The Northern Echo 8/3/1920 reports that hundreds of motor ambulances had been sent to the front by British Red Cross Society and the Order of St.John of Jerusalem. These had now been returned, and it was decided to put them into the hands of the Home Service Ambulance Committee for distribution all over the country where it was recognised that they were needed. The vehicles had been completely repaired and a good share had been sent to Northumberland and Durham.
Lieut.Col. C.B. Palmer, C.B.E., D.L. was County director for the V.A.D. in Northumberland and Durham as well as being Commissioner for both counties for the St.John Ambulance Brigade. He was assisted by Mr. Quintin A. Nicol, M.B.E. (Durham) and Mr. C. Thirkell, M.B.E. (Northumberland).
The vehicles were being placed in the hands of local committees for dispersal to the general public so that an ambulance would be within easy reach of all parts of both counties at any time of day or night. A charge of 1s 3d per mile would be levied for the use to help with running costs.
The places in Co. Durham where they were now available were:
Sunderland (day and night);
Dunston (day and night);
Houghton le Spring (day and night);
Seaham Harbour (day and night);
Stockton (day and night);
Darlington (day and night);
Ryton (day); Ryton Post office at night;
Chester le Street (day and night);
Jarrow (day and night);
Bishop Auckland (day and night);
Consett (day and night);