The Order of St. John
Two similarities strike me between the Freemasons and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, their loves of quaint language and costume dress. How Grandad made time for all his activities is a mystery to me.
The earliest records of Hugh's involvement with St. John Ambulance are a certificate in first aid from 1922 followed by successful re-examination in 1923. In 1925 he obtained a qualification in home nursing, he then became an ambulance officer in 1926. His role changed in December 1935 when appointed a Transport Officer.
The Second World War was looming when, in 1938, the Borough of Southall implemented Air Raid Precautions. A presentation of certificates to A.R.P. volunteers was made at the Odeon cinema. Under the auspices of St. John Ambulance first aid posts were manned.
Three group photographs are interesting. The first is a real period piece, I estimate from the 1920's. The second does not include my grandfather but does show that women also participated. The third is pictorially an echo of the one thumbnailed at the right.
In 1943 Hugh was registered as a Lay Instructor, competent to lecture on first aid. In 1945 he was admitted as a serving brother. War restrictions meant there was no ceremony and his insignia was limited to a piece of black riband.
By 1950 the language of the Brigade, as seen in Hugh's promotion to Divisional Superintendent, had evolved to juniors being described as subordinate, not inferior. My grandparents moved to Portsmouth in 1959. If he hadn't already ceased active service I imagine that marked the end of his work for The Brigade.