Letters to the Editor The Red and Green Life Machine

摘要

Sir, Growing up in the 1980s, I recall watching 'John Craven's Newsround' on television, and realising that war had broken out 8000 miles away, in the Falklands Islands; a land that not many people had heard of, but seemed resolute to retain as part of Great Britain. The Falklands War has in many ways become infamous. It was a fight that many, including the Argentinians, did not expect the British to take on. The logistical effort was enormous, and the risks of failure equally so. Many commentators have declared that it was as much a victory of spirit and British endeavour, as it was of tactical and strategic superiority. In 2001, I joined the Royal Navy as a Medical Assistant (MA). Throughout MA training, many instructors referred to the Falklands and in particular to the 'Red and Green Life Machine'. I had never heard of this place but decided to investigate when the opportunity arose. Throughout my research, I was amazed at the stories that unfolded. How could I start to compare this tiny facility at Ajax Bay in the North West corner of East Falkland with the resources and facilities I recognise in the 21st century? Well a good starting point would be to visit it. Ajax Bay was the landing point for 3 Commando Brigade at the start of the land campaign to reclaim the islands (1). The availability of buildings that offered protection from the climate was limited. Surgeon Captain (Surg Capt) Rick Jolly (then Surgeon Commander), as Officer Commanding Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines, quickly requisitioned the disused refrigeration factory and set about establishing the Brigade's Field Hospital.