• Bloodbox: The Australian Land Rover Series 2 and 2A, 4-Stretcher Ambulance by Mike Cecil
   
• Factory archive photos of Australian Army Land-Rover Ambulances
   
• Land-Rover Series 2 and Series 2A Ambulance ARN-chassis data list
   
• Land Rover Ambulances with 8 Field Ambulance in Vietnam

The Series 2A models were far more numerous than the 'trailblazing' Series 2 Ambulances which had proved to be a practical and well engineered Field Ambulance design.

The Australian designed body was made by Pressed Metal Corp Sydney and features double-skinned aluminium with foam insulation, roof revolving beacon, roof skylight and vents, lockers above cab and sides, exterior lockers, tropical roof, and twin swinging rear doors with windows. "In service" the rear door seals were often faulty and failed to prevent leakage of exhaust fumes. Vets tell tales that as stretcher cases they would feel very queazy or upchuck... As an aside here, we should record the famed servicesmen's nickname for the ambulance: "The Blood-box".

The details of the Ambulance variant was the same as the other Australian Military spec Land-Rovers; 4 cylinder 2286cc petrol with double pulleys, 4 speed transmission (with 2 speed transfer case), large radiator, twin fuel tanks, spare wheel mounted on the bonnet, brush-guard, tool brackets, Lucas tailights, exterior circular mirrors, cut front guards, front marker light, tac holders, extinguisher, diff light, mudflaps, suspension and 7.50-16 bar tread cross ply tyres. The front leaf springs should feature 11 leafs, not 9 as other Land-Rovers do. Though it seems that many Ambulances have the 9 leafs fitted, either deliberately (to suit urban environs) or by mistake (perhaps the correct part scale was too hard to find).

Many Ambulances are fitted with the Land-Rover capstan winch. The electrical system has a heavy duty Chrysler alternator to hold up the 12 volt battery and the loom is more involved of course. The Ambulance model also features creature comforts such as a windscreen demister, sunvisors and a cabin heater by Smiths. The centre squab is replaced by a cubby box with rubber tread covered lid.

At the Army Transport Corp Museum in Bandiana, Victoria, one of the last Series 2A Ambulance units "taken out of battle order" is on display. It is unrestored and showing its scars. It is painted in "UN white" and was part of the United Nations Peacekeeping expedition to Cambodia of the early 1990's (where the RAAMC did a BIG job). Perhaps it was the second time that this Ambulance had been to that region...