In a landmark moment for the British Army, the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), the Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC), and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) have officially merged to form the Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS).
This historic amalgamation, part of the Army’s modernisation vision under Project Victoria, marks a significant step toward a more cohesive and agile healthcare force.
The event was commemorated with a parade featuring 180 officers and soldiers at their Regimental Headquarters on the Sandhurst Estate in Surrey. The troops were inspected by the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick ‘Roly’ Walker, who paid tribute to the proud legacies of the three Corps, now unified under a single banner.
“Forging a New Chapter”
Addressing the troops, General Walker said: “We all stand here to witness the amalgamation of three incredibly proud, historic Corps of the British Army, now unified as one body—the Royal Army Medical Service. And what a fitting venue to mark this occasion, your Regimental Headquarters behind you, this place stands as a guardian of your heritage, the focal point for your people and now the beating heart of the new Royal Army Medical Service.”
He continued: “In this era of great power competition, and the volatility that is spreading around our world, the importance of being able to shape our own future has never been more vital.”
“Today, we are not merely changing structure; you are forging a new chapter in your shared legacy. A chance to simplify, to unify and to embrace a cultural shift which brings us together as one inclusive and representative Corps. By embracing change and uniting your strengths, you now assert your right to define your own future standing firm against external pressures that seek to dictate the path.”
General Walker also reflected on the Corps’ vital contributions during the pandemic: “Your efforts and your sacrifices were never more evident to the rest of the nation than during the global Covid pandemic. You all went above and beyond, supporting not only our Army, but also our nation in a time of unprecedented crisis. And you now carry forward those successes and with them the opportunity to build on them, to set the new standards of excellence, and enhance our Army’s fighting power.”
“A Nod to Heritage”
The decision to unify these Corps under Project Victoria draws inspiration from history, specifically the founding of the RAMC in 1898 during Queen Victoria’s reign. Corps Colonel Graham Johnson explained: “We looked back to when the first Corps was formed, the Royal Army Medical Corps, in 1898. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria and that’s one of the reasons why we chose the name Project Victoria.”
He elaborated: “We asked the questions: Is it the most efficient and effective way of doing our business in a modern healthcare setting, with multi-disciplines, professional health workers, and the National Health Service linkage? Is it right and proper to have three independent Corps in that modern healthcare setting?
“We went through the process and the answer we came out with was no. We were united for a common purpose, we wear the Red Cross together when we’re on operations, when we tactically can, so we’re united by the Red Cross anyhow. We were united by a belief of humanity for all in crisis and conflict, and therefore maybe it’s just a natural evolution and a recognition of the reality of the modern day, that coming together and wearing the same cap badge was the right and proper thing to do for a modern Army looking forward.”
Flags of the Past, Unity for the Future
The parade saw the ceremonial lowering of the flags of the three former Corps, replaced by a single Royal Army Medical Service flag. The new standard incorporates Dull Cherry from the RAMC, Athol Grey from the QARANC, and Victoria Green, renamed in honour of Project Victoria.
“Leading-Edge Care for a Modern Army”
Major General Hodgetts, Master General Army Medical Services, spoke about the broader cultural transformation underpinning the merger: “At the heart of this institutional modernisation will be culture and behaviour change to develop a single, agile workforce, appropriately educated to operate, fight, and adapt in uncertainty that will deliver leading-edge developments in treatment and care.”
He continued: “The Royal Army Medical Service will deliver modernised, multi-disciplinary healthcare offering opportunities for better organisation culture and a unified, inclusive, and representative Corps. Personnel will be able to work across all areas of the Royal Army Medical Service, maximising the talents of our people to enhance our fighting power, which is central to delivering the government’s first duty—keeping our nation safe.”
A Vision for the Future
This unification represents more than structural change—it is a bold step toward creating a healthcare service equipped for the challenges of the modern battlefield. The RAMS will offer a streamlined, inclusive, and effective approach to medical support for exercises and operations at home and abroad, ensuring the British Army remains a global leader in healthcare excellence.
As the Army moves forward with this historic transformation, the Royal Army Medical Service stands ready to uphold its legacy while embracing a future defined by innovation, unity, and excellence.
