VE Day 2025: London Ambulance Service launches appeal to get UK’s only wartime ambulance on the road again

London Ambulance Service has launched a fundraising appeal to get the only wartime ambulance known to have survived the Blitz back on the road again.

The remarkable Clements Talbot ambulance, which is made of wood and steel, endured the terrifying German bombing campaign of WW2 and continued to serve London until around 1950.

Since its retirement the 90-year-old vehicle has been kept and maintained by London Ambulance Service but it can no longer be driven.

Craig Henty, Head of the London Ambulance Service Historic Collection, said: “Our Talbot first came into service in 1935 and is believed to be the only one remaining.

“We know it has made an incredible contribution to the city, particularly during the war when it was making frequent rescue missions through the streets of London as incendiary bombs were falling.

“But its age is now showing and it needs some very delicate and specialist work to get running again.”

Craig has been working with the Talbot Owner’s Club to identify how to get the ambulance road-worthy so it can be seen by more people.

The iconic ambulance needs a new fuel system and electrical work throughout.

While the committed members of the Talbot Owner’s Club will help with the restoration, the London Ambulance Service Historic Collection is aiming to raise £2,000 to cover the cost of the bespoke parts needed.

Meanwhile the ambulance will be displayed at the National Trust Ightham Mote property this weekend to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

VE Day marked the end to nearly six years of war with Germany as the country signed an unconditional surrender.

For the anniversary, volunteers at Ightham in Kent will be bringing to life what the reality was like for those on the Home Front.

Visitors to the stately home will find the Talbot ambulance fully stocked with medical supplies and equipment from WW2.  These include tin helmets and gas masks.

Although no longer running, it has been lovingly restored and preserved by volunteers at London Ambulance Service and Talbot enthusiasts.

It has previously appeared in films including The Battle of Britain and the TV series Poirot, and is due to feature in a documentary on Channel 5 this summer.

You can find out more about the appeal or donate here:

Honouring History – London Ambulance Historical Collection

You can find out how to visit the ambulance while it’s on display at National Trust Ightham Mote here.

You can find out more about the London Ambulance Service Historic Collection here.