WW1 British BEF Medical Medic Stretcher Bearer Patch (3)

The WW1 British BEF Medical Medic Stretcher Bearer Patch is an insignia associated with stretcher bearers serving in the British Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Typically worn on the uniform sleeve, this patch identified personnel responsible for providing first aid and transporting wounded soldiers from the front lines to medical posts. The patch is usually made from cloth, often featuring a red cross on a khaki or dark backing, denoting its medical role. Stretcher bearers played a vital function within the BEF, braving hazardous conditions to recover and assist the injured under fire. The insignia was designed to distinguish medical personnel from combat troops, offering a measure of protection under the Geneva Conventions, though safety was not always assured in practice. Original examples may show variations in size, stitching, and coloration, reflecting supply differences and field conditions throughout the conflict. This patch represents an essential aspect of wartime medical services and identification.