Robert Marchant, 1935-2024
Sadly, we learnt this week that Bob Marchant, the former Secretary of the Guinea Pig Club, and long time supporter of the Museum, passed away in his sleep. Bob was born in Edenbridge in May 1935, and went off on National Service in 1953. He had signed up for three
Mollie Lentaigne – Medical Artist – Recorded McIndoe’s surgical procedures – 2nd World war
Mollie Lentaigne in her Red Cross uniform Archibald McIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon of the Second World War, operated on hundreds of burnt airmen at the Queen Victoria Hospital. Mollie Lentaigne sat in on
Dr. Russell Davies – Anaesthetist for Archibald McIndoe – Founder Member of Guinea Pig Club
Russell Davies (Third from Left) with all the founding members of the Guinea Pig Club July 1941 During WW2 he was a vital member of Archibald McIndoe’s plastic surgery operating team, helping carry out pioneering surgery on burnt airmen and crew, assisting the senior anaesthetist Doctor John Hunter. Early life
Matron Jackson – Canadian Wing, Queen Victoria Hospital – WW2
During World War Two Archibald McIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon, treated burnt airman at the Queen Victoria Hospital(Q.V.H.) East Grinstead. Working alongside him was an equally talented Canadian plastic surgeon, Group Captain Albert Ross Tilley. He persuaded the Government to fund the building of a Wing at the Q.V.H. for
Edward Blacksell – Welfare and Rehabilitation Officer – Guinea Pig Club
Edward Blacksell, or Blackie, as he was normally known, played an important role assisting Archibald McIndoe’s work with the Guinea Pig Club at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. He helped with rebuilding the bodies and lives of the badly burned aircrew during the Second World War. An RAF physical
Group Captain Ross Tilley
During World War Two, Archibald McIndoe, a pioneering Plastic Surgeon, treated burnt airmen at the Queen Victoria Hospital (Q.V.H) East Grinstead. Working alongside him was an equally talented Canadian plastic surgeon, Group Captain Albert Ross Tilley. Ross Tilley also helped to rebuild lives and made such an impact that the
Nursing at Queen Victoria Hosptial
This Spring, we have been joined by Masters Student Isabel Pace, who has been researching stories about the Guinea Pig Club as part of her remote placement at the museum. She has researched the role of nurses, based on the work of Liz Byrski who interviewed nurses who worked with
Tributes to the Guinea Pig Club
Tributes to the Guinea Pig Club As part of the Guinea Pig Club’s 80th Anniversary in 2021, Bob Marchant, the Secretary of the Club, looks at the many ways the Club is commemorated. As we are now entering the year 2021 , it will see the 80th Anniversary of the
Mollie Lentaigne celebrates her 100th Birthday
Mollie Lock (nee Lentaigne) was a VAD Red Cross Nurse, who became a Medical Artist working with Sir Archibald McIndoe doing her time at the Queen Victoria Hospital during the war years. Mollie met McIndoe at a party where she was attempting to draw him. He was impressed by her
McIndoe after the Second World War
Archibald McIndoe after the Second World War With the end of the Second World War in 1945, Archibald McIndoe showed no interest in slowing down his heavy workload at the Queen Victoria Hospital. He was knighted in the honours list in June 1947 and that year’s annual dinner of the











