London Fire Brigade Gallery

NFS (Salvage Corps) workers at a fire, WW2

Salvage workers from Cannon Street fire station sub-station A2Z.2X (Watling Street) undertaking salvage work at a warehouse fire. Although with a similar uniform to that of a firefighter, salvage workers wore armbands stating that they were with the Corps. Shown here with salvage sheets protecting machinery, and oil being applied to protect it from water damage

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

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 and relaying, or delivering, that water to the crews at the fire. Here trailer pumps are being lowered to the river foreshore ready to lift water. The exercise was undertaken at Ordnance Wharf, Blackwall, East London

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

Blitz in London -- Chiesmans, Lewisham High Street, WW2

Blitz in London -- a firefighter, wearing an oilskin coat, damping down the aftermath of an incendiary bomb attack on Chiesmans depository in Lewisham High Street, SE13. From 5.30pm until 6pm on 7 September 1940, 348 German bombers escorted by 617 fighters pounded London. Guided by the flames a second group attacked with more incendiary bombs two hours later, continuing into the next day. Chiesmans was hit in the first wave -- its three storey, 100 feet by 30 feet depository was severely damaged by fire

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library