3 replies to this topic

[ddycher]

All

I recently came across a ref where men were sent here after being downgraded by a medical review board. Would I be right in assuming this was an Army Education Centre ? He subsequently went on to the RAMC.

First time I have come across this unit at Kantara. Can anybody expand on what it was / how they worked ?

Thanks
Dave

[michaeldr]

Dave,

I have not yet come across 'Army Education Centre' however there were Area Employment Companies.
AEC (Area Employment Company) would also probably tie in with the transfer of men who had been downgraded by a medical review board

Per Ivor Lee's book these were formed into groups 'Groups' at the end of September 1917
AEC Group No.3 comprised Labour companies 808, 813, 814 & 815
Kantara was a Base Depot for the ELC; perhaps it also served as such for the AEGs?

Re the later transfer to the RAMC:
Ivor gives the following which may be a connection (?)
“At the end of December 1917 of the 230 men in 814 Company at Abbassia the largest detachment was 16 men at the AOC Depot. No fewer than 161 men were working alone or in pairs in hospitals, canteens, at YMCA or for other employers”
He also gives other examples of men being employed at Abbassia Convalescent Depot and the Citaldel General Hospital

Drop a line to Ivor; perhaps he can help further?

Good luck
Michael

[Ivor Lee]

Dave

I am afraid I cannot add much to Michael's reply.

There appears to be very little remaining information about the Labour Corps in Egypt.

One thing I can add is that there was a semi-permanent tented hospital at Kantara. It was started as a hospital with 150 beds in April 1916 and by November 1918  had to grown to between 1200 and 1500 beds.    There must have been a large number of Labour Corps and RAMC men employed at this hospital.

Regards

Ivor

[ddycher]

Gents

Thanks. I found the No.3 Area Employment Group in the Palestine LOC. Makes alot of sense.

Regards
Dave