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Sir Archibald McIndoe

The pioneering plastic surgeon who restored the minds and bodies of Allied aircrew

Born in New Zealand in 1900, Sir Archibald McIndoe was destined to be a gifted and talented surgeon.

Doug Vince

"I remember my mother coming into the ward and asking which one is my son"

Doug Vince was 22 when his Stirling Bomber was shot down by a German aircraft. He suffered extensive burns when he freed himself from the wreckage and was subsequently…

We remember the Guinea Pigs this Remembrance Day

Seventy-five years ago this summer, a handful of burned airmen formed The Guinea Pig Club. Today, we remember and celebrate the service of the Guinea Pigs and their…

"His burns never bothered me but people did stare"

Mary Perry met her husband Jack after he was severely burned when his Halifax bomber crashed in 1944. Mary saw past his injuries to marry the handsome 19-year-old Flight…

"Archibald McIndoe did change my life, he made life worth living"

At 22-years-old, Robert 'Mac' Mathieson was left blinded when his Lancaster's windscreen suddenly exploded.

"People coming towards you would weep and cry or walk on the other side of the road"

When his Halifax bomber exploded Guinea Pig Jack Perry suffered 80 per cent burns to his hands, face, and ears.