Rushden Research Group: Ambulance History AP2

Second edition (based on the First Edition produced by T MacFarlane in 1985), by Alan Pinnell, 2000

History of the Ambulance Service

1912-1939

Early Motor Ambulances 1912 - 1939

1912 - 1914

In the 1900s horse drawn vehicles used by such as the Brewery, Hansom cabs and Removals have become motorised. The lack at this early stage of traffic signs it could be said that the Ambulance Corps could have had a busy time, especially when horse transport was still used at this time necessitating horses having to work alongside motor vehicles.

In the year 1912, the Corps was interested in purchasing a motor Ambulance, and Councillor H E Reeves an active member of the Corps and also with the Invalid Transport Service was elected Mayor of Northampton.

During his year of office his Charity was to provide funds for a motor Ambulance and Northampton Ambulance Corps and Northampton Corporation at a cost of £700.00 jointly purchased this.

On April 26th 1913 , the motor Ambulance arrived in Northampton having caused great interest on its travel from London , and indeed was Northampton 's first motor Ambulance.

Northampton 's Motor Ambulance "The Harvey Reeves" outside the General Hospital Circa 1913.

From left to right is Mr F Newton, Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Harvey Reeves, Dr W M Robson, Supt. E F Rice and Corporal Ricks.

The 'Harvey Reeves' Ambulance about 1913

The vehicle was a NAPIER built by the famous London firm of Napes, and purchased through their location agents Frank Newton Ltd. The vehicle was named "Harvey Reeves" in recognition of the Mayor, Councillor H B Reeves' work with the Invalid Transport Service.

It is also with interest that Councillor Reeves along with Superintendent Rice of the local Northampton foundry family was responsible for the design and through their endeavours many Ambulances of similar type were sold throughout the country.

1914 - 1915

The "Harvey Reeves" Ambulance involved in a road accident near Great Billing - note it was fitted with double rear wheels

If we go beyond the First world war (1914/1918), we would note that the government of the day gave to the voluntary bodies canvas sided Model T Ford Ambulances. Also if you look closely you will note that the British Red Cross Society is above the St John Brigade sign.

This being due only to war conditions as laid down by the Geneva Convention that all Ambulance duties would be the overall authority of the Red Cross. Northampton was lucky to have 4 or 5 of these vehicles in use.

As we look at the other photographs in this, you will note the words civilian fund raising and this was due to many employers, particularly Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and indeed many other people who gave support to their area for the purchase of Ambulance transport. This was essential to maintain a Service with limited funds available.

1915 - 1917

Civilian fund raising took various forms one of which was to make model Ambulances in Staffordshire. Many well-known manufacturers such as Shelly, Goss, Savoy, Corona, Carlton, Swan, Florentine Arcadian and Willow Art made many different models.


These Ambulances are known as Crested Ware because they carry the many Cities and Town Crests.

Pictured right is Kettering’s first Field Ambulance. It was the result of a civilian fund raising in about 1917.
	From left to right Mr W Curtiss and Mr W Dyson.

		The photo (left) shows the driver Mr Cyril Leeding (in civilian clothes) provided by the Red Cross and with the Attendant provided by the St John Ambulance Brigade outside the Lightstrung Garage in Rushden.
Model T Ford Ambulance outside Northampton General Hospital c 1918	This Model T Ford Ambulance was used in Rushden from 1920 to 1228.

1920 - 1939

This Morris Ambulance with a 13.9 Hotchkiss engine, was used from 1928 to 1935 by the Rushden District Motor Ambulance Association. It is pictured outside the Lightstrung Garage in Rushden.
		At the rear of the Morris Ambulance.

This picture shows the Ambulance that replaced the Morris Ambulance (1928 – 1935) in Rushden Left to right: Mr Don Ablett, Mr Frank Tassel, Mr Johnson outside the Lightstrung Garage Circa 1935
		Burton Latimer Ambulance in R.T.A. circa 1935

Introduction	1974-1982
1939-1945	1982-1993
1948-1974	1993-2000

Special thanks to John Harley and John Drage.