Hospital Trains - Sepia Saturday

I have had to resort to the Internet to find some photos linked to this week's prompt, the kitchen on a WWI German hospital train.

Staying with WWI, I wonder about conditions on this Red Cross Train, no joint of meat for these sick and wounded French soldiers on their way to Paris in 1917.

A nurse touring the train distributing coffee

In WWII the British Medical Services provided medical transport.

Wounded soldiers playing cards in a hospital train in Belgium
(Photo ex Imperial War Museum - No. 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit, Sgt Biggins)

Trains like these were manned by both civilian and military crews, whose job it was to ensure safe and speedy travel for the casualties, including enemy wounded. Although damaged and disorganised.. trains played an important part in transporting casualties from hospitals and dressing stations to bases and evacuation areas. Casualties able to walk were given comfortable saloon coaches for the journey.

Sixty-nine years ago today at least one soldier was enjoying a cup of tea,

A soldier, evacuated from Normandy, on a hospital train,
7 June 1944 - One day after D-Day

He must have been going home judging by the smile on his face.

I must say that I am pleased that my experience on trains during my National Service was limited to night trains back to Catterick Camp.

To see what other warlike connections made this week take a trip across to Sepia-Saturday-180,