The Militia Act of 1904 saw the change in name to Natal Medical Corps and as such they saw active service in the Bhambatha or Poll Tax Rebellion of 1906.

At the conclusion of the SWA Campaign the Field Ambulance was attached to the 1st Infantry Brigade and departed aboard HMT Kenilworth Castle from Cape Town for training at Royal Army Medical Corps Twezeldown on 10 October 1915.

[2]: 319 As the 'Natal Corps' of 1st South African Field Ambulance the unit was involved in most major battles including the Somme, Deville Wood, Ypres and Menin Road.

In the 1935 the Natal Medical Corps was designated 1st Field Ambulance and in 1939, and following the motivation of the Officer Commanding, Col. G.D. English, authority to wear the Mackenzie Tartan was granted to the unit.

This unique honour was authorised by the Surgeon General and the Union Defence Force, after approval by the British War Office, The Countess of Cromach (Cromartie) as Head of Clan, and the Seaforth Highlanders.

During Ops Letaba in Voortrekkerhoogte in 1961, helicopters were used for casualty evacuation for the first time, and members of 1st Field Ambulance were told they were in the 'forefront of modern warfare'.

All the traditions and history of both units were inherited by the new battalion, including the wearing of the Mackenzie Tartan[3][4] behind the head dress badge.