The Army Medical Services are integral to the effectiveness of the British Army. Their size and capabilities determine the health outcomes of those who become sick or injured during service.

In this wide-ranging talk, Professor Martin Bricknell will show how the challenges faced by the British Army regarding the health of its soldiers are remarkably unchanged in the last 200 years.

He will look back at the breakdown of medical services during the Crimean War (1854-56) and how this led to the formation of the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1898.

He will also explore the relationship between public health and the Army, from the physical fitness of new recruits to long-term health outcomes for veterans.

Martin Bricknell is Professor in Conflict, Health and Military Medicine at King’s College London. Prior to this, he served for 34 years in the UK Defence Medical Services, culminating in his appointment as the Surgeon General of the UK Armed Forces. He undertook operational tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans, with multiple additional overseas assignments.

During his military service, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Bath, the Order of St John and the US Bronze Star.

The History of Health and the Army