In Memory of the 34 Firefighters who lost their life at the Old Palace School
On Saturday 19th April 1997, on the anniversary of the tragic bombing of the Old palace School in Poplar, a Dedication Ceremony took place at the site of the former Old Palace School, St. Leonard's Street, London The Dedication Ceremony Order of Service is shown below and was kindly donated to me by Bryan Wotton, … Continue reading The Dedication Ceremony
Killed in the Line of Duty........... Another life taken far too young and yet another family that were devastated by the tragic events at the Old Palace School in Poplar, on that fateful night in April 1941. Leonard Roots was born on 16th April 1910 in Beckenham in Kent, the youngest of four boys, born … Continue reading AFS Leading Fireman Leonard Roots
Killed in the Line of Duty......... Fate can sometimes deal the cruelest of blows and for some families they seem to suffer more than their fair share of heartache and pain, there is no way to explain things like this, but for some families, they just suffer tragedy and loss more than others and the … Continue reading AFS Fireman Martin Charles Parfett
Whilst researching the life of AFS Fireman Albert Alfred Savill, I have been extremely fortunate in being able to make contact with two of Albert Alfred Savill's descendants, who have kindly sent me a vast amount of documents, letters, photographs and newspaper cuttings about their ancestor. With Special thanks to Alf Saville and Keith Dye … Continue reading AFS Fireman Albert Alfred Savill
The London Fire Brigade War Memorial, was erected to members of the Fire Services who lost their lives during the Second World War. Seen here at the conclusion of the dedication and unveiling ceremony which took place on 10th April 1956, with additional flowers placed by relatives and friends. The memorial, which occupies a bay … Continue reading The Unveiling and Dedication of the London Fire Services War Memorial 1939-1945
Killed in the Line of Duty............ Kenneth John Bowles was born on 15th October 1910 in Beckenham, Kent. He was the youngest son of Alfred Edward Bowles (1879 – 1957) and Minnie Bear (1877 – 1946). Alfred and Minnie were married in Thanet in Kent, in 1904. In the 1911 Census, six month old Kenneth … Continue reading AFS Fireman Kenneth John Bowles
Killed in the Line of Duty.......... Alan Charles Barber was born 15th May 1914 in Lambeth in London, the youngest son of William Charles Edward Barber and Ethel Barber née Langton. His father was a Carpenter and Joiner who had served in both the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Air Force during World … Continue reading AFS Fireman Alan Charles Barber
Killed in the Line of Duty............... When I started this project, I knew it would be an emotional journey for both myself and the families that were so tragically affected by this story. Each and every one of the families of the 34 firefighters, would have felt the same pain, the same sadness and the … Continue reading AFS Leading Fireman Herbert Charles Wotton
The Fireman’s Prayer When I am called to duty God, whenever flames may rage, Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, Or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear … Continue reading The Fireman’s Prayer
On the 25th April 1941, Nineteen of the Twenty-One Beckenham Firemen were buried in a mass grave at the Beckenham Cemetery, after a memorial service at the parish church of St. George by Canon Boyd and a solemn procession through the town. The grave was dug entirely by their comrades and was softened by masses … Continue reading The Aftermath and The Funeral Cortege
Old Palace School Bombing 