Author Archives: James Sansom

Eighty years ago today, Mr. Gilbert Carr, Mr Wallace Phillips and five others signed the article of association. In doing so, the American Ambulance got its license from the board of trade, issued on the 14th June 1940. From then until October 1945 they, all the directors and the drivers and officers of the AmericanContinueContinue reading “American Ambulance 80th Anniversary”

Due to the Coronavirus we haven’t been able to plan any proper commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of the American Ambulance, we intend to do something slightly more fitting for the 75th Anniversary of stand down in October but for now, for the 80th Anniversary of their formation we have commissioned some commemorative bookmarks. TheseContinueContinue reading “80th Anniversary Special”

This day 80 years ago, the Dunkirk evacuation came to an end. While the Battle of France was, in Winston Churchill’s words, a “colossal military disaster”, the evacuation was a relative success with over 338,000 Allied troops evacuated off the beaches and back to this country. At this time, the American Ambulance didn’t actually exist.ContinueContinue reading “Dunkirk 80th Anniversary”

About two weeks ago I had a message through the site from a lady called Helene who’s mother, Elise, served in the American Ambulance in Glasgow. Helene very kindly shared what her mother had kept and also wrote a piece about her mother for me. Below is what Helene wrote, under that I’ll include someContinueContinue reading “Mrs Elise Russell-Fergusson”

When I first wrote this post four months ago we were certainly living in different times, today was of course due to be a huge celebration. With the bank holiday moved, the whole country was set for a great celebration however sadly, for now, that must be put on hold. For VE Day I thoughtContinueContinue reading “VE Day 75”

During this time of lockdown due to the coronavirus, I’m sure many are finding themselves shut at home with not a lot to do. Well I thought that this fortnight I’d do a post of a couple of good articles and books that you could read if you’re stuck at a loose end! 1. -ContinueContinue reading “Reading”

In the current climate, where all that we’re faced with is doom and gloom, I thought this week I’d post a photo up that will hopefully bring out some smiles. This is America the duck, the station mascot of (we think) Lambeth station. This Photo was taken on Stanstead Road, London in 1940. We’ve reContinueContinue reading “America the duck”

We were lucky to find this beauty for sale a few months ago, listed incorrectly. This is an extremely rare Mechanised Transport Corps jacket. It’s very small indeed but has a nice set of buttons on it, I have seen photos of a member of the AAGB seconded from the MTC wearing one of theseContinueContinue reading “Mechanised Transport Corps Greatcoat”

The British War Relief Society was an umbrella organisation that provided humanitarian aid to Great Britain from subscribers in the United States. Their work focussed on providing non military items such as food, clothing and medical supplies that were to be used on our home front. The BWRS also almost entirely funded the AAGB upContinueContinue reading “Cartier British War Relief Society pin badge”

Around a year ago now I was contacted by someone who was looking into the story behind a lady who served in the AAGB. Sadly I couldn’t provide any service records however I was sent these two lovely photos. One Shows Bette in her MTC uniform with AAGB arm badge clearly on display, the otherContinueContinue reading “Bette Starr”