It was originally formed for service during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force, and served mainly on the Western Front between 1916 and 1918, before disbanding in early 1919.

During the Vietnam War, the unit served in Vung Tau in support of the 1st Australian Task Force between 1967 and 1968, before being disbanded in 1972.

The 8th Field Ambulance was first formed during World War I, being raised in Egypt in January 1916,[1] when the Australian Imperial Force was expanded following the unsuccessful Gallipoli Campaign.

[11] The unit was staffed primarily by Citizens Military Force (CMF) medical officers on full-time service.

[12] A year-long period of training followed before the unit finally deployed, arriving at Vung Tau in late April 1967, and taking over from the 2nd Field Ambulance.