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Fire Fighters Collection (#6)

Firefighters have always been the unsung heroes of our society, fearlessly battling against the destructive force of fire

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Inspecting a new turntable ladder

Inspecting a new turntable ladder (this is a Merryweather). The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: The Golden Hind public house

The Golden Hind public house
A pub that was popular with the Plymouth contingent of the CCFF, the Golden Hind is still serving the community today. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Flooding, The Moors, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. 28th December 1979

Flooding, The Moors, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. 28th December 1979
Floods in the town at the Moors. Lostwithiel Fire Brigade are in attendance. Lostwithiel has always had a flooding problem, especially in properties near the River Fowey

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Firemen respond to a house fire in Chislehurst, Kent. A fireman hoses water into

Firemen respond to a house fire in Chislehurst, Kent. A fireman hoses water into the top window of the building. 1939

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: A further selection of personal photographs

A further selection of personal photographs
Members of the CCFF were able to take photographs as there appeared to be no issue regarding supply of film. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: CCFF leisure area / mess hut, Portsmouth

CCFF leisure area / mess hut, Portsmouth
The CCFF leisure area / mess hut Portsmouth. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Fire Chief Huff

Fire Chief Huff who was Senior Officer for the CCFF gives a pep talk to some of the Corps members. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Firefighting drill open day

Firefighting drill open day - known as a Field Day (Open Day) - location unknown. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Hose Laying Drill

Hose Laying Drill. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF) were stationed in England between 1942 and 1945

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: NFS firewoman

NFS firewoman
May (Mary) Belbin was a firewoman at Testwood where the Canadians trained. She served refreshments when the service had field days

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Aircraft crash

Aircraft crash
CCFF members attending the scene of an aircraft crash somewhere on the south coast. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Christmas Hospital visit

Christmas Hospital visit
Several Corps members visit a local childrens hospital at Christmas. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Aftermath of a Blitz Raid

Aftermath of a Blitz Raid
All thats left of a home after an air raid on Bristol, the house was completely demolished, just a few items of furniture were visible

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: New appliances

New appliances
Showing new appliances issued to the CCFF in Plymouth. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Fire service camp

Fire service camp
A depot/training area somewhere in the south of England, but exact location unknown. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Fire Appliance

Fire Appliance
A new fire appliance with turntable ladder and pump comes into service. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Training with hoses

Training with hoses
Despite their full workload new techniques of fire- fighting were being learnt on the time. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Plymouth blitzed

Plymouth blitzed
One of the blitz raids on Plymouth, When we arrived we saw the people streaming up the hill to the caves outside the city

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Mixed Armed Services gathering

Mixed Armed Services gathering
A mixed Armed Service gathering to welcome the CCCF, believed either Portsmouth of Winchester. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: The welcome party

The welcome party
Dignitaries were always on hand to play their part. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Herbert Morrison

Herbert Morrison (centre) with Fire Chief Huff (left of picture) welcome the Canadians outside Canada House in London mid 1942

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Hartley, Plymouth

Hartley, Plymouth
HQ of the Plymouth Contingent at Hartley. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: (insert)

(insert). The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF) were stationed in England between 1942 and 1945. Date: circa 1942

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Portsmouth

Portsmouth street scene, exact location unknown, used for training classes and for recording the activities of the CCFF under fire

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: The new fire station in Plymouth for the Canadians

The new fire station in Plymouth for the Canadians, built by the men themselves with help from special construction gangs

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Ladder Drill

Ladder Drill. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF) were stationed in England between 1942 and 1945. Date: circa 1942

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Devon, England - a country scene

Devon, England - a country scene. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF) were stationed in England between 1942 and 1945

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Plymouth (exact location unknown)

Plymouth (exact location unknown). The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Personal snaps (poly-photos)

Personal snaps (poly-photos)
Personal photographs taken in England 5 snaps showing unexploded bomb, bus with gas supply for fuel and firemen at play. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Horseplay

Horseplay
This is some sort of ritual amongst the fire-fighters. Photo caption reads horseplay.. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Leisure time

Leisure time
Firefighters off duty in the messing hall.. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Government office building

Government office building
Ottawa, Canada - showing a government building in which various meetings took place about sending volunteer firemen to England

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Firefighters Messing Room

Firefighters Messing Room
One of the messing rooms for the fire-fighters, believe this to be in Plymouth. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Training

Training
Ladder drill and fire-fighting training on a mocked up building. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Training from a tower

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)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Personal photos

Personal photos
9 polyphotos taken by a Corps member before leaving Canada, two firemen at sites around Ottawa. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Pump Drill

Pump Drill
Wider shot of Training at Testwood, Southampton, this is for pump drill. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Canadian Fire Chief Huff

Canadian Fire Chief Huff (third from left) watches one of the Canadian firefighters using British equipment. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Government Building Ottawa

Government Building Ottawa
One of several government buildings used for meetings about the formation of the volunteer fire force. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: State Capital Building Ottawa

State Capital Building Ottawa
The State Capital Building, photographed at the time of discussions about the formation of a volunteer Canadian fire force

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: The CCFF arrive

The CCFF arrive
After two years of negotiations, the first Canadian volunteers arrive in England. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Portsmouth scene (exact city location unknown)

Portsmouth scene (exact city location unknown). The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)

Background imageFire Fighters Collection: Personal photos (poly-photos) taken by the men

Personal photos (poly-photos) taken by the men. The Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters (also known as the Volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire-fighters and simply as CCCF)




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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.