James Cantlie: a key figure in the early history of St John Ambulance
When the St John Ambulance Association was established in 1877 to provide training in first aid, James became one of the Association’s first instructors. In this role, he would have trained men, women, and young people in the necessities of first aid and lifesaving skills, much like St John Ambulance’s instructors continue to provide first aid training today.
Date picture taken
1910s
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Battle - Hong Kong 1941
St. John in Hong Kong provided emergency medical service to the British Hong Kong military during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in December 1941 (World War II).
Dr. Wai-Cheung Chau (周懷璋,1893–1965), was present in the battle at Magazine Gap as a medical officer of St John Ambulance. While he was in a car, the person sitting next to him was killed and he was wounded by a bullet through his lung. The blood clot in his lung was with him for the rest of his life.