It is the latest in a line of Vancouver army medical units dating back to 18 Field Ambulance of World War I.
In World War I, the field ambulance was sent to the 5th Canadian Division and stationed with the 72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), CEF, for a period of time.
His OBE award states that "On 2 March 1945, Captain Kaufman sited the most forward casualty collecting post in the Hochwald Gap and its position was responsible for the fact that early medical attention was given to the wounded in that sector.
Through all operations this officer has shown a consistent devotion to duty combined with an ability to get forward and complete his job despite the personal risk involved.
Thompson was awarded the Military Medal, and Captain Harry Jolley was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
During this period, the unit participated in numerous peace keeping missions and served on tours in Bosnia, Croatia, Cypress, Aviano and the Golan Heights.
12 Field Ambulance was involved with local operations ranging from G8 Security in 2002 to fighting BC Forest Fires in the year 2003.