Rushden Research Group: Motor Ambulance 1919

Motor Ambulance

The Rushden Model T Ford Ambulance 1920 to 1928

Model T Ford Ambulance used in Rushden from 1920 to 1928.
The driver Mr Cyril Leeding (in civilian clothes) provided by the Red Cross,
& attendant provided by St John Ambulance Brigade at Lightstrung Garage

The Rushden Argus 25^th July 1919, transcribed by Susan Manton

The County Red Cross Committee has presented Rushden and District with a splendid motor ambulance – one of the many that are no longer required for war work. It is to be stationed at Rushden and is also for the use of Irthlingborough, Higham Ferrers and Raunds.

The van was presented to the Red Cross by the Royal Society of Plumbers and is practically new. Painted a dark green, it has a powerful G.M.C. engine and its interior is equipped to carry two and if necessary four stretcher cases with an attendant. Electric lighting is arranged for. The van is to be managed by a committee of Ambulance and Council representatives from the four towns.

Rushden Echo, Friday, August 15th, 1919, transcribed by Kay Collins.

First Case in Rushden

A girl named Hatfield, aged 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hatfield, of Albion-place, while spending a holiday at Yarmouth with her parents was taken ill with an affection in the head and had to return home last Tuesday week. Her friends brought her by train, but they could get no further than Peterborough, as it was then late at night. The journey was completed on Wednesday morning, and on their arrival home Dr. Greenfield was called in. The patient seemed to progress for a time, but on Saturday the doctor ordered her to be removed to Northampton hospital. The District Ambulance Motor was used, Mr. H. Denton kindly offering to drive. First-Class Sergt. Prigmore (Transport Officer) and Pte. A. Swindall of the Rushden Ambulance Division, took charge of the case. The girl was operated on at the hospital, and is making as good progress as can be expected.

Rushden Echo, 20th January 1922, transcribed by Kay Collins

A LONG RUN—The Rushden Ambulance made its record run from the town on Wednesday, returning yesterday. Mr. Flowers, of Cromwell-road, was conveyed to a convalescent home at Oswestry, where he had been ordered by his doctor. Staff-Sergt. Prigmore was the transport officer.

New Ambulance in 1928