205 (Scottish) General Hospital RAMC (V) in Riyadh
Images of Operation GRANBY 1991
|
|
|
In December 1990, Armed Forces from Iraq under command of their President Saddam Hussein, crossed the border into Kuwait. Their aim was to end a long running claim to that country and thus procure the vast oil fields she owned. Due to the imminent threat in nearby Saudi Arabia, the Royal Family looked to it's allies in the west for support and protection. After some tense negotiation for the invaders to leave it was clear that military force would be required to obtain that end. As part of a coalition force, 205 (Scottish) General Hospital RAMC (V) was asked to provide a medical and evacuation facility which a large percentage of the Unit volunteered to serve with. | |
| The site chosen for the hospital complex was at the King Khalid International airport in Saudi Arabia. Terminal four was at this time unfinished and made a perfect area to set up the facility. With an airstrip on the door step it was an ideal facility for evacuation of wounded back to the UK. The wide spacious areas meant that all stores, transport and other logistical concerns could be easily addressed. | |
|
|
|
| Staff were transported from the accommodation by bus under armed guard. Although the Hospital was situated on friendly soil, the threat could not be discounted from undercover operatives or fanatical zealots who would target foreign forces wherever they could find them. The international emblems of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent, although shown on all Medical vehicles, do not deter attacks from those who disregard the Geneva Convention. | |
| Staff reporting for duty would be aware of the length of time shifts would last. These were typically twelve hour shifts from 1300hrs till 0100hrs within the wards. Most departments worked twelve hour shifts although the times may have varied. Days off were around one in five. These days were spent swimming or shopping in Riyadh and carrying out normal domestic duties. Certain individuals found themselves fortunate to attend functions at the British Embassy while others only left camp on C-130 Hercules aircraft on casualty retrieval missions. | |
|
|
|
| In the basement area there was space for storage of equipment. 4626 RAF Air Evacuation Squadron were stationed there also. Here they co-ordinated the evacuation of those casualties who required extensive treatment back in the UK, the general hospital was seen as a treatment intervention facility where casualties could be treated and returned to their Units if possible. However, in the case of serious casualties who had to be returned to the UK, the RAF worked very closely with the General Hospital's Evacuation facility to ensure this was done with minimum delay. | |
|
Medical support was augmented by Doctors and other staff from Singapore. Their accommodation was in tentage situated in the middle of the accommodation quadrangle of buildings. During the deployment, the Chinese New Year was celebrated. The Singapore staff, with their contacts in Riyadh, helped supply a large Chinese meal to help celebrate this event. | |
|
|
|
| 600 beds were laid out in 25 bed ward areas catering for surgical and medical casualties. Although the war phase was short and casualties reasonably light, there were still a number of casualties who required emergency interventional treatment and evacuation back to the United Kingdom. | |
| Operating theatres were under canvas but in a special environment. This is known as a collective protection area. Surgeons were able to work in a clean air environment since access was controlled by armed guards. There was also a forced air system in place which allowed air pressure to be constant and filtered in order to maintain a sterile area akin to that of a normal NHS hospital. Reception and Recovery areas were similarly situated. | |
|
 |
|
The Quarter Master's Department underpins much of the logistics in such an operation as the deployment of a unit to a theatre of war. Their duties are concerned with supply of accommodation, transport, laundry, stores, food, water and other supplies. | |
|
|
The complex entrance was also guarded although the tank was redundant it still made a fearsome deterrent for anyone who was thinking of breaking in!! | |
|
|
|
|
Saddam's plans to bring Israel in to the war and thus form an Arab coalition were based upon dropping missiles on Israel and provoking them in to declaring war. He knew that if they did this then the Arab nations may well come to his defence. It was not just Israel though, Scud missile attacks in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were a constant threat to coalition troops. In several occasions Scud missiles landed near enough to the hospital complex to cause a few anxious moments. | |
| To counter the threat of the Scud missiles, the coalition forces set up Patriot missile batteries to protect the Israeli borders and to reduce the threat to Saudi Arabia. Although some did still slip through there was not enough to do any significant damage. Subsequent operations by Special Forces reduced the threat to virtually nil. | |
|
|
|
|
Colonel GR Jones OBE TD FRCP Edin FSA Scot L/RAMC (V) was the Commanding Officer of 205 during Operation GRANBY. He has since moved on as an adviser to the Territorial Army and TA Colonel. Colonel Jones is a very popular Officer within the Armed Forces. We are fortunate that he is still with us in 205 as our Honorary Colonel. In that role he has supported the Unit well in every aspect of it's sphere of duties. We are grateful to him for his contribution to the historical aspects of this website and for his support and encouragement promoting 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital (V). | |
|
