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Blitz in London -- Smith Building, SE1
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Blitz in London -- Smith Building, SE1
Blitz in London -- the Smith Building was located next to the London Fire Brigade Headquarters on the Albert Embankment, SE1. Its clock was used as a fire watchers observation post to report the location of fires within the area (one of many hundreds around London). The flag is flown at half mast, as is the one on the Fire Brigade HQ in the background, following the deaths of firefighters killed in action in recent raids
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Media ID 7637729
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
1941 Blitz Clock Deaths Embankment Fires Flown Half Headquarters Mast Observation Posts Raid Warning Watch Watcher Watchers Albert Smith
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In this evocative photograph taken during the Blitz in London, the Smith Building on the Albert Embankment, SE1, stands proudly yet solemnly next to the London Fire Brigade Headquarters. The clock tower of the Smith Building, a former office block and warehouse, served as an essential fire watchers observation post during World War II. The post was one of hundreds around London, where volunteers kept a vigilant eye on the night sky for signs of air raids and reported the location of fires within the area to the brigade. The image captures the somber mood of the city during the war, with both the Smith Building clock and the Fire Brigade Headquarters flags flying at half mast in memory of the brave firefighters who had lost their lives in recent raids. The Thames River, a constant presence in the background, mirrors the reflection of the moody London skyline. The Smith Building, with its imposing structure and high vantage point, was an essential part of London's wartime defenses. Fire watchers manned the post around the clock, providing early warning of fires and ensuring that the Fire Brigade could respond quickly and effectively to put out the blazes before they spread. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary Londoners during the Blitz and the resilience of the city in the face of adversity. This photograph, taken in the 1940s, is a testament to the spirit of service and community that defined London during the wartime years. The image is part of the London Fire Brigade's archives, held by Mary Evans Picture Library, and offers a unique glimpse into the city's history during one of its most challenging periods.
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