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
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
Flight Officer Arthur (Red) Woolf
Sadly one of the last surviving members of the Guinea Pig Club recently passed away. Flight Officer Arthur (Red) Woolf, passed way on 7th April 2021 after a short illness. He was 99 years old. Flg/Off Woolf suffered severe injuries when his Lancaster Bomber was shot down over Northern France
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
Sad news for the Guinea Pig Club
We are saddened to report the recent passing of both Flight Lieutenant Maurice Mounsdon, and Eric Pearce, who were both members of the Guinea Pig Club. Maurice served in the RAF during the Battle of Britain, receiving burns to his arms and legs after being forced to bail from his
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