National Fire Service Collection

V1 flying bomb attack, Aldwych, London, 30th June 1944. One of the deadliest attacks, 46 people were killed and at least 200 others suffered serious injuries

British firemen of the wartime National Fire Service fighting a fire during the Blitz, World War II
5226745 British firemen of the wartime National Fire Service fighting a fire during the Blitz, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

Fires in the City of London around St Paul's Cathedral during the Blitz, World War II, 1940s (colour litho)
5226760 Fires in the City of London around St Paul's Cathedral during the Blitz, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

St Clement Danes Church, Strand, London, on fire during the Blitz, World War II, 1941 (colour litho)
5226756 St Clement Danes Church, Strand, London, on fire during the Blitz, World War II, 1941 (colour litho) by Mills, Reginald (1896-1952); Private Collection; (add.info.: St Clement Danes Church)

Observation post of the wartime British National Fire Service during an air raid, World War II, 1940s (colour litho)
5226743 Observation post of the wartime British National Fire Service during an air raid, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

Firemen of the wartime British National Fire Service running from a collapsing building during the Blitz, World War II
5226754 Firemen of the wartime British National Fire Service running from a collapsing building during the Blitz, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

Firemen of the wartime British National Fire Service inspecting a large bomb crater during the Blitz, World War II
5226751 Firemen of the wartime British National Fire Service inspecting a large bomb crater during the Blitz, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

Control room of the wartime British National Fire Service, World War II, 1940s (colour litho)
5226749 Control room of the wartime British National Fire Service, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills, Reginald (1896-1952); Private Collection; (add.info)

Firefighters of wartime British National Fire Service using a mobile canteen during the Blitz, World War II
5226746 Firefighters of wartime British National Fire Service using a mobile canteen during the Blitz, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

Firemen of the wartime British National Fire Service being alerted to the presence of a badly wounded victim of an air
5226744 Firemen of the wartime British National Fire Service being alerted to the presence of a badly wounded victim of an air raid, World War II, 1940s (colour litho) by Mills

Women during an National Fire Service (NFS) fitness training course at the Regional Reserve Training Station in Tadbridge, Surrey. The class watching the instructor demonstrating a point

About two years ago, men and women of the Barnet National Fire Service (NFS) were turning out in their off duty time, at the rate of many hundreds a week

A day in the life of NFS Womens Fitness Training Course for instructors at No. 12
A day in the life of NFS Womens Fitness Training Course for instructors at No.12. Regional Reserve training station at Tadbridge, Surrey

A Mobile theatre is touring all the stations In Number 36 Fire Force area. The company, two leading firewomen, and four fire women are the artistes, scene shifters

Children from Stoke Newington bring their broken toys to Leading Fireman Herbert Rogers for repairs. He is known to them as the " Teddy Bear Doctor"

N. F. S. women at a course for instructors at the Regional Reserve Training Station at
N.F.S. women at a course for instructors at the Regional Reserve Training Station at Tandridge, Surrey. 14th May 1945

National Fire Service workers Mrs E Berry, Miss G Heath and Mrs G Follmen tarring water pipes in Devon during the Second World War. 14th August 1942

By 1943 over 70, 000 women had enrolled in the NFS in the United Kingdom.... During the Second World War there were nine fire boat stations. (Picture) An N.F.S

V. 2. incident at Waltham Abbey. NFS pumping out flooding owing to fractured water main. 7th March 1945

National Fire Service Drill at Regional Headquarters in Lambeth, South London, in the presence of the Allied Defence Ministers. Picture taken 17th June 1942

2nd anniversary of the National Fire Service Drill at Regional Headquarters in Lambeth, South London. Picture taken 26th August 1943

V2 rocket incident at Middlesex Street, Aldgate, showing extent of damage. Pictured, NFS searching among the smouldering wreckage. 10th November 1944

Recent V bomb attack at Farrant Avenue, Lordship Lane Wood Green, on 3rd March 1945. Pictured, extent of damage. NFS at work and the use of rescue dogs. March 1945

Girls of the N. F.s feeding the rabbits in the vestry. June 1942
Girls of the N.F.S feeding the rabbits in the vestry. June 1942

A day in the life of NFS Womens Fitness Training Course for instructors at No.12 Regional Reserve training station at Tandridge, Surrey

Middlesex Civil Defence, Wembley Stadium. C. D. and N. F. S
Middlesex Civil Defence, Wembley Stadium. C.D. and N.F.S. marching past Hurbert Morrison and Eileen Wilkinson MP on the platform. London, 18th October 1942

V1 Flying Bomb at East Lane, Walworth, 26th June 1944. Firemen and helpers hold up the floor of a building while rescue workers below get casualties out

NFS Task division training exercise on lowering casualty from an upper floor of a bombed building. April 1944

Sir Hartley Shawcross, North-West Regional Commissioner, standing on the platform taking the salute at the march past of National Fire Service personnel from the Area Training School, Newsham Park

N. F. S. girls perform their agility show at the Wembly Stadium. August 1943 P012240
N.F.S. girls perform their agility show at the Wembly Stadium. August 1943 P012240

The donkey Derby, in progress, the jockeys were girls drawn from the different areas of the N.F.S. August 1943 P012249

Robot aircraft incident at Ebury Buildings, Ebury St. South West London. Members of NFS searching wreckage of a taxi-cabs. July 1944 P009366

V1 flying bomb attack on Australia House in Aldwych, London, 30th June 1944. One of the deadliest attacks, 46 people were killed and at least 200 others suffered serious injuries

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"Remembering the Brave: The National Fire Service during World War II" In the face of relentless destruction, the National Fire Service stood as a symbol of resilience and heroism. On that fateful day of June 30th, 1944, when the V1 flying bomb attack struck Aldwych in London, it became one of their deadliest battles. Yet, they never wavered. Through vivid color lithographs from the 1940s, we catch glimpses into their courageous efforts. British firemen fought valiantly during the Blitz, with fires raging around St Paul's Cathedral and St Clement Danes Church on Strand Street in London. These images depict not only their unwavering determination but also showcase the immense challenges they faced. From observation posts to collapsing buildings and burning gas mains – there was no obstacle too great for these brave souls. They risked their lives daily to protect others during air raids. Their commitment to duty is evident in every image; running from collapsing buildings or inspecting large bomb craters left behind by enemy attacks. The control room served as a nerve center where decisions were made swiftly and efficiently amidst chaos. It was here that coordination between firefighters was paramount – ensuring resources were deployed effectively to save lives and extinguish flames. Even amid such adversity, moments of respite emerged as firefighters utilized mobile canteens for sustenance during long nights battling infernos caused by enemy bombs. These small acts provided much-needed nourishment both physically and emotionally. Their dedication extended beyond fighting fires alone; they also played a vital role in aiding wounded victims caught in air raids' crossfire. Alerted to badly injured individuals amidst rubble-strewn streets, these heroes rushed forward without hesitation - providing aid when it mattered most. Today we remember those who served under the banner of the National Fire Service during World War II - ordinary men who became extraordinary heroes through their selflessness and bravery.