Nfs Collection (page 8)

NFS (London Region) assault course training exercises, WW2
With a dramatic reduction in enemy attacks on London after the Blitz (1940-41) firefighters had to be kept gainfully employed and a high level of fitness and preparedness maintained

NFS London Region lorry driven into basement area, WW2
National Fire Service -- a London Region lorry driven into a basement area

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

Horse rescued from basement by NFS breakdown lorry
A horse being led to safety after falling into a basement access area of a building in Spa Road, Bermondsey. An NFS London Region fire brigade breakdown lorry was used to lift it

NFS (London Region) Southall horse rescue, WW2
Firefighters from K2Z Southall fire station area attempting to rescue a horse that fell into a deep, water filled ditch and was unable to get out unaided

NFS (London Region) A Bermondsey towing vehicle, WW2
A towing vehicle and trailer pump from 38 A 2V, a Bermondsey sub-station located at Paragon School, Searles Road, London SE1. The picture was taken at the Regional Headquarters, Lambeth

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

NFS (London Region) constructing a water dam, WW2
London firefighters constructing a self-assembly emergency dam. These dams were carried on special water units that also towed a trailer pump and could provided a static water supply close to fires

NFS sub-station mess hall, WW2
NFS firefighters taking a meal break in a sub-station mess hall

NFS sub-station with external baking oven in yard, WW2
NFS cooks using a brick-built baking oven in the yard of a sub-station

NFS sub-station with baking oven in yard, WW2
A National Fire Service sub-station with an external baking oven in yard

Lord Mayor of London visiting NFS City fire station, WW2
The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Samuel Joseph, visiting London firefighters at the Redcross Street fire station (Fire Force 35-station C 1Z, 35-38 Redcross Street.)

NFS fire force No. 34 District fire control unit, Northwood
District fire control unit, located at Pinner Road, Northwood, Middlesex. Showing the communications aerial erected and loudspeakers on the drivers cab

NFS (London Region) fire brigade display at Lambeth, WW2
During 1942 and 1943, 23 air raids occurred over the London Region, but they were light in character. The firefighters of the NFS needed to be kept in a state of constant readiness

NFS (London Region) blaze at Bricklayers Arms, WW2
Firefighters attacking a blaze at the Bricklayers Arms Goods Depot in the Old Kent Road, SE London, with two turntable ladders at work

Scene in a newly built NFS (London Region) fire station, WW2
The sub-station mess room and rest room in a newly built NFS fire station in Hayes, Bromley, Kent

Group photo at new NFS (London Region) fire station, WW2
Group photo of NFS firemen and firewomen at a newly built fire station at Hayes, Bromley, Kent

Cooks in the kitchen at Bromley fire station, WW2
Cooks at work in the kitchen at the new Bromley NFS (National Fire Service) sub-station during the Second World War

A newly built NFS (London Region) fire station, WW2
Located in District 37 and prefixed J1X, this fire station was built in Hayes, Bromley, Kent. During the longer lulls in enemy action following the Blitz many firemen

NFS firewomen in dispatch rider training, WW2
London Region NFS firewomen undergoing dispatch rider training. Taught to do everything with a motorbike that could be done, these women would undertake all-terrain training

NFS firefighter rolling out fire hose, WW2
A London Region NFS firefighter in an instructional photograph demonstrating the correct method of rolling out a line of hose

NFS mobile kitchen in use, WW2
These mobile kitchens, presented to the NFS (London Region No 5), were donated by the Canadian Red Cross

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

NFS (London Region No 5) Towing Unit, WW2
An NFS towing and trailer unit in uniform grey livery, displayed in the Regional Fire Service Headquarters station drill yard

London (NFS) firefighter in breathing apparatus, WW2
Side view of the Mark IV Proto (oxygen) breathing apparatus set, showing the re-breather bag, mouthpiece, control valves and cooler

NFS (London Region) mobile kitchen vehicle, WW2
Donated to the London Region of the NFS by the Canadian Red Cross, this mobile kitchen unit is displayed at the Regional (Brigade) Headquarters, Lambeth, SE1

NFS (London Region) pump repairs, Lambeth workshops
A damaged LCC London Fire Brigade fire engine, after repair, at the Headquarters station, Lambeth. The appliance is without its ladders and equipment and painted in a wartime battleship grey colour

Firefighters (NFS London Region) in breathing apparatus
Firefighters wearing Proto Mark IV oxygen breathing apparatus sets, seen here at the Regional Headquarters station, Lambeth, SE1

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During World War II, the NFS (London Region) played a crucial role in protecting the city from devastating bombings. The Bedford Heavy Unit stationed in Pimlico was always ready to respond to emergencies, including the infamous V1 bombing attack. Brave firefighters risked their lives daily, using a 60ft hand-operated turntable ladder to reach towering infernos and rescue those trapped inside. Inside the NFS London Region control room, officers coordinated efforts and made split-second decisions that saved countless lives. Training camps became second homes for these dedicated individuals who honed their skills on assault courses and learned how to handle hoses with precision. The personnel coach from District 34-HQ in Ealing transported firefighters across the city as they tirelessly battled fires caused by enemy attacks. At these training camps, teams of brave men underwent rigorous exercises on obstacle courses while others perfected their technique in using fire hoses. NFS fire engines at Wembley stood as symbols of hope amidst chaos, ready to rush into action at any given moment. The aftermath of bombings left behind scenes of destruction like bomb damage and craters along Petherton Road—a stark reminder of the horrors faced during war. Innovative solutions were also employed by NFS-London Region such as fitting narrow boats with fire pumps—ensuring no area was beyond reach when it came to extinguishing flames threatening innocent lives. The dedication and bravery exhibited by NFS personnel during this tumultuous time will forever be remembered as they selflessly protected London's residents from harm's way.