Fundraising to Restore Historic WWII Ambulance for Public Tours

The London Ambulance Service seeks £2,000 to restore its WWII ambulance, the only one known to have served in the Blitz. The 90-year-old vehicle, which has historical significance and appeared in media such as the film Battle of Britain, has been well-preserved but requires repairs. If restored, LAS plans to showcase it publicly, beginning with upcoming VE Day events.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has kicked off a fundraising campaign to restore its unique World War Two ambulance, the last remaining vehicle known to have endured the Blitz. This iconic 90-year-old Clements Talbot ambulance, crafted from wood and steel, served on the front lines during the German bombing in the city and remained operational until around 1950.

Notably, this ambulance made appearances in the 1969 film Battle of Britain and the ITV drama Poirot. Although the LAS has taken care to maintain and restore the vehicle over the years, it can no longer be driven. Now, the LAS is determined to restore it to roadworthy condition and launch a public tour to showcase its significance.

Craig Henty, the head of the historic collection at LAS, mentioned the ambulance’s remarkable history. He stated, “We know it has made an incredible contribution to the city, particularly during the war when it was making frequent rescue missions through the streets of London as incendiary bombs were falling. But its age is now showing and it needs some very delicate and specialist work to get running again.”

In collaboration with the Talbot Owners’ Club, Henty is working on the vehicle’s restoration. Volunteers have expressed their support, but LAS seeks to raise £2,000 to cover the costs of replacement bespoke parts needed for its fuel system and electrical circuits. If successful, the plan is not just to restore the ambulance but to take it on a tour along with its original medical supplies.

The LAS commented, “Seeing a real relic from the war really helps to bring London’s history to life.” This weekend, the historic ambulance will appear at the National Trust’s Ightham Mote in Kent as part of VE Day’s 80th anniversary celebrations. Stocked with wartime medical gear, it will also feature in demonstrations illustrating life on the Home Front during the war.

The LAS’s appeal for funds aims to get its treasured WWII ambulance back on the roads. With assistance from enthusiastic volunteers and a clear goal of raising £2,000 for repairs, they hope to reinstate this piece of history. The vehicle’s public tours could not only honour its past service but also enrich the community’s connection to this significant chapter in London’s history.

Original Source: www.bbc.com