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25 Field Ambulance

25 (Toronto) Field Ambulance (25 (Tor) Fd Amb) is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve medical unit located in Toronto. The unit’s mission is to attract, train, force generate and retain high-quality health service personnel to provide health service support (HSS) to 32 Canadian Brigade Group and to augment Canadian Forces domestic and international operations. An additional and important activity is to participate in activities that will raise its profile in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

History

25 (Toronto) Field Ambulance's lineage originates with No. 4 Bearer Company which was authorized on July 1, 1899 and formed part of Military District No. 2 (Toronto), in accordance with General Order 62 dated June 1899. In July 1904, General Order No. 98 announced a reorganization of the Militia Army Medical Staff Service. The order cancelled all existing regulations concerning the militia medical services and announced a new organization. The Army Medical Services was created and within it were Permanent Army Medical Corps (mainly for staffing permanent station hospitals) and the Army Medical Corps (organized into field units), both under the Director General Medical Services.

Some two years later in 1906, saw the development of a new type of unit, the field ambulance. Sixteen field ambulance units were authorized from Halifax to Winnipeg, and were formed by combining the existing bearer companies and field hospitals. Toronto saw the creation of No. 10 Field Ambulance with Major F. Fenton (formerly of No. 4 Bearer Company) as the Officer Commanding, No. 11 Field Ambulance with Major J.T. Clarke (formerly of No. 4 Field Hospital) as the Officer Commanding, and No. 12 Field Ambulance with Captain J.A. Roberts (formerly of No. 7 Field Hospital). The creation of field ambulances was to bring the Canadian organization in line with that of the British, and it was anticipated that it would result in a considerable increase in the efficiency of the medical service.

In 1914 through an Order in Council, the Governor-General, His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, called out various corps upon active service to support the war, recruits for the medical services would be drawn from the militia’s two clearing hospitals, 15 field ambulances, and six cavalry field ambulances. No. 2 Expeditionary Field Ambulance was drawn from Ontario, with the exception of the Kingston and Ottawa Districts (which were included in No. 1 Expeditionary Field Ambulance), with Lieutenant-Colonel D.W. McPherson, of Toronto, being placed in command. During World War One, the Canadian Militia raised a force for overseas employment known as the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), which existed from 1914 to 1919. The force was merged into the Army under the auspices of the Otter Committee's report. The CEF was a separate entity from the Permanent Active Militia (also known as the Permanent Force, or PF) and the Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM). Regiments and other units of the Militia were not mobilized, but rather transferred personnel to the CEF for overseas deployment. The CEF was disbanded after war.

The official date of reversion from Canadian Expeditionary Force status to that of the Permanent Force was April 1, 1920. For the majority of doctors discharged from the wartime medical services, there was a return to private practice, or a resumption of studies interrupted by the war. Some would retain their military connection by becoming members of the non-permanent Canadian Army Medical Corps. Re-organization of the Canadian Army Medical Corps was accomplished by General Order No. 51 on April 15, 1920. Numbered consecutively were 34 Field Ambulances, including 7 which were designated as “Cavalry”, also authorized were 11 Sanitary Sections plus Casualty Clearing Stations, General Hospitals, etc. The plan for reorganizing the non-permanent medical service provided for a sufficient number of medical units to serve all of the militia across Canada. The nine medical units located in Toronto included No. 4 General Hospital, No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station, No. 2 and No. 16 Field Ambulance, No. 7 Cavalry Field Ambulance, No. 1 Sanitary Section, No. 1 Motor Ambulance Convoy, a Reserve X-Ray unit and an Advanced Depot Medical Stores.

A re-organization of the Canadian Militia commenced in 1931 to address developments which had reduced the necessity for a large militia. Recent developments in international politics had ruled out war with the U.S. and the need for a militia organization based on the maximum available manpower had disappeared. An organization capable of providing an expeditionary force to support other members of the British Empire, or to implement a decision of the League of Nations was proposed. A force of one cavalry and six infantry divisions was proposed as being the maximum which could be effectively organized and reinforced in a war of long duration overseas. A militia of this strength would also be adequate for aid to the civil power, for home defence against an attack from overseas and for the maintenance of Canadian neutrality in a war between the U.S. and an overseas Power or combination of Powers.

On April 29, 1936, the Canadian Army Medical Corps was designated Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps.

On June 5, 1936, authority was given to implement the approved structure of reorganization which had been largely completed by the end of the year. The Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (Non-Permanent) emerged with 42 active units and 21 reserve units. The Toronto units were comprised of No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station, No. 2 and No. 16 Field Ambulance, No. 7 Cavalry Field Ambulance, No. 2 Field Hygiene Section, No. 13 and No. 15 Reserve General Hospital.

At the start of the Second World War in 1939, another overseas force was raised, and referred to as the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) until renamed in 1940. Unlike mobilization in 1914, existing units and regiments were used as the basis of the new field force. On 19 November, 1940, by order in council, the Canadian Militia was renamed as “The Military Forces of Canada shall henceforth be designated and described as The Canadian Army”

2 Field Ambulance was employed in support of Coast Defence and Vulnerable Point. 2 Field Hygiene Section was in support of 2nd Division. 2 Casualty Clearing Station was with 1st Canadian Corps, Corps Troops and then 2nd Armoured Brigade, 2nd Corps. 15 General Hospital was General Headquarters and Line of Communication.

After the war in 1948, there were three reserve units in Toronto, 2 Field Ambulance RCAMC (RF), 7 Field Ambulance RCAMC (RF), and 47 Casualty Clearing Station RCAMC (RF) which all were headquartered at the R.C.A.M.C. Armouries located at 204 St. George St. in Toronto.

In 1954 the first large reduction in the military occurred. In September 1954, the Canadian Army (Reserve Force) was renamed Canadian Army (Militia). During the 1950s-1960 the Commands were divided into Areas. Between July and October, while other branches were being reduced or disbanded, a major change came in the concept for the medical army reserves. The militia units formed in 1946 – Field Dressing Stations, Field Hygiene Sections, Casualty Clearing Stations, and Field Ambulances lost their identities, as they became amalgamated into medical companies, or as in Toronto, a medical battalion. 2 Field Ambulance, 7 Field Ambulance and 47 Casualty Clearing Station amalgamated, were converted to and designated No. 2 Medical Battalion effective October 1, 1954, remaining at the R.C.A.M.C. Armouries. At the end of October, 2 Medical Battalion was called on to assist in its role of “Aid to the Civil Power” when Hurricane Hazel hit the Toronto area. A short two years later on April 17, 1956, 26 Medical Company was authorized on the redesignation of 2 Medical Battalion. In 1957, 26 Medical Company headquarters was moved to College Street Armoury located at 507 College Street. The remainder of the unit moved over in 1958.

January 15, 1959, saw the creation of the Canadian Forces Medical Service which was placed under the direction of the Surgeon General of the Canadian Forces. The unification of the three branches of the medical services resulted in a Regular Force medical service, which was economical, flexible and considerably more efficient. The future of the militia medical units was anything but bright.

The next reduction of the militia occurred in 1965. Its strength was lowered to 42,000 all ranks with an effective strength of 30,000. By eliminating more regiments of infantry, armour, artillery and other units, it was possible to reduce the support services and amalgamate them into service battalions. On 1 January 1965, under the re-organization of the Canadian Forces, two Service Battalions were formed in the Toronto area, each taking elements from 5 Column Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC): 4 Ordnance Battalion Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, 4 Technical Regiment Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 2 Coy Canadian Provost Company (C Pro C), 13 and 26 Medical Companies, and elements of Pay, Dental, and the Canadian Women’s Army Corps.

2 Toronto Service Battalion was originally lodged at Falaise Armoury, but moved to Moss Park Armoury when it first opened in 1966. The unit consisted of 136 Company RCASC, 13 Ordnance Company, 46 Technical Squadron, 7 Coy C Pro C, and 26 Medical Platoon RCAMC.

Force Mobile Command (FMC) was created prior to Unification of the three services. On February 1, 1968, the unification of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force to merge into the Canadian Armed Forces went into effect. FMC became one of six functional commands of the new integrated Canadian Armed Forces, in essence becoming the "Army" of the CF, with both a regular and a reserve component, the latter readopting the historic title Militia. Canadian land forces underwent many changes, as several of the regular regiments were reverted to one-battalion Militia (reserve) units and interest in the military waned.

The entire Militia was reorganized in 1968/1969 into 5 Areas, comprising 21 Militia Districts. Toronto was located within Central Militia Area and commanded by Toronto Militia District Headquarters. The two Toronto service battalions merged into a single unit “Toronto Militia Service Battalion” on 1 Apr 1970. The Toronto Militia Service Battalion was renamed 25 (Toronto) Service Battalion in 1975 with 25 Medical Platoon.

On August 24, 1977, 25 (Toronto) Medical Company was authorized and formed as a independent unit in the order of battle, and was located at Moss Park Armoury. 25 (Toronto) Medical Company was a unit of the Toronto Militia District (TMD) as part of Central Militia Area (CMA). On September 1, 1991, Canada was again reorganized into four separate Land Forces Areas. The areas were subdivided into Regular Force Brigade Groups and Militia Districts. 25 (Toronto) Medical Company reported to the Commander of Toronto District within Land Force Central Area.

In 1997, the 14 Militia Districts were reorganized into 10 Brigade Groups, using the numbered reserve brigades that had served Canada in the Second World War. 25 (Toronto) Medical Company was part of 32 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG). In 2013, Land Force Central Area became 4th Canadian Division.

In 2004, subsequent to the reorganization of all Canadian Forces medical and dental units into the Canadian Forces Health Services Group, the militia medical companies were re-designated and organized as Reserve field ambulances and the unit became 25 (Toronto) Field Ambulance.

Present day

25 (Toronto) Field Ambulance is a unit of 4 Health Services Group and under operational control (OPCON) of 32 Canadian Brigade Group. As a Canadian Forces (CF) Primary Reserve unit, members may serve on a full or part-time basis. Deployments are voluntary, and personnel continue to serve alongside Regular Force CF members. The unit is based at Moss Park Armoury in Toronto.

Command team

Past commanding officers (incomplete list)


 * Lieutenant-Colonel M.R. Wionzek, CD (2016–Present)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel T. Nguyen, CD (2011-2016)
 * Major W. Gillie, MMM, CD (2009-2011)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel A. Hirji, CD (2008-2009)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel D. Teh, CD (2008)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel A. Hirji, CD (2003-2008)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel P. Von Bulow, CD (1999-2003)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel R.I.L. Sutherland, CD, MD    (1996-1999)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel    E.A. Kelly, CD, RN (1991-1996)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel    M.F. Perrone, CD, RN (1989-1991)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel    G.R. Humphreys, CD, MD (1987-1989  25 Field Ambulance
 * Lieutenant-Colonel R.F. Beckett, CD, MD (1984-1987)
 * Captain J. Merrill, CD (1983-1984)
 * Major R.B. McKenzie, CD, MD (1981-1983)
 * Major G.D. Housam, CD, MD (1977-1981)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel D. Abbott, CD, MD (1974-1977)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel P. Lewin, CD, MD (1969-1974)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel D.W. Dyer, CD, (unknown-1969)
 * Major E. Nugent (unknown)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel    J.L. Johnston, (1963-unknown)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel I.M. MacKay, CD, MD, QHP (1959-1963)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Brown (1956-1959)
 * Colonel    M. Spence (1954-1956)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Brown, (1953-1954) In July 1904, General Order No. 98 announced a reorganization of the Militia Army Medical Staff Service.  The order cancelled all existing regulations concerning the militia medical services and announced a new organization.  The Army Medical Services was created and within it were Permanent Army Medical Corps (mainly for staffing permanent station hospitals) and the Army Medical Corps (organized into field units), both under the Director General Medical Services.
 * Major    J.W. Bell, (1949-1953)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel W.J. Ollie, (unknown-1949)

Past Regimental Sergeants-Major


 * Chief Warrant Officer R. Lim, CD (2016–present)
 * Chief Warrant Officer J. Bruce, CD (2013-2016)
 * Chief Warrant Officer M.A.C. McFarlane, CD (2011-2013)
 * Master Warrant Officer R. Lim, CD (2009-2011)
 * Chief Warrant Officer K. Kominek, CD (2005-2009)
 * Chief Warrant Officer M.A.C. McFarlane, CD (1998-2005)
 * Chief Warrant Officer S.G. Burlock, CD (1996-1998)
 * Chief Warrant Officer D. Little, CD (1993-1996)
 * Warrant Officer M.A.C. (1988-1993)
 * Chief Warrant Officer D. Tait, CD (1985-1988)
 * Master Warrant Officer R. Edwards, CD (1983-1985)
 * Master Warrant Officer A. Babineau, CD (1977-1982)
 * Vacant (1981-1982)
 * Warrant Officer R. Short (1980-1981)
 * Vacant (1979-1980)
 * Warrant Officer Vic Mottershead (1978-1979)
 * Vacant (1977-1978)
 * Sergeant Dave Vicen (1975-1977)
 * Warrant Officer Jim Beauchamp (1970-1975)
 * Master Warrant Officer J.D. Newel (1965-1970)
 * Regimental Sergeant-Major W. Radulski (1963-1965)
 * Vacant (1962-1963)
 * Regimental Sergeant-Major W. Kendall (1961-1962)
 * Regimental Sergeant-Major A.C. Duncan (1959-1961)
 * Regimental Sergeant-Major L.S. Hooper (1953-1959)
 * Regimental Sergeant-Major R. Miller (1945-1953)

Past Honorary Colonels


 * Colonel D. Onley, CM, OOnt (2011-2014)
 * Colonel F. Lam (2008-2009)
 * Colonel D. Guyatt (2002–2005)
 * Colonel G.A. Trusler (1998–2002)
 * Colonel R.F. Beckett (1993–1998)
 * Colonel A.Breuls (1990-1993)
 * Colonel I.M. MacKay (1986-1990)

Past Honorary Lieutenant-Colonels


 * Lieutenant-Colonel V. McLaughlin (2009-2014)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel F. Lam (2005-2008)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel P. Lewin (2002–2005)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel D. Guyatt (1998–2002)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel G.    Trusler (1994-1998)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel    R.F. Beckett (1990-1993)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel A. Breuls (1988-1990)
 * Lieutenant-Colonel I.M. MacKay (1980-1986)

Operations

25 Field Ambulance members have deployed in many domestic and international operations including:


 * Operation Impact (Iraq)
 * Operation Nanook (Arctic)
 * Operation Lentus (Quebec Flooding)
 * Operation Unifer (Ukraine)
 * Operation Athena (Afghanistan)
 * Operation Archer (Afghanistan)
 * Operation Hamlet (Haiti)
 * Operation Safari (Sudan)
 * Operation Palladium (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
 * Operation Cavalier (CANBAT II) (former Yugoslavia)
 * Operation Boxtop (Alert)
 * Operation Assistance (Red River Flood)
 * Operation Recuperation (Eastern Ontario Ice Storm)