1942 Collection (#65)

NFS (London Region) River Thames Formation, WW2
The River Headquarters crest of the NFS River Thames Formation, which covered the Greater London area of the Thames, and included some eighteen fireboats and assorted fire floats and other tenders

NFS (London Region) fireboat at Grays, near Tilbury, WW2
An NFS fireboat at her moorings, R5Z-TS Exmouth river fire station, Grays near Tilbury, Essex, the furthest easterly river station in the London Region

NFS (London Region) fire float on the Thames, WW2
A motor launch fire float under tow by a fireboat on the River Thames

NFS (London Region) fireboat tender on the Thames, WW2
NFS (London Region) fireboat tender on the River Thames, viewed from Blackfriars river station, Victoria Embankment

NFS (London Region) dispatch riders display team, WW2
NFS dispatch riders demonstrate their motorcycle riding skills with a acrobatic display at Regional headquarters, Lambeth SE1

NFS (London Region) assault course training exercises, WW2
With a dramatic reduction in enemy attacks on London after the Blitz (1940-41) firefighters had to be kept gainfully employed and a high level of fitness and preparedness maintained

NFS (London Region) water relay exercise, WW2
The Blitz had shown the vital importance of securing a good water supply and the dire consequences when it failed. NFS London firefighters practised large scale exercises securing a water supply

NFS (London Region) constructing a water dam, WW2
London firefighters constructing a self-assembly emergency dam. These dams were carried on special water units that also towed a trailer pump and could provided a static water supply close to fires

Home Office Incendiary Bomb Test, WW2
Home Office Incendiary Bomb Test -- the bomb sets fire to a house

Franklin. E. Smith hose coupling, WW2
A firefighter demonstrating the strength of a Franklin.E. Smith hose coupling

Lord Mayor of London visiting NFS City fire station, WW2
The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Samuel Joseph, visiting London firefighters at the Redcross Street fire station (Fire Force 35-station C 1Z, 35-38 Redcross Street.)

NFS fire force No. 34 District fire control unit, Northwood
District fire control unit, located at Pinner Road, Northwood, Middlesex. Showing the communications aerial erected and loudspeakers on the drivers cab

NFS (London Region) fire brigade display at Lambeth, WW2
During 1942 and 1943, 23 air raids occurred over the London Region, but they were light in character. The firefighters of the NFS needed to be kept in a state of constant readiness

Firefighters deal with small fire caused by explosion, WW2
Firefighters dealing with a small fire caused by an explosion

Locomotive fitted with Shand Mason pump, WW2
A locomotive fitted with a Shand Mason pump helps to put out a fire at the Bricklayers Arms Goods Yard, Old Kent Road, SE London

NFS (London Region) blaze at Bricklayers Arms, WW2
Firefighters attacking a blaze at the Bricklayers Arms Goods Depot in the Old Kent Road, SE London, with two turntable ladders at work

Scene in a newly built NFS (London Region) fire station, WW2
The sub-station mess room and rest room in a newly built NFS fire station in Hayes, Bromley, Kent

Group photo at new NFS (London Region) fire station, WW2
Group photo of NFS firemen and firewomen at a newly built fire station at Hayes, Bromley, Kent

Cooks in the kitchen at Bromley fire station, WW2
Cooks at work in the kitchen at the new Bromley NFS (National Fire Service) sub-station during the Second World War

NFS (London Region) firemen with hose lines, WW2
Firefighters tackle a blaze in Brewery Road, Kings Cross

NFS firewomen in dispatch rider training, WW2
London Region NFS firewomen undergoing dispatch rider training. Taught to do everything with a motorbike that could be done, these women would undertake all-terrain training

An oil fire test at Shoeburyness, Essex, WW2
Firefighters put out an oil fire during a test at Shoeburyness, Essex

NFS firefighter rolling out fire hose, WW2
A London Region NFS firefighter in an instructional photograph demonstrating the correct method of rolling out a line of hose

Auxiliary London firewomen under catering instruction
London regular and AFS firefighters spent many hours, sometimes days, at incidents during the Blitz, and they needed refreshments

NFS firewomen at work, rest and play, WW2
London firewomen at play, seen here as a dancing troop in an amateur review given at a sub-station

NFS mobile kitchen in use, WW2
These mobile kitchens, presented to the NFS (London Region No 5), were donated by the Canadian Red Cross

NFS-Firewomen dispatch rider training
Women dispatch riders in training during the Second World War

London (NFS) firefighter in breathing apparatus, WW2
Side view of the Mark IV Proto (oxygen) breathing apparatus set, showing the re-breather bag, mouthpiece, control valves and cooler

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"1942: A Year of Innovation, Valor, and Resilience" In the midst of World War II, 1942 marked a significant year filled with remarkable achievements and pivotal moments that shaped history. From groundbreaking weapons to iconic figures, let's delve into the highlights that defined this extraordinary period. G. H. Davis introduced two game-changing British inventions in 1942 - the New British Sten gun and the British 25-pounder field gun. These advancements revolutionized warfare tactics and bolstered the Allied forces' capabilities on the battlefield. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean, another group was making its mark - the United States Naval Construction Battalions or Seabees. With their unwavering dedication and expertise in construction, these brave men played a crucial role in building vital infrastructure for military operations worldwide. The Rolls-Royce Merlin Aircraft Engine also took center stage in 1942 as its diagram showcased its intricate design and engineering prowess. This powerful engine propelled aircraft to new heights during aerial combat missions throughout World War II. Amidst war efforts came inspiring propaganda posters like "To Victory -- With Our Help. " These visuals served as reminders of unity and determination among nations fighting against tyranny. Aviation enthusiasts marveled at Lancaster I (4-Merlin) Bomber taking off from Hornet while B-25 Mitchell Bombers soared through skies with unparalleled grace - both symbols of courage exhibited by pilots risking their lives for freedom. Notable personalities emerged during this time too; Paul McCartney was born in 1942 – an icon who would later shape music history as part of The Beatles. However, life on home soil wasn't without challenges; rationing became a way of life reflected by Ration Book July 1942 – reminding citizens to make do with limited resources while supporting wartime efforts. As travel restrictions were imposed due to war conditions, WW2 Poster - "Is Your Journey Really Necessary.