World War I in Pictures: Royal Army Medical Corps in Front of Bell Tent with Message to Mother

A poignant 1914 photograph captures three members of the Royal Army Medical Corps standing proudly outside a bell tent, accompanied by a handwritten message from a son to his mother.

A Rare 1914 Photograph of the Royal Army Medical Corps

Taken at the Stanhope RAMC Barracks in Aldershot, the image reflects the early days of the Corps, whose members travelled with infantry units and faced the harsh realities of battlefield medicine. More than just a military portrait, the photograph preserves a deeply personal moment—one young man reassuring his family that he had returned safely, just as the First World War was beginning to reshape countless lives.

This photograph of members of The Royal Army Medical Corps was taken at the start of World War 1 and bears a touching message from a son to his mother.

Founded in 1873, the RAMC travelled with infantrymen and dealt with war wounds on the field and within military hospitals.

Members of the RAMC Standing in Front of a Bell Tent in World War 1

The Role of the RAMC in the Early Years of World War One

The RAMC wore military uniforms, but were not seen as combatants themselves. However, they would be seen within areas of combat with stretchers, ferrying wounded soldiers and the dying to a place where treatment could be administered. As can be appreciated, the RAMC officers faced challenging situations which were at times impossible. Often, these medical staff became casualties themselves.

This photo shows three members of the Royal Army Corps from Stanhope RAMC Barracks, Aldershot.

A Son’s Touching Message to His Mother in 1914

This photograph was salvaged from a flea-market in Warwickshire. On the rear was a half-penny stamp, franked with the date: 24 October 1914. The recipient is a Mrs. Guernsey (I shall not give the entire address), Alexander Road, East Twickenham, Middlesex.

In pencil, the message reads:

“Dear Mother, a few lines to let you know I arrived back safely. How do you like my photo? I will write again in a few days to let you know more.

Love to all,

Alf.”

It can be worked out that one of the men pictured is ‘Alf’ who likely is an ambulance driver or medical officer.

A valuable artefact that needs preservation.