78th Division Battle Dress blouse of a Royal Veterinary Army Corps lieutenant

[Loupie1961]

As said, an Australian made, 1943 dated Battle Dress blouse badged to a Lieutenant of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps attached to the 78th Division. Quite a plain blouse, with interesting canvas printed RAVC shoulder titles. Has come with a SD tunic complete with RAVC collar badges, which I will post later on. Any info on RAVC formations being attached to infantry divisions? 78th Division made an extensive use of pack mules both in Tunisia and in Italy, therefore this could be the reason for an Officer of this corps to be attached to an infantry formation? Any hints and research suggestion much more than welcome!

[Loupie1961]

Here's what can be found on the webpages of the Army Medical Services Museum as the history of RAVC in WWII is concerned (please check at: AMS Museum » RAVC History ). I turns out that Italy as a major theatre of war for veterinaries:

At the outbreak of World War Two there were 85 officers (59 of whom were in India) and 105 soldiers, this increased over the course of the war to a total of 519 officers and 3,939 other ranks. A Even with the increased mechanisation of World War 2 horses and mules were still essential means of transport, most notably in Palestine and the Italian campaign where terrain made it impossible for vehicles. In 1942 the strength of military animals was 6,500 horses, 10,000 mules and 1,700 camels. The RAVC also had a presence in Greece, Ertirea and Syria and, as well as pack transport, were responsible for the local provision of livestock for slaughter, meat inspection and the rearing of livestock. The Italian campaign was the only one where RAVC units operated in the dual role of evacuating animal casualties and issuing replacements. In addition to the mules shipped over from North Africa and the Middle East there were almost 11,000 mules purchased in Sicily and Southern Italy. Battle casualties among mules in Italy were higher than had been anticipated, whilst losses from infection and contagious diseases were lower.

[Jerry B]

Cool BD and for this unit that I have seen one before.