Fire Fighters Collection (#4)

Firemen tackling a fire at Taylors Great Central Depository in St Georges Road, Southwark. The fire was caused by incendiary bombs spreads to nearby houses. 31st January 1941

AFS Gillian Tanner seen here at the Taylor Depositary fire who was awarded the George Medal while stationed as an auxiliary fire officer at Dockhead Station, Bermondsey

Firemen tackling fires in the streets close to St Pauls Cathedral as over nine thousand incendiary and high explosive bombs fall on the city of London during a Luftwaffe air raid 29th December 1940

Firemen tackling fires in St Pauls Churchyard to stop the blaze reaching the Cathedral. As over nine thousand incendiary and high explosive bombs fall on the City of London, 29th December 1940

Firemen tackling a fire at Taylors Great Central Depository in St Georges Road, Southwark. The fire was caused by incendiary bombs spreads to nearby houses. 31st January 1941

AFS Gillian Tanner seen here at the Taylor Depositary fire who was awarded the George Medal while stationed as an auxiliary fire officer at Dockhead Station, Bermondsey

Fire crews, police and ARP wardens help salvage furniture from properties close to Taylors Great Central Depository in St Georges Road, Southwark

Leader of the Labour Party and Lord Privy Seal Clement Attlee during a demonstration by the London Fire Brigade and the Auxiliary Fire Service pumps at the Serpentine, central London

The London Fire Brigade and the Auxiliary Fire Service demonstrate the power of their water pumps at the Serpentine, central London, to the Leader of the Labour Party and Lord Privy Seal

A rugby team of the Auxiliary Fire Service seen here playing against Beaumont College at Runnymede. 15th February 1941

Firemen attempt to control a fire in Shoreditch, London, during an air raid on the city on the night of the 11th January 1941

Members of the Fire Brigade seen here fighting fires at Alec Brookes Ltd and Blades in Stewart Street, Shoreditch during a raid on the city. 11th January 1941

Firemen attempt to control fires in Shoreditch, London, during an air raid on the city on the night of the 11th January 1941

Members of the Auxiliary Fire Service and London Fire Brigade seen here fighting a fire at the Liptons Tea Bonded Warehouse, Tabernacle Street

Fire fighters and emergency workers fight a fire at Brown Brothers, Great Eastern Street, Islington, London, following the detonation of a V1. 26th July 1944

Women Fire Fighters in training at the Liverpool City Police ARP School. Women are now being taught fire fighting. Pictured

Fire Fighters Demonstration in ARP (Air Raid Precaution) in Hull, Yorkshire during World War Two. Large-scale attacks took place on several nights throughout March 1941, resulting in over 200 deaths

New recruits to the Derby Auxiliary Fire Brigade watching a fire-drill at Haslams old foundry. 15th September 1939

Members of the Esher Auxiliary Fire Service parade with their Coventry Climax pump at a demonstration of civil defence and ARP procedures at Sandown Park April 1939

Members of the Auxiliary Fire Service seen here during a demonstration of civil defence at Sundown Park. April 1939

A local mayor inspecting an auxiliary fire fighting crew. Circa 1940

Leicesters 24 horse power Wolseley motor fire engine, which is believed to be the fastest fire engine in the world. It travels ata speed of 35 miles per hour, and can start at a seconds notice

Firemen seen here dampening down fires in the Holbrooks area of Coventry following the Luftwaffe air raid of the 3rd December 1940

Plymouth
A typical scene in the Blitzed city of Plymouth. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Training from a tower
One of the slightly more hazardous aspects of training was from the tower. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

EDITORIAL Winston Churchill, right, dressed in pyjamas and a firemans helmet helping to extinguish a fire which broke out at a house where he was a guest

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Firefighters have always been the unsung heroes of our society, fearlessly battling against the destructive force of fire. From the early days of fire brigades to modern-day firefighting techniques, their bravery and dedication remain unmatched. In the bustling streets of yesteryears, an early fire brigade street alarm would sound, alerting these valiant individuals to rush towards danger without hesitation. Even during World War II, American firefighters found themselves in London, standing shoulder to shoulder with their British counterparts as they fought fires caused by devastating bombings. The city of Bristol also witnessed the unwavering commitment of firefighters who risked their lives to protect its residents from raging infernos. Similarly, in Portsmouth (exact location unknown), brave souls selflessly battled flames that threatened homes and lives. Training was paramount for these courageous men and women. The jumping sheet drill conducted by the London Fire Brigade prepared them for daring rescues from towering heights. In Worton, Wiltshire during WWII, civilian firefighters stepped up to join forces with professionals in a united front against destruction. Not limited to just one nation's efforts alone, even Canadian firefighters made their mark in Southampton when duty called. An awe-inspiring sight unfolded as aircraft dropped fire retardant substances onto blazing landscapes below - a testament to human ingenuity combating nature's fury. Amidst chaos and devastation during the Blitz era, connecting up a hosepipe became second nature for these fearless warriors as they tirelessly worked together to extinguish flames threatening livelihoods and historical landmarks alike. Fire knows no boundaries or borders; it affects all nations equally. Turkish military firemen exemplified this truth as they stood firm against formidable blazes that engulfed their homeland. The Plymouth too bore witness to heroic acts performed by those who pledged their lives to protect others' safety. Firefighters are not mere mortals; they are extraordinary beings whose courage shines through adversity like a beacon amidst darkness.