Indian Medical Corps badge

[sapper533]

Hi
I have had this badge for ages and always thought it was for the Indian Medical Service. But on closer examination the scroll says 'Indian Medical Corps'
Cheers
Sean

[peter monahan]

The Indian Medical Corps was separated from the Medical Service in 1939 and given exclusive jusridiction over medical services for the defence forces and the IMS was disbanded in 1947. IMC became the 'Army Medical Corps' in 1950, apparently, so this badge actually covers a failry limited span, though the AMC traces its lienage back, throught the IMS to 1764!

[sapper533]

Thanks for that, so do you think the badge was worn from 1939? It's just that I also have this badge with scroll 'Indian Army Medical Corps' as opposed to 'Indian Medical Corps'.
Gaylor on page 249 'Sons ofJohn Company' says that the Indian Army Medical Corps was formed in 1943 (AI 114/43)
Cheers
Sean

[peter monahan]

Sounds like the first badge of the IMC then and, as you say, presumably 1939-1943 vintage. That has to be a failry rare item!

I must confess I wasn't aware of the name change in '43, but haven't paid as much attention to the service corps as I probably should! And the copy of 'Sons of John Company which I was fairly sure I'd bought is MIA.

[sapper533]

Thanks for your help Peter, I have been sorting out my Indian stuff but my knowledge is more limited than I thought. Hence the gaggle of queries I've posted.
Cheers
Sean

[peter monahan]

Sean

There are several real experts on here - Henk and Khyber come to mind - but I dabble a bit. I used to collect and now just save photos and drawings. Good luck with the 'sorting' and please feel free to post more!

Peter

[sapper533]

Cheers Peter
Regards
Sean