SIR – We were normally referred to as sick bay tiffies, an abbreviation of artificers.
Our training was extensive, including pharmacy and dispensing, and most aspects of caring for the sick and wounded. It was operated so successfully that other navies followed suit. The US did so and invented the term paramedics, which we declined to adopt.
Our service was evolved to meet conditions at sea and we are not to be confused with nursing auxiliaries and the like even though we may have acquired recognition as such.
JOHN HINTON,
Worcester.
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