Date of issue: August 19, 1994
Printer: Canadian Bank Note Company
Series: Historic Land Vehicles, Public service Vehicles
Design: Joseph Gault and Tiit Telmet
Canadian Forces Health Services
The Canadian Army Medical Corps was established in 1904 to provide care to wounded and ill soldiers during times of conflict and peace. As such, its staff has been employed in a variety of settings, including ambulance units, field hospitals, and military bases across Canada and abroad. In 1959, the Corps joined with the medical services of the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force to form the Canadian Forces Medical Service. This was eventually combined with the Royal Canadian Dental Corps to form the Canadian Forces Health Services Group.
During the Second World War, Canada produced over 850,000 military vehicles for the Allied war effort. Their design and production were initially organized by the Canadian Army Engineering Design Branch on the basis of British War Office specifications. Eventually, private car manufacturers (e.g., Ford) also retooled their plants for military purposes. The vehicle design was coordinated to maximize flexibility; for example, a “standard” truck chassis could function as a base for a general transport truck, a petrol tanker, or an ambulance.
The Stamp
The stamp shows a Ford model F60L-AMB military ambulance (1942-43) used in Europe in WWII. A commemorative envelope for the Canadian Forces Health Services’ 100th anniversary was issued in 2004. It depicts Canadian Forces members providing medical care in a variety of settings and periods. The Services’ Latin motto – Militi Succurrimus: hasten to aid the soldiers – overlies them. Their medical specialization and humanitarian role are clearly indicated by the epaulet’s rod of Aesculapius on a red cross.
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