The 1st Eastern Mounted Field Ambulance have developed into an extremely fit unit in the months which have elapsed since they left Luton.

Woodbridge, the little Suffolk town in which they are quartered, is a place of which the chief characteristics are narrow streets, dangerous corners, quaint old buildings and a more than ample allowance of places of public refreshment.

In normal times it is a quiet, sedate old town - one of those places which were of considerable importance in the years that have passed, but have stood where they were, or decayed, instead of progressing with the march of time. At presented, however, it is having an unaccustomed time of activity.

One of our representatives who visited the Luton unit a few days ago found the headquarters in an old mansion standing in several acres of ground. The ordinary road waggons of the unit are supplemented by motor ambulances, and in the grounds there is ample room for all the horses and waggons, for the erection of a dressing station such as is shown in one of our illustrations, and even a football ground.

Lieut-Col E. J. Cross, who is in command, expressed himself very pleased with the efficiency of the unit, and also with the successful recruiting for the second and third line. The whole unit certainly appeared to be very smart.

In addition to carrying on their ordinary training, they ran a hospital for all minor cases of accident and illness arising in the Eastern Mounted Brigade, and are responsible for the transfer of all serious cases to a military hospital farther inland. They have also rendered very useful service in connection with the transport of wounded from the front, when they have arrived at Ipswich on the way to hospital.

The illustrations are from negatives loaned by Sgt Lindley.

[The Luton News, May 13th, 1915]