Fireboat Collection (#4)

Thames Waterman on Massey Shaw fireboat
A Thames Waterman in traditional costume with a fire company badge on his left sleeve, standing on the deck of the LFBs Massey Shaw fireboat

Fireboat in a cradle waiting to be launched, WW2
A fireboat in a cradle waiting to be launched

NFS (London) River Thames Formation control boat, WW2
Interior view of the control room cabin of one of the London River Formations (River Fire Service) fireboats designated as a control unit for major incidents on the River Thames

NFS (London Region) fire float on upper Thames, WW2
A clinker built boat converted into a fireboat and stationed on the upper reaches of the River Thames in the London Region area

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) fireboat on the River Thames, WW2
The London Regional River Service and the fireboat attached to the River fire station 1RU at Battersea Bridge

LCC-LFB self-propelled steam fireboat
Introduced in 1912, one of the shallow draft self-propelled vessels which replaced the early fire tugs

A fireboat tackling a blaze on the River Thames

LCC-LFB fireboat Beta III on sea trials
Civilian marine engineers on the Beta III fireboat during her sea trials prior to being placed in operational service

NFS (London Region) Trailer pumps on bridge buttress, WW2
Firefighters from the NFS River Service (Station R1, Lambeth) placing a trailer pump on an elevated buttress on Vauxhall Bridge to supplement emergency water supplies to fire crews on land

War Weapons Week and London Fire Brigade fireboats, WW2
The London Fire Brigades fireboat Massey Shaw (which took part in the Dunkirk evacuations) and a fire float are moored at Westminster pier whilst their crews are promoting War Weapons Week

Massey Shaw fireboat at Blackfriars river fire station
The Massey Shaw fireboat, launched in 1935, moored alongside her Blackfriars river station, located on the Victoria Embankment, City of London

Massey Shaw fireboat on River Thames, London
The LFBs Massey Shaw fireboat underway on the River Thames, heading under Waterloo Bridge

Massey Shaw fireboat, Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars
The London Fire Brigades fireboat Massey Shaw being stowed with an anchor chain whilst alongside its moorings at the Blackfriars river fire station, its base station

LFB fireboat Gamma II near Brigade HQ - Lambeth
Gamma II was stationed at the Lambeth river fire station (R1) opposite the London Fire Brigade headquarters building on the Albert Embankment, SE1

London Fire Brigade HQ and Lambeth river fire station
The iconic LFB Headquarters building and the original river station on its floating pontoon. The fireboat tender can be seen on the right as it moves up river towards Vauxhall Bridge

London Fire Brigade fireboats on the Thames
London Fire Brigade fireboats on the River Thames

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The fireboat has always been a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of danger. From the LCC-LFB fireboat Massey Shaw, stationed in Westminster, London, to the GLC-LFB Fire Hawk, these vessels have played a crucial role in protecting our city from devastating fires. One iconic image that comes to mind is the LCC-LFB Massey Shaw fireboat at Blackfriars. With its powerful hoses pumping water into the flames, it stands as a testament to the bravery and dedication of our firefighters. Butlers Wharf in Bermondsey witnessed an intense battle against a warehouse fire, where the LCC-LFB showcased their expertise using their trusty fireboat. The Cherry Garden river station in SE London also played its part, ensuring swift response times for emergencies along the river. The sight of eight hoses pumping simultaneously on board the Massey Shaw fireboat is awe-inspiring. This vessel has become synonymous with firefighting on the River Thames and continues to be an invaluable asset during emergencies. Not far away at Colonial Wharf in East London, another fierce blaze was met head-on by a determined crew aboard a NFS narrow boat fitted with fire pumps. Their efforts were commendable as they fought tirelessly to bring safety back to this bustling area. Lambeth HQ and Lambeth river station served as vital bases for firefighting operations along this historic waterway. These locations acted as launching points for various vessels including one named Fire-Dart which patrolled diligently along River Thames under London Fire Brigade's watchful eye. As we reflect on these images of brave firefighters battling infernos from their mighty boats underway on turbulent waters, we are reminded once again of their unwavering commitment to keeping our city safe. The legacy of these remarkable vessels lives on through each rescue mission they undertake - proof that heroes truly do exist both on land and sea.