Images Dated 5th October 2011

NFS (London Region) narrow boat fitted with fire pumps

There were 18 river fire stations along the length of the River Thames during WW2. They were used to accommodate the crews on a 24 hour standby to operate the fireboats. In addition the three permanent London Fire Brigade fireboats, including the Massey Shaw, other fireboats and craft were brought into service. Here narrow boats (known locally in London as monkey boats) were equipped with trailer pumps in order to access, and provide water supplies from, the canals that ran north of the River Thames

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

NFS (London Region No 5) pump escape and crew, WW2

The pump escape from the Regional Headquarters fire station Lambeth in the headquarters drill yard. The escape has been removed and the rear mounted pump is being operated. Two water supplies are feeding the pump, one from the station yard hydrant and the other from the adjacent street (Whitgift Street, SE1.)

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library