A blue plaque has been unveiled in memory of the founder of Guernsey’s ambulance service, Reginald Herbert Blanchford.
The nomination came from local historian Sylvia Brouard and Reg Blanchford’s son Gary who said how “proud and pleased” he was that this is happening for his father.
Yesterday’s unveiling ceremony also saw the island’s ambulance station renamed as Blanchford House by the Patron of St John Guernsey, the Lieutenant Governor.
Mr Blanchford was injured in a serious motorcycle crash during the 1930s. He was taken to hospital by a passing car.
After that life threatening experience he was determined to set up Guernsey’s first full-time, dedicated ambulance service. His idea came to fruition in 1936.
Initially he set up the ‘St John Transport Division’ which later became St John Ambulance and Rescue Service.
Mr Blanchford’s father’s building yard on the Rohais was the ambulance base from day one.
The blue plaque unveiled by the Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon who sits on the Blue Plaque Panel, is on the ambulance station building which is still on the Rohais today.
During the 1930s and 40s, the only other ambulance on the island was run by the States of Guernsey on a part-time basis.
Mr Blanchford led his service throughout the German Occupation.
After the war he introduced the first road ambulance service, the cliff rescue service, and in 1952 the world’s first marine ambulance, the Flying Christine.
He also introduced the first ambulance radio telecommunications system in the UK, as well as the Inshore Rescue Boat Service, the decompression chamber and a radar system.
For these achievements Mr Blanchford was made an MBE and OBE, as well as receiving a Gold Lifesaving Medal and the George Medal.
The blue plaque for Reg Blanchford is on the ambulance HQ on the Rohais with an information board infront.
It now forms part of a walking trail, which the Bailiff is keen to expand even further as additional blue plaques are unveiled honouring notable islanders.
“It is an opportunity for visitors to the island to know what the backstory of each of the people recognised in the plaques are,” said Sir Richard.
“There are various ones in town, but this is just on the outskirts, so for tour guides is a nice way to get tourist out of St Peter Port.”