A soldier is hoping former Territorial Army medics can help to fill in the blanks about the history of an Oxford-based field hospital unit to help it celebrate its centenary next year.

Former 202 Field Hospital member Corporal Tony Green, of Wantage, wants to build up a comprehensive archive chronicling the history of the unit, which is based at Slade Park Barracks in Headington.

The unit can trace its roots back to the formation of the Territorial Force in April 1907, to provide a force of volunteer, part-time soldiers who could be mobilised to defend the UK in time of war, replacing regular troops sent overseas.

Many of the members of the modern unit are NHS staff, who give up weekends and holidays to train for their military role.

While the history of the Royal Rifle Volunteers and the Royal Signals units based at Slade Park is well documented, much less is known about the medical unit.

Cpl Green, is interested in tales of service overseas with 202 Field Hospital, but also other stories and items of interest connected with the unit.

He added: "Alternatively, relatives of former soldiers who are no longer alive may be willing to pass on any stories or allow access to pictures in their possession. Ultimately, it's our intention to build a complete picture of the amazing contribution these individuals have made, with a view to creating a lasting and permanent record of everything they have given.

"Oxford has a remarkable heritage, but the achievements of its military medics are often overshadowed by other, more academic elements of the city's history."

Next April, members of the unit hope to take part in a week long re-enactment of what life was like in the frontline trenches in France and Belgium during the First World War.

Anybody able to help with the project can contact Cpl Green through Slade Park Barracks by calling 01865 780140 or alternatively email atty7@hotmail.com

Medical history

* The first military hospital on record in England was at Yarnton Manor during the Civil War.

* During the First World War, the 3rd Southern Hospital was based at Somerville College, Cowley Workhouse and the University Examination Schools.

* During the Second World War, Oxford's Territorial Army medics were sent to serve in France in 1940 and North Africa later in the war (as 19th Southern and 16th Oxfordshire Hospitals), as well as working at hospitals in the city.

* In 2003, 202 Field Hospital was deployed to the Gulf region for six months for the invasion of Iraq and provided care not only for troops during the fighting but for Iraqi civilians afterwards.