The History - The Wars of the 20th Century

1943 Dundee War Ambulance

From the Courier Monday, June 7, 1918

1943 “Bonnie Dundee” – Masonic WW2 Ambulance

Messengers March Past

‘Bonnie Dundee’ Ambulance handed over

From the Courier and Advertiser 1st March 1943 (Photo from the Peoples Journal 6th March 1943)

Dundee Messenger Service recruiting drive, which continues throughout the week, started on Saturday with a Parade.
Personnel stands at only half strength. Three Hundred boys are needed.
One hundred messengers, wearing blue battle dress and steel helmets, commanded by Mr Harry Reoch, and led by the Police Pipe Band, marched from Riverside Drive to City Square, where they were inspected by Lord Provost Wilson.
The Lord Provost who was accompanied by the Lady Provost; Mr William Hughes, A.R.P. Controller; and Mr J.A.F. Morrison, Deputy Controller, said he hoped the messengers would induce many other of like mind, courage and purpose to join their ranks.
Mr John M. Robb, Angus Provincial Grand Master, handed over to the Lord Provost the £1100 “Bonnie Dundee” ambulance presented by the citizens through Dundee Masonic Ambulance Fund to the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association War Convoy. Mr Robb said it was hoped that after hostilities the ambulance would become a permanency in Dundee for the benefit of the civil population.
Lord Provost in turn presented the ambulance to Captain R.G.W. Brown for the convoy.
Commandant Major Alan Hannah, Larbert, said the convoy had had carried between 55,000 and 60,000 patients and covered 650,000 miles. They did all the inter-hospital transport. They were prepared now to meet invasion or any blitz.

Dundee Masonic Ambulance Fund.

Presentation of the Ambulance “BONNIE DUNDEE” will be made by Bro John Robb, Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire in the CITY SQUARE, DUNDEE on Saturday first at 3.45 p.m. The Ambulance will be accepted by Lord Provost Wilson who will hand it over to St Andrew’s Ambulance Association War Convoy. CHARLE RENNIE, Secretary.

3rd March 1943 - (Dundee Courier and Advertiser.)

“Bonnie Dundee” AMBULANCE
Sir, - Many of your readers would learn with satisfaction that the “Bonnie Dundee” ambulance had been handed over to St Andrew’s Ambulance Association war convoy.
I earnestly hope this ambulance will not be reserved for use solely in the event of invasion or a blitz, but put into use immediately for inter-hospital transport. Patients who after an operation or serious illness have been carried thirty miles or so in a converted ambulance are not likely to forget the experience.
To the citizens who gifted the “Bonnie Dundee” through Dundee Masonic Ambulance Fund much gratitude is due – I am, &c, Hospital Patient, Dundee, 1st March 1943.

Dundee Evening Telegraph and Post

Saturday, February 1, 1941

Dundee out to Beat Aberdeen

Official Opening of War Weapons Week
Several thousands of Dundee citizens were present around City Square this forenoon when Lord Provost Wilson performed the official opening ceremony of War Weapons Week.
“…… As a result of a special appeal by Treasurer Caldwell to Masonic Lodges in Dundee, it was learned today that four Lodges have decided to invest a total of £700 – Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire £100; Lodge Ancient No.49, £100; Lodge St David No.78, £200; Lodge Broughty Castle No.486, £300. More Masonic contributions are expected.”
“Mr J.B. Thomson, City collector and publicity convenor for the Dundee War Savings Committee, said today that on the City Square he had been handed 15s by a woman who wished to remain anonymous. She wanted the money given to the Government from herself and her sister as a gift towards carrying on the war.

Article from the Broughty Ferry Guide and Gazette, 15th November 1941
15th November 1941
Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie Guide and Gazette

Sir Harry Lauder Visits Dundee 

Successful Charity Matinee

A sum of over £200 was realised at the Matinee held in the Palace Theatre, Dundee on Wednesday in aid of the effort which is being sponsored by the Masonic brethren of Dundee to obtain £1100 towards the cost, equipment and maintenance of an ambulance for the use of the Dundee branch of St Andrew’s Ambulance Association. The star attraction was the appearance of Sir Harry Lauder who sang four of his most popular songs, starting with “Roaming in the Gloaming” and finishing with “The End of the Road”. The veteran comedian was in excellent form and certainly did not spare himself in keeping his audience amused.
Addressing a crowded gathering Sir Harry said it was now 49years ago since he first appeared in Dundee at the old Palace Theatre and just before he left to make his debut in London. During all the intervening years he had never forgotten Dundee’s kindness to him on that occasion. Referring to the war Sir Harry appealed for more service and sacrifice. The only alternative to victory was slavery, but, said Sir Harry, amid loud cheers, “Scotsmen will never be slaves”.
The remainder of the programme was of an enjoyable and entertaining character, creditable alike to the artistes taking part and to those responsible for arranging the programme.
The following contributed items – Dundee City Police Pipers under the direction of Pipe-Major J. Carstairs; step-dancing by Carella Girls; vocal items by Kathleen Moore, with Miss May Robertson at the piano; “The Parsons of Puddle” given by a very clever comedy trio; Magical Moments by Mr Stiven; Selections by the Royal Air Force Band and dances by the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps Highland Dancers. The programme was cleverly compered by Mr George Bolton. A word of congratulations is due to Mr Andrew Black and Mr Horace Johnston who acted as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Iain D. McIntosh, 2022