Normandy veteran relives past in Hadleigh care home visit

Albert Gibbs, a Normandy veteran, worked on ambulances in London between 1965 and 1990.

He now lives in Hadleigh at the Elizabeth House Care Home and often refers to his time as an ambulance worker.

Earlier this month, Albert was treated to a visit from London Ambulance Service paramedics Craig Henty and Terence Thomson.

The pair were in an original 1967 Morris Wadhams ambulance and wore period uniforms.

Albert Gibbs remembers moments in the Ambulance Service (Image: Elizabeth House Care Home)

Albert immediately said: “I wore the same uniform and the same hat.

Then, he added: “I recognise your badge. It’s from the north-east sector, where I used to work. I was stationed at Ilford, but sometimes also worked in Romford.”

Prior to their visit, Craig and Terence traced thank-you letters from patients cared for by Albert, as well as pictures of a work holiday he had organised.

Albert said: “I had a holiday club that people called ‘Gibbs Tours’.

“I once arranged a weekend in Benidorm and got 43 people to go, including ambulance workers, nurses, doctors, and their families. It was a good weekend!”

Albert looks back on his days in the Ambulance Service (Image: Elizabeth House Care Home)

He also reminisced about important jobs he had attended: “I delivered five babies and saved a person who fell under a train.

“I had a good time and a lot of laughs at the Service, especially when I rang the ambulance bell on the Woolwich ferry.

“We weren’t allowed to do that, but I did it once and then sped down the ferry. It got me into some troubles!”

Craig Henty, London Ambulance Service paramedic and head of historic collections, said: “I sat with Albert in the back of the ambulance for a chat and it felt as if we had just finished a job together.

“His mannerism and familiarity with the vehicle are classic of someone who works in an ambulance.

“He even rested his feet on the rail in front of him and that’s exactly what an ambulance crew would do.

“I was amazed to see that the experience brought him right back.”

Tracy McGuinness, head nurse at his care home, explained that people with dementia can benefit from visual and sensory cues to stimulate their brain and trigger their memory.

She said: “It was emotional to see Albert recall his time as an ambulance worker. We encourage our patients to relive important experiences from their lives as that keeps their brain engaged and can reduce their cognitive decline. We try to keep their mind ticking and give them purpose.”