combining vital medical skills with military skills including patrolling and providing care under fire.

Birmingham has a long history of territorial and Army Reserve military hospitals being based in the city, going back to before the First World War and the former Field Hospital was handed the Freedom of the City in 2002.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Chaman Lal, took the salute at Centenary Square from Commanding Officer of the Regiment Colonel (Col) Clare Dutton.

Col Dutton said: “It was a big day for the regiment. Birmingham and the surrounding area are home to many of our soldiers and we are deeply grateful for the support shown to us by the people of Birmingham and the council.”

Councillor Lal said: “Birmingham is very proud to honour 202 Field Hospital and the new Multi-Role Medical Regiment and recognises the work Army reservists and medics do both at home and in combat. I hope that many people will come out to celebrate their achievements, watch the parade and join in the celebration.”

202 (Midlands) Multi-Role Medical Regiment comprises a regimental headquarters and four squadrons, located in Leicester, Nottingham and two in Birmingham.

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