Interview with Andrew Zsigmond

6th of Dec. 2024
The Hungarian of ’56 Who Treated Ringo Starr – An Interview with Andrew Zsigmond
Report by Tímea Karsa – 23 October 2024

Dr. András Zsigmond, or as he is known in Liverpool, Andrew Zsigmond, left Hungary in the wake of the 1956 revolution. The retired doctor served as an honorary consul in Liverpool for 25 years. He shared with us his experiences of the ’56 events and how he built a new life in a foreign country.

Coloré: You left for the United Kingdom in January 1957. What led you to make this decision?

Andrew Zsigmond: In 1956, when the revolution broke out, I was a third-year medical student at the University of Pécs. We wholeheartedly supported the revolution’s goals, and I was deeply involved in the events. I was one of the editors of Free University of Pécs, a newspaper for which we prepared a special edition in October 1956. I also served as a National Guard member, tasked with arresting Pécs’ communist leadership, including preventing the mayor from continuing his duties. When I arrested Lieutenant Colonel Aladár Nemes, he told me, “Young man, you’ve made a terrible mistake.” That statement stayed with me for a long time and, among other reasons, prompted me to leave Hungary with five companions.

How did you cross the border?

We left it rather late to flee: by January 1957, crossing the border was difficult due to the barriers. However, after three days of walking, we managed it. We spent a few days in a refugee camp in Austria before arriving in London on 13 January and eventually becoming apprentice coal miners in Barnsley, Yorkshire.

How did you end up in Liverpool?

Although the company and our circumstances in Barnsley were excellent, I wasn’t particularly happy as a coal miner. I wanted to return to university, but without knowing English, my chances were slim. During a medical check-up for miners, the doctor noticed I didn’t look like the typical Hungarian coal miner and asked about my background. When I told him I was a medical student, he introduced me to Barnsley’s MP, through whom I applied to medical schools across England. In June 1957, I received a letter from the University of Liverpool. They were accepting five foreign students, but one had declined, so they offered me an interview. By then, I had learned some English, and I was admitted. In October, I became a third-year medical student at Liverpool University. Adapting to a new place, new methods, and a new language wasn’t easy.

Did you face any discrimination upon arriving in England?

I didn’t feel any. I was immediately admitted to university and even received scholarships, so I was fortunate from the start. I consciously tried to integrate into English society, and as a result, my wife is English. Wonderful things happened to me here in Liverpool, so I can’t complain.

So, you were in Liverpool when The Beatles rose to fame.

Yes. Although I’m not a huge fan of pop culture, I did have some interactions with them. I almost got into a fight with John Lennon. He was a leftist and called me a counter-revolutionary. We grabbed each other by the neck, but it didn’t escalate. I ended the argument by telling him that if he didn’t understand history, he should stick to playing the guitar.

I met Ringo as a young doctor. He had bought a car and burned his forearm while checking the oil. I was on duty when his manager, Brian Epstein, brought him in. I asked the patient his name, and he said, “Richard Starkey.” I didn’t know who he was at the time. I took his medical history, treated his wound, and scheduled a follow-up for the next day. By then, his file had disappeared—probably taken home by a nurse as a keepsake. During the dressing change, Epstein asked me to bandage Ringo’s arm so it wouldn’t show during a TV appearance that day. I obliged, and when I watched the show later, I could spot the bandage in certain shots. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate their music.

How did you become an honorary Hungarian consul?

I always tried to help Hungarians whenever I could, and somehow this came to the attention of the Embassy. In 1993, I was invited to a meeting where they announced the re-establishment of the honorary consular network and asked me to oversee Northern England. Initially, my role was to continue my previous efforts, but after Hungary joined the European Union, the number of Hungarians increased, and so did the responsibilities. After 25 years, I handed over my duties to the Consulate General in Manchester, who continues my work.

How do you maintain your Hungarian language skills?

The honorary consular position certainly helped, as it allowed me to regularly use my native language. There are always a few Hungarians around me, and we go out together. I also keep in touch with my family in Hungary by phone.

Was leaving Hungary the right decision?

It was purely out of necessity. Ten years later, I was able to start visiting again. Today, there’s a direct flight from Liverpool, so if I feel homesick, I go to Budapest, and everything is fine.