Veterinary Services

During the First World War, the AVC tripled its officers, and the number of other ranks grew forty-fold. By 1918, nearly half of all veterinary surgeons in Britain were serving in the corps. Engaged on the Western Front, at Gallipoli, Salonika, Mesopotamia and Palestine, it treated sick and wounded cavalry, transport and artillery animals. It also diversified, dealing with horses that had been gassed, setting up four farriery schools, and even treating camels in the Middle East. Around 80 per cent of the animals it treated were returned to duty. Following the Armistice in 1918, it was granted the 'Royal' prefix in recognition of its service.

Based on official documents, this is one of the rarer of the Great War Official History series, and as you would expect much of the text is concerned with equine matters. All theatres of engagement are covered in detail, including France and Belgium, East Africa, Egypt and Palestine, Gallipoli, Germany, South West Africa, Italy, Macedonia, Mesopotamia, Persia and Togoland, and the Cameroons along with North and South Russia. Topics include transportation, field equipment, technical pamphlets, and care of camels.

This is a massive tome and is essential to complete any run of the Great War Official Histories.