| 1st Health Battalion | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Callsign_vampire.JPG) Callsign Vampire logo used by 1 HB | |
| Active | 1 April 1968 - Concurrent |
| Country | Australia |
| Allegiance | Australian Army, Commonwealth of Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Combat Health Support |
| Role | Medical and Logistical |
| Size | One battalion |
| Part of | 2nd Health Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Robertson Barracks, Darwin |
| Colors | Green |
| Mascot(s) | Vampire Bat |
| Anniversaries | 1 April |
| Equipment | Australian Bushmaster |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Logo | &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:1HB_Official_Seal.jpg) |
| Unit Colour Patch | &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:1HB_Colour_Patch.jpg) |
The 1st Health Battalion (1 HB) is a unit of the 2nd Health Brigade. It is headquartered at the Robertson Army Barracks in Darwin. Formally having sub-units located in Darwin, Townsville and Brisbane, the then 1st Close Health Battalion (1CHB) was raised as 1 HB and fell under the command of the reestablished 2nd Health Brigade in 2022; with the existing Sub-Units being absorbed into 4th Health Battalion (Australia), and 2nd Health Battalion (Australia), respectfully. Additionally, a Close Health Unit was founded under the command of the 3rd Health Battalion (Australia), cementing the new capabilities of Joint Health.
The unit traces its lineage back to the 1st Field Hospital, which was raised in the 1960s for service as part of Australia's contribution to the Vietnam War. Since then, the unit has changed names twice and personnel have been deployed on numerous peacekeeping and warlike operations throughout Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
In February 2022, following the disbandment of 1CHB as part of the Army's restructure of its health battalions, four new health battalions were formed that were to be placed under the command of the 2nd Health Brigade.[1][2] 1CHB lives on through the newly formed 1st Health Battalion (1HB) that has retained their bat symbol.[citation needed]
In 2024, the unit consists of 3 Companies- 8 Close Health Company, and Operational Support Company colocated with the Battalion Headquarters in Darwin and 7 Health Support Company Based in Perth. Additional detachments of 1 HB personnel support NORFORCE in Darwin and the Pilbara Regiment in Karratha.
- ^ Richardson, Capt Annie (3 March 2022). "'Centre of excellence' : Health battalions raised to form new brigade" (PDF). Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper (1503 ed.). Canberra: Department of Defence. p. 3. ISSN 0729-5685. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
- ^ Chief of Army Lt Gen Richard Burr (3 February 2022). "Chief of Army Order of the Day - the raising of the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th Health Battalions". Australian Army. Retrieved 3 April 2023.