Minifigure – Royal Naval Division (RND) Medic / Sick Berth Attendant (SBA) (The “Doc” of the Trenches) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Royal Naval Division (RND) Medic / Sick Berth Attendant (SBA) (The “Doc” of the Trenches)

The file name “Medical Soldier” (医疗兵) and the prominent insignia identify this figure as a Medic attached to the Royal Naval Division. In the British Royal Navy, these personnel were historically known as Sick Berth Attendants (SBAs). They served alongside the marines and sailors on land, providing critical first aid on the battlefield.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure features specialized medical markings that distinguish him from the combat infantry:

• Insignia (Key Feature):

  • Armband: On his left arm, he wears a white armband featuring a Red Cross and the letter “S”. The Red Cross is the universal Geneva Convention symbol for medical personnel, protecting them (theoretically) from enemy fire. The “S” likely stands for “Sick Berth,” designating his naval rating.

  • Satchel: On his back, he carries a white Medical Satchel also printed with a Red Cross. This would hold bandages, morphine, and tourniquets.

• Uniform: Like the rest of the RND figures, he wears the Navy Blue Tunic and trousers with the sailor’s Square Collar on the back.

• Tactical Gear:

  • Vest: He wears a heavy canvas vest with multiple small pockets. While similar to the grenadier’s vest, in this context, these pouches represents storage for medical vials, field dressings, and scissors.

  • Tool: Interestingly, a grey Wrench/Spanner is printed tucked into his belt. This suggests a “Combat Utility” role, perhaps implying he assists with assembling stretchers or field engineering tasks when not treating the wounded.

• Legs: He wears white/grey Puttees (leg wrappings) typical of the 1914-1915 landing parties.

Historical Background

• Sick Berth Attendants (SBAs): When the Royal Naval Division was formed to fight on land in WWI, the medical support came from the Royal Navy. These “Docs” wore their blue naval uniforms into the mud of Antwerp and Gallipoli.

• Gallipoli Campaign: The RND medics faced horrific conditions during the Gallipoli landings. With little cover and intense heat, they worked tirelessly to evacuate wounded marines from the beaches to the hospital ships.

• Targeting: Despite the Red Cross armbands, medics were often casualties themselves, as the blue uniforms stood out against the terrain, and the chaos of trench warfare made the Geneva Convention difficult to enforce.