Lauren Rimmer and Jane Rimmer
The last surviving Rover Sunbeam ambulance from World War One is living out a long retirement about as far from the Western Front as it’s possible to get. Owned by Jason Rhodes, it is housed in his National Transport and Toy Museum in Wanaka, New Zealand.
In France, ‘Gutless Gert’ (as she was known), was used to transport wounded New Zealand soldiers. She was shipped to New Zealand in 1919, and after some time as a working ambulance based in Greymouth was sold to private owners. In 1966 Gert was found in a near-derelict condition in Northland, with a tamarillo tree growing through her bonnet.
Now faithfully restored and still in (careful) running order, Gutless Gert gets back on the road for special occasions. She was a special guest at the 2018 centenary Armistace Day commemorations held at Hawea (near Wanaka).
Lauren Rimmer and Jane Rimmer live in Hawea, New Zealand.
Thanks to World War One Ambulance website for additional information.
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