RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) – TA camps

Affectionate record of the activities of the RAMC with which Cardiff surgeon James Stanley Hilary [Larry] Wade (1916-92) was involved from WWII until the 1970s. The first camp seen is at Bridgend (c.1952-54). Cadets erect tents and Larry, with spectacles and swagger stick, is seen on the right of a group of three. The second camp (c.1947-48) is seen on an open day, Larry's wife Joan in attendance with their twin sons who enjoy the company of a very good-tempered St Bernard dog.

One of the four sons of James [Jimmy] Owen David Wade (1885-1952), a consulting surgeon in Cardiff and The Valleys, Larry observed his first operation aged 4. During WWII, he joined the RAMC, serving in France and the Middle East, being awarded the MC in Tobruk, Libya, 1941. On his return home to Cardiff, he worked as consultant general surgeon in the city's hospitals. He maintained an active involvement with the RAMC via the Territorial Army, being awarded the Territorial Decoration (TD and Bar) in 1955. He commanded the 3rd General Hospital and was appointed Hon. Colonel of the 203rd (Welsh) General Hospital 1965-1973. NB: Info. courtesy of the RCS's Plarr's Lives of the Fellows Online.