Formation of Casualty Clearing Station

On the return of the Mobile Surgical Unit to Maadi Camp from the Western Desert on 8 February 1942, it was obvious from the point of view of staff and equipment that it was impossible to continue both this unit and a casualty clearing station. Therefore, the Mobile Surgical Unit, acting largely as the Light Section, was absorbed into 1 NZ Casualty Clearing Station as from 27 February, and this unit thus had an experienced and proven efficient staff from the outset. Lieutenant-Colonel Ardagh was appointed commanding officer.