Nfs Collection (page 9)

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

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

NFS (London Region) amateur variety show, WW2
Firemen and firewomen put on variety shows for their friends and colleagues at their sub-station (55V) in Forest Hill Central School, Brockley. London SE4

NFS London Region control room, HQ, WW2
Firemen and firewomen of the NFS (London Region) at the telephone switchboard of the control room at Lambeth HQ

NFS (London Region) AFS exercise, WW2
Firefighters practise using their hoses in an NFS (London Region) AFS exercise

NFS (London Region) AFS exercises, WW2
Firefighters at a hose pump during NFS (London Region) AFS exercises

Pumps working from dams, Thames Haven, WW2
Two major pumping units (NFS) set into an emergency inflatable dam and supplying water to the scene of a serious oil tank fire at the Thames Haven oil tank farm near Thurrock in Essex

Auxiliary firefighters at drill, Lambeth HQ, WW2
Auxiliary crews from station 75W (Shelborne Road School sub station in Holloway) getting to work with a trailer pump and jets in the drill yard of Brigade Headquarters

London Region NFS / AFS breakdown lorry with crew, WW2
AFS wartime crew on an NFS breakdown lorry. The NFS came into force in August 1941 and the London Fire Brigade was enlarged into the London Region which covered the Greater London area

Parade down Whitehall - WW2 victory celebrations
Parade down Whitehall in Central London during victory celebrations to mark the end of the Second World War. Naval officers and ratings can be seen marching

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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.