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src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Header-1.jpg" class="header-image" width="945" height="234" alt="A London Inheritance" /></a> </header> <div id="main" class="wrapper"> <section id="primary" class="site-content"> <div id="content" role="main"> <header class="archive-header"> <h1 class="archive-title"> Tag Archives: <span>London Fire Brigade</span> </h1> </header> <article id="post-17228" class="post-17228 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-london-history tag-east-ham tag-london-fire-brigade"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title"> <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-history/the-first-east-ham-fire-station-and-fire-brigade/" rel="bookmark">The First East Ham Fire Station and Fire Brigade</a> </h1> <div class="comments-link"> <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-history/the-first-east-ham-fire-station-and-fire-brigade/#comments">8 Replies</a> </div> </header> <div class="entry-content"> <p>It is a long post this week, however I hope you find it interesting as it tells some of my family history, the story of the first East Ham fire station and the local fire brigade. But first, some advertising. After all my walks sold out this summer, I have added a final few for the year. </p> <p>The dates and links for booking are as follows:</p> <p>Wapping – A Seething Mass of Misery: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wapping-a-seething-mass-of-misery-tickets-414233181597" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday, 25th September</a>; <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wapping-a-seething-mass-of-misery-tickets-414816987777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturday,1st October;</a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wapping-a-seething-mass-of-misery-tickets-417912496527" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday, 23rd October;</a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wapping-a-seething-mass-of-misery-tickets-417914261807" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturday, 29th October</a></p> <p>The Lost Streets of the Barbican: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lost-streets-of-the-barbican-tickets-414844439887" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday, 2nd October</a></p> <p>The South Bank – Marsh, Industry, Culture and the Festival of Britain: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-south-bank-marsh-industry-culture-and-the-festival-of-britain-tickets-417929657857" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday, 30th October</a></p> <p>Bankside to Pickle Herring Street – History between the Bridges: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bankside-to-pickle-herring-street-history-between-the-bridges-tickets-417478388097" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday, 9th October</a></p> <p>I hope to see you on a walk. Now, to East Ham: </p> <p>My Great Grandfather was born in 1854, and as a young man, he went to sea and travelled the world. </p> <p>He became a fireman in 1881, joining the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) at Rotherhithe, south east London, later moving to West Ham in 1886 as a Fire Escape man, where he remained for ten and a half years. At the time the MFB recruited only ex seamen and naval personnel as the Brigade was run on Naval discipline with a requirement for familiarity of climbing rigging and working at heights.</p> <p>In 1896 he became the Superintendent of the new East Ham Fire Station, and I recently completed one of the many tasks on my to-do list by visiting the site of the Fire Station in Wakefield Street, East Ham:</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-1-scaled.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1700" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-1-scaled.jpg" alt="East Ham Fire Station" class="wp-image-17229" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-1-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure> <p>I cannot find the exact year when the fire station was demolished, it was at some point after 1917, and the location is now occupied by the flats shown in the above photo.</p> <p>I have circled the location in the following map. East Ham station (District and Hammersmith & City lines) is at the top of the map (<a href="https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright">© OpenStreetMap contributors)</a>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7.jpg"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="655" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7-1024x655.jpg" alt="East Ham Fire Station" class="wp-image-17236" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7-1024x655.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7-300x192.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7-768x491.jpg 768w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7-624x399.jpg 624w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-7.jpg 1338w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> <p>When the fire station was built, East Ham was growing over the fields that once covered this part of east London (although at the time it was part of Essex). In the following extract from the 1897 edition of the Ordnance Survey map, I have circled the fire station in a developing Wakefield Street. The upper part of the map showing that the whole area would soon be covered by terrace housing (<a href="https://maps.nls.uk/index.html">‘Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland</a>“).</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6.jpg"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="592" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6-1024x592.jpg" alt="East Ham Fire Station" class="wp-image-17235" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6-1024x592.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6-300x173.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6-768x444.jpg 768w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6-624x361.jpg 624w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-6.jpg 1481w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Growth of East Ham, and Pressure for a Fire Brigade</h2> <p>In 1861, the number of houses in East Ham had risen to 497 and the population to 2,858. Fire protection for the village would have been provided by a Fire Insurance Brigade, and there is some evidence that the Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company operated in the area. This was the time when insurance companies operated their own private fire fighting services.</p> <p>The first meeting of the Board for the East Ham Local Government District was held on the 4th February 1879, at the Parochial Building, Wakefield Street.</p> <p>The provision of fire fighting cover was exercising the minds of the Members of the Board at a very early stage. A letter was received from a Mr. Rowley asking the Board to pay for the attendance of two engines of the North West Fire Brigade from Walthamstow at a fire at Plashet. The sum of £6 was subsequently paid for this service.</p> <p>Later on in the year a letter was sent to West Ham Local Board relative to the attendance of their Brigade at fires in East Ham. West Ham replied in the affirmative and it is recorded that they attended a fire at Beckton on the 13th January, 1880.</p> <p>A letter was received from Mr. Angel of West Ham, regarding a fire in the East Ham Match Factory on the 10th February, 1880, and an account enclosed for the attendance of the Brigade. The Clerk to the Board was instructed to write to the insurance company for the payment of the amount paid to West Ham.</p> <p>In December, 1880, the Board wrote to the famous Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, KCB, Chief Fire Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, asking for fire cover in the North Woolwich area. (<a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/thebombedcity/the-massey-shaw-fireboat-a-brief-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See my post on the historic fire boat named after Massey Shaw</a>). The Metropolitan Brigade had a small fire station in North Woolwich to protect the London County Council property in that area. Captain Shaw agreed to provide fire cover, and an agreement was signed the following month.</p> <p>The population of East Ham had risen to 10,706 on 1881. it is interesting to note that the census was arrived at by counting the houses and estimating the number of people.</p> <p>In 1882 the Clerk to the Board wrote to the Commissioners of Police asking for the establishment of a Police Station within the district. This was refused.</p> <p>The first petroleum licence was issued to a Mr. Harding on the 14th of February, 1882.</p> <p>The provision of fire hydrants exercised the minds of the Board members in 1884. The East London Water Works Company was asked to install a number of hydrants in North Woolwich and other places at a cost of £3 and 10 shillings each. The lack of pressure in the mains was the subject of much correspondence between the Board and the Water Company over the next few years.</p> <p>A letter was received from the National Fire Escape Institution on the 12th of May, 1885, asking whether the Board would be prepared to accept a fire escape at a cost of £10 per annum. The Board refused to pay the price. The same year, North Metropolitan Tramway Company gave notice of their intention to commence the tramway in Romford Road. Reference is made to a Ratepayers Association who seemed determined to veto any proposal for improved fire cover, if the project was going to cost money.</p> <p>An interesting entry appears on the 9th of February, 1886, from a Mr. Palmer, enclosing a list of fires attended by Mr. Clamp of the Royal Standard Hostelry in North Woolwich and claiming payment for these. The sum of £95 was paid for this service. In view of the agreement with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade to attend fires in North Woolwich, it is remarkable that payment should have been made to an individual in this case.</p> <p>The Board turned down a request by the Liberal Club, Manor Park, for a fire engine to cover the district. The Board replied <em>“No, not necessary”</em>.</p> <p>On the 21st of July 1891, a letter was received from a Mr. Drury enquiring whether the Board had anything to do with the South West Essex Fire Brigade. The Clerk replied that the Board had an arrangement with the West Ham Corporation to attend all fires in the district but have nothing to do with the private brigade mentioned. About this time many private brigades were in operation in the London area. One enterprising man, a Mr. Cook, wrote to the Board from Lewisham about this time offering to provide a fire engine and two men at a cost of £250 per annum. His offer was turned down.</p> <p>By the end of 1892 the Ratepayers Association excelled themselves; they decided that a Fire Brigade was required for East Ham and asked the board to receive a deputation <em>“to urge the necessity”</em>.</p> <p>The following year the Board purchased fire appliances from the Lewisham Fire Brigade at a cost of £140 and appointed Mr. Tom Willard as Superintendent. The Fire Station was located in Wakefield Street, opposite the Hartley Avenue School. The Brigade was what is today called a part-time retained unit with a total establishment of twenty firemen. The men who formed the Brigade consisted mainly of Council employees, such as the Town Hall Porter, the Parks’ Superintendent, the Foreman of Dustmen, and the Roads Foreman who lived in Bernards Avenue and drove the Council’s steam roller.</p> <p>To call the firemen to attend a fire a man ran around the streets and lanes of the Borough shouting for members of the Brigade. Then it was touch and go whether the old horse drawn, manually operated pump reached the scene of the fire without mishap. </p> <p>The names of only a few of these Auxiliary firemen are known, Ted Lukas, Parks’ Superintendent, Mr. Flowers, the Turncock, Charlie Hare, Jimmy Ward, Mr. Richards, Mr. Redmond, Edwin Roberts and George Cook who both joined the regular brigade and served for many years. The firemen received a payment of two shillings and six pence for each fire attended.</p> <p>About this time, the Board were considering the installation of a fire alarm system to cover the district. This shows that electricity was becoming a commercial proposition.</p> <p>One Sunday morning the Brigade were called to a fire at No. 2, High Street South. Owing to an oversight the regular coachman was not called, so one of the firemen drove the two horses to the fire. Unfortunately, the fireman was unused to such restive horses and, as he threw down the reins before getting out the hose to fight the fire, the horses bolted. They made their way to their home in North Woolwich and reached Manor Way when they capsized the engine into a ditch at a sharp bend by Beckton School. The Board reprimanded the Superintendent for not <em>“properly calling the firemen”</em>.</p> <p>The poor Superintendent continued to be in hot water over many small incidents, so that on the 20th of October 1896, the Board resolved <em>“Having regards to constant complaints, the Brigade Town Committee recommend that steps be taken at once putting an end to the present arrangements of the Fire Brigade pending the establishment of a permanent brigade”</em>.</p> <p>The following painting titled “Top Speed” by Savile Lumley shows horses pulling firefighters through the streets at speed:</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="644" height="1024" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-644x1024.jpg" alt="East Ham Fire Station" class="wp-image-17238" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-644x1024.jpg 644w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-189x300.jpg 189w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-768x1222.jpg 768w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-966x1536.jpg 966w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-1288x2048.jpg 1288w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-624x993.jpg 624w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-8-scaled.jpg 1609w" sizes="(max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px" /></a></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Full Time Fire Brigade for East Ham</h2> <p>The Committee wasted no time and immediately advertised for a Superintendent (Engineer Fireman) at £2 and 2 shillings a week, with free house, fire, light and uniform, and three firemen at £1 and 10 shillings a week. </p> <p>Twenty one applications were received for the Superintendent’s post, and thirty one for the post of firemen. The interviews were held on the 17th of November 1896, and my Great Grandfather was appointed to be Superintendent. Three firemen were also appointed. A new Steam Fire Engine and Curricle (a two wheeled carriage drawn by two horses abreast) were purchased at a cost of £400. </p> <p>My Great Grandfather’s First Annual report makes interesting reading:</p> <p><em>“I have the honour to present my first Annual report of fires for the year commencing 1st January 1897 to 25th December 1897. Total number of calls received for fires during the year were 54, of these 14 were F.A. (false alarms), 3 chimney fires, 37 actual fires – 6 were serious in damage and 31 slight damage, 4 were beyond East Ham boundary, viz., West Ham.</em></p> <p><em>In addition to ordinary fires, there have been 3 chimney fires requiring the attendance of firemen with hand pumps.</em></p> <p><em>Of 37 fires, 17 were extinguished by means of steamers, hydrants and standpipes and firemen; 6 were by hand pumps and firemen; and 14 were by buckets and firemen.</em></p> <p><em>The strength of the brigade is as follows: 1 Station; 1 Steamer; 1 Manual; 1 Curricle Fire Escape; 1 Telephone (2 more to be provided); 7 F.A. Points; 4 Bells leading to Firemen’s Houses; 1,800 feet of Canvas Hose – all in good condition; 4 Firemen (including Superintendent; 1 Coachman; 2 Horses.</em></p> <p><em>The number of firemen employed on watch are 1 by day and 2 by night. The members of the brigade keep in a smart and proper condition. The men have been regularly drilled in their various duties and their conduct has been very satisfactory. Summary of how fires were reported to the F.B. for 1897:</em></p> <p><em>Fire Alarm 17; Telephone 7; Police 1; Strangers 10</em></p> <p><em>During the year there have been only 10 mischievous false alarms by fire alarms and 4</em> <em>have been caused by wires in contact.</em></p> <p><em>The brigade have pumped out 1 cellar (after a storm) with the steamer during the year.</em> </p> <p><em>Details of lives endangered:</em></p> <ol><li><em>In this case which occurred at an oil shop on the 12th of April 1897. David Hollingsworth, a member of the brigade, was cut on hand by broken glass and had to be attended to by a doctor.</em></li><li><em>In this case which occurred at a private house on the 13th of June 1897, Thomas West age 25 was burnt on left arm and hand and Mrs. L.N. West aged 18 years was severely burnt on face, neck, both arms and shoulder caused by the explosion of a mineral oil stove. Both have since recovered.</em></li><li><em>In this case which occurred at a general shop on the 7th of December 1897, Mr. Robert Baker aged 54 was burnt on both hands caused by an explosion of a mineral oil lamp. He has since recovered.</em></li></ol> <p><em>In conclusion, I take this opportunity of thanking you for your valuable co-operation with me in all matters tending to the success of the brigade.”</em></p> <p>The incident where David Hollingsworth was injured was reported in the Barking, East Ham & Ilford Advertiser:</p> <p><em>“FIRE – At a few minutes before two o’clock on Monday afternoon a fire broke out at an oilshop, 101, Plashet-grove, occupied by Mr. C. Maitland Dods, and owned by Mr. W.A. Lee. Alarm was at once given at the East Ham Fire Station, and within a few minutes the Superintendent and his men were on the spot and vigorously combating the flames, which they managed to subdue after an-hour’s hard work. They were heartily congratulated by the crowd of bystanders who watched the operations. Fireman Hollingsworth was badly cut on the left hand. the shop was completely gutted, and the contents of nine rooms were severely damaged.</em>“</p> <p>I found the following photo in a book published by West Ham County Borough Council in 1936 to celebrate fifty years as a Borough. It shows an early horse drawn steam engine.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="836" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10-1024x836.jpg" alt="Merryweather fire engine" class="wp-image-17248" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10-1024x836.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10-300x245.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10-768x627.jpg 768w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10-624x510.jpg 624w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-10.jpg 1308w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> <p>Although it is from a book about West Ham, the sign on the side of the appliance shows the E of East Ham. I suspect it is a promotional photo by the Merryweather company who built fire engines in their factories in south London. </p> <p>Unfortunately the firemen in the photo are not named, although they may be Merryweather staff rather than firemen from East Ham fire brigade, however it must have been a fire engine that my Great Grandfather would have used.</p> <p>The main fire risk in the Borough was represented by the Royal Albert Dock, at the time the largest and finest dock in the world. The Beckton Gas Works was also one of, if not the largest in the world and represented another severe fire risk. Until closure both the Docks and the Gas Works continued to form the main fire risk covered by the brigade.</p> <p>There was an agreement in 1897 between East and West Ham that border fires be attended without charge. A few years later a similar arrangement was agreed between East Ham and Barking.</p> <p>On the 7th of June, 1898, it was reported to the Board that two firemen attended the launching of H.M. Battleship “Albion” (in company with four members of the late volunteer brigade) at Blackwall to form a guard of honour to the Duchess of York and a sad incident occurred by the collapse of a jetty which caused several deaths. The firemen were praised for their work of rescue. This really deserves a dedicated post. The following is a still from the launch of the Albion which you can <a href="https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-launch-of-hms-albion-at-blackwall-1898-online" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch on the BFI Player here</a>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="733" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9-1024x733.jpg" alt="HMS Albion" class="wp-image-17240" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9-1024x733.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9-300x215.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9-768x549.jpg 768w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9-624x446.jpg 624w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-9.jpg 1065w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> <p>A serious fire on the 6th of July, 1898 on the S.S. Manitoba at shed 22, Royal Albert Dock, caused an explosion amongst cartridges which killed 5 persons and injured 6 others.</p> <p>The cost of fodder for Fire Brigade horses is recorded as being 11 shillings per week. The animals must have been well fed because a fireman had to keep his wife and usually large family on 30 shillings a week.</p> <p>The leave enjoyed by professional firemen in these early days was just 24 hours a month – if he could be spared.</p> <p>In December 1898, the Council purchased the horses and contents of the stable of the Hand in Hand Insurance Company for £250.</p> <p>Fireman Atkinson was appointed as Assistant Officer <em>“to take charge in his (Superintendent’s) absence”</em>, at a weekly rate of 35 shillings.</p> <p>A severe fire occurred on the S.S. Magnetic involving heavy damage to engine room, store and cabins.</p> <p>Fire alarms were being installed throughout the Borough by 1898 and many references are made to Malicious False Alarms.</p> <p>Christmas Day, 1898 saw <em>“Firemen acting disorderly at Wakefield Arms – Superintendent was there and found Fireman Dunn intoxicated. Told Dunn to go home whereupon assaulted; got him to station, assaulted once more. Dunn dismissed – approved by Committee.”</em> Two other firemen were given a week’s notice.</p> <p>On the 25th September 1899 there was a false alarm call. A small boy aged 12 years was detected pulling the alarm bell at the corner of St Stephen’s Road. The father was told that the next time he would be prosecuted. In September 1958, another small boy, the grandson of the original boy was found pulling the alarm bell again.</p> <p>On the 11th of July 1900, a new sub-station was opened at Manor Park. The station was situated at the corner of Manor Park Road and Station Road and cost £118 to build. It contained a 50ft Bayley Escape – and was manned by two firemen, who had to drag it to the fires on its two wheeled cart. The cost of telephones to Wakefield Street from one fire alarm point and from the sub-station at Manor Park was £16, 5 shillings per annum.</p> <p>The Waiting Room and Porters Room at East Ham Railway Station was severely damaged by fire on the 25th of April 1901.</p> <p>An unusual accident occurred on the 16th of July 1901, whilst proceeding to a fire, when the wheel of the old manual engine caught in the tram lines and was wrenched off. The North Metropolitan Tramway paid £5 compensation. The fire engines and the trams seem to have been in conflict from time to time because it is reported that the new motor engine was in collision with a tram at Savage Gardens whilst returning from a fire at the docks. The lovely new machine finished up in a rhubarb field belonging to a Mr. Northfield the Farmer. It was ignominiously chained to the tram and towed home to the station.</p> <p>The Superintendent asked for the authority to summon the assistance of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in case of an emergency at big Dock fires, but the Committee refused to recommend the Council to incur liability for charges for this purpose.</p> <p>The annual report for 1900 shows the following equipment held by the Brigade – 1 Station; 1 Sub-Station; 1 Steamer; 1 Manual; 1 Hose Tender and 50ft Escape with sliding carriage. 1 Curricle Escape, 40ft; 6 scaling ladders; 2,500 feet of canvas hose; 5 leather branches, 5 metal branches’ 44ft of rubber suction hose; 3 jumping sheets; 4 horses.</p> <p>The establishment now had – 1 Superintendent; 1 assistant Superintendent; 7 Firemen and 2 Coachmen.</p> <p>It was also reported that Fireman J. Mandell fell from the first floor to ground at a fire and was subsequently retired due to his injuries. Fireman E.L. Roberts was badly injured when part of a roof fell in and smashed his helmet. Fireman H. Gear sustained a severely cut wrist from a falling slate and H. Chittock, Turncock, received a broken leg when he was thrown off the steamer.</p> <p>East Ham Fire Station had increased by 1904 with the addition of two firemen. My Great Grandfather, the Superintendent, had his salary increased to £597 per annum. The salaries of other officials at this time make an interesting comparison:</p> <p>Town Clerk £300; Assistant Town Clerk £200; Librarian £150; Medical Officer £200; General Clerk £120. A council steamroller driver was paid £2 a week and a foreman Bricklayer was paid £2 5 shillings a week. The Superintendent’s role appears to have been very well paid.</p> <p>On the 20th of June, 1905, a surprise trial call was given to the fire brigade. The Committee members expressed their satisfaction that the time taken for the firemen to arrive at the Town Hall was only 3 minutes 20 seconds from the time of the call. Perhaps the firemen were not so surprised by the call as the Committee imagined.</p> <p>In 1905 the brigade had 1 Steam Fire Engine; 1 Manual Fire Engine; 1 Hose Tender and 50 feet sliding carriage escape and two 40 feet Curricule Escapes.</p> <p>An incident occurred on the 28th of February, 1906 involving 50 feet of electrical cable which fused under the pavement. Six persons were removed to hospital suffering from partial suffocation.</p> <p>In July 1906, the Superintendent reported that the clothing contractor who supplied uniforms, had failed to carry out his work satisfactorily, and the contractor would go on to loose the brigade contract. In 1906, a new smoke helmet cost £2, 5 shillings.</p> <p>About this time, Council Minutes appear relating to the totally inadequate surroundings and arrangements of the present fire station in Wakefield Street. The Committee were in favour of building a new station and instructed the Surveyor to prepare plans to incorporate the building into the area surrounding the new Town Hall.</p> <p>A Mr. Kennersly made application to the Council to be allowed to explain his<em> “patent for facilitating the life saving capacity of the Council’s fire escapes”</em>. The apparatus consisted of a canvas chute attached to the head of the escape and down which persons were passed after rescue from upper floors. these chutes were in common use in the Metropolitan area from about 1850 onwards. There is no record that this method was adopted in East Ham.</p> <p>In 1908 the Council looked into the question of hiring horses instead of keeping their own. An advertisement was placed in the Daily Telegraph inviting tenders from firms willing to hire horses. The offer from Messrs. C. Webster Ltd was accepted at a cost of £65 per horse, per annum and £150 for purchase of the brigade’s live stock.</p> <p>Throughout the years of the development of the fire brigade, East Ham was also expanding, and Wakefield Street, the street with the fire station had been fully developed as a street lined with terrace houses. There were some exceptions. A large school almost opposite the fire station, and also a Salvation Army Hall:</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-3-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1700" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-3-scaled.jpg" alt="Wakefield Street" class="wp-image-17232" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-3-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure> <p>The plaque on the hall dates the opening to 1908:</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-4-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1700" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-4-scaled.jpg" alt="Salvation Army" class="wp-image-17233" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-4-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure> <p>Wakefield Street’s eastern end was at a junction with High Street North, however Ron Leighton Way (named after the MP for Newham North East. he won the seat in 1979) now slices through Wakefield Street as it nears High Street north. Where Wakefield Street now ends is this row of shops – essential additions to any London development of rows of terrace streets.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-5-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1700" src="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-5-scaled.jpg" alt="East Ham Fire Station" class="wp-image-17234" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/East-Ham-Fire-Station-5-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure> <p>In earlier years, there would have been a number of pubs along the streets of developing East Ham. There were, and are, very few in the vicinity of Wakefield Street, and I suspect it was the late Victorian approach to alcohol for the masses, and that so many of the people who lived in the area, worked in the docks, where employers would not have wanted their employees under the influence of alcohol.</p> <p>Back to the East Ham fire brigade, and there were some remarkable turn out times achieved by firemen in the days of horses. The record held by a London station being 11 seconds during a test turnout, but it is likely that much of the work for the callout had already been anticipated.</p> <p>Under normal conditions, times of 30 seconds for a turn out were quiet common and this included attaching the horses to the shafts and securing the necessary harness.</p> <p>Permission was given at regular intervals for the fire brigade to attend Carnivals in neighbouring Boroughs. The attendances of the brigade at such functions appeared to be an essential feature of the carnival. no doubt the fire engine with its brass work gleaming, drawn by proud horses and carrying its load of brass helmeted firemen would make a brave sight as it galloped round the park. From past records it is evident that the engines were <em>“got to work”</em> and demonstrated the skill of the men and the efficiencies of the pumps.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Second East Ham Fire Station</h2> <p>Plans and estimates were submitted to the Council on the 21st of November 1911, for the building of a new fire station in High Street South. the cost of the project amounted to £8,628 including quarters for the Superintendent and 11 men. This was approved, along with approval to borrow the amount for a period of 30 years.</p> <p>The new station was urgently required as the original in Wakefield Street was designed and built to accommodate horses, with the result that the doorways were only 8 ft., 10 inches wide. The appliance room was not deep enough to house the turntable ladders which were soon to be made available for the fire services.</p> <p>On the 28th of May 1914, the new Fire Station was opened by Mayor, Alderman O.R. Anstead, and at the opening he said that <em>“Great praise is due to the Borough Engineer and his Deputy for the way in which they have constructed the building which is one of the best anywhere around London”</em>. </p> <p>Little did he know that within three months the appliance room of the new fire station would be considered out of date for the latest fire fighting equipment. Little foresight was shown by the designers of the Station because many Fire Brigades in different parts of the country were at that time purchasing motor fire appliances and it should have been obvious that the day of the horse was numbered.</p> <p>The opening of the new fire station, the transition from horse to motorised equipment was followed within three years by the death of my Great Grandfather. The West Ham and South Essex Mail included this obituary in April 1917, which included that:</p> <p><em>“In early life he had been a petty officer in the mercantile marine. On leaving the sea he joined the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 1861, and saw service in Norwood, Battersea, Rotherhithe and other districts, coming to West Ham in 1886 as fireman and steam man. He was for eleven years in West Ham where his good work was recognised by all grades of the service.</em></p> <p><em>On leaving that centre when he received the appointment of the East Ham Fire Brigade he was presented by his colleagues with a clock, ornaments, tea service and a purse of gold. The excellence of his work in East Ham was also recognised both by the authorities and those who served under him. He had had a wide and varied experience and had attended some of the biggest fires in the London district</em>. </p> <p><em>Unfortunately, about two years ago he was in the somewhat serious motor accident which resulted in one of two members of the Brigade receiving injuries. Deceased himself was so badly shaken that he was never again quite the same, and had to relinquish his more arduous duties on a small pension, though he filled up his spare time as consulting engineer and inspector of hydrants. He had been ailing for some time before his death, and his illness took a turn for the worse about a week ago, He leaves a widow and three children.”</em></p> <p>The fire station that took over from the one in Wakefield Street is still there, however now converted into flats. What is, as far as I know, the third version of East Ham Fire Station is at 210 High Street South, towards the Newham Way – equipped with fire fighting equipment that would have amazed my Great Grandfather.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alondoninheritance.com</a></p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-history/the-first-east-ham-fire-station-and-fire-brigade/" data-text="The First East Ham Fire Station and Fire Brigade" data-via="VanishedLondon" >Tweet</a></li><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-history/the-first-east-ham-fire-station-and-fire-brigade/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li><a href="#" class="sharing-anchor sd-button share-more"><span>More</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul><div class="sharing-hidden"><div class="inner" style="display: none;width:150px;"><ul style="background-image:none;"><li class="share-bluesky"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="sharing-bluesky-17228" class="share-bluesky sd-button" href="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-history/the-first-east-ham-fire-station-and-fire-brigade/?share=bluesky" target="_blank" title="Click to share on Bluesky" ><span>Bluesky</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div> </div> <footer class="entry-meta"> This entry was posted in <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/category/london-history/" rel="category tag">London History</a> and tagged <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/tag/east-ham/" rel="tag">East Ham</a>, <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/tag/london-fire-brigade/" rel="tag">London Fire Brigade</a> on <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-history/the-first-east-ham-fire-station-and-fire-brigade/" title="6:30 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2022-09-18T06:30:00+00:00">September 18, 2022</time></a><span class="by-author"> by <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="https://alondoninheritance.com/author/admin/" title="View all posts by admin" rel="author">admin</a></span></span>. </footer> </article> <article id="post-3141" class="post-3141 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-eventsandceremonies category-the-thames tag-fire-dart tag-isle-of-dogs tag-london-fire-brigade tag-massey-shaw tag-river-thames"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title"> <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/eventsandceremonies/the-massey-shaw-fireboat-on-the-river-thames-29th-december-2015/" rel="bookmark">The Massey Shaw Fireboat – On The River Thames, 29th December 2015</a> </h1> <div class="comments-link"> <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/eventsandceremonies/the-massey-shaw-fireboat-on-the-river-thames-29th-december-2015/#comments">10 Replies</a> </div> </header> <div class="entry-content"> <p>The weather in December seemed to be an endless run of overcast days and rain and in the run up to the 29th December 2015, I was checking the weather forecast on a daily basis and much to my surprise the forecast looked to be gradually improving with finally a sunny day forecast along with this December’s unusually very mild temperatures.</p> <p>When the day arrived, and as the last of the overnight rain cleared, I made my way to the Isle of Dogs on a very quiet Underground and Docklands Light Railway, reaching South Quay just as the first hint of the dawn sun broke the dark of night.</p> <p>The Massey Shaw fireboat is moored in the South Dock on the edge of the main Canary Wharf office complex. The plan for the day was to leave South Dock after nine and then travel up to central London to carry out some demonstrations of the Massey Shaw’s fire fighting capabilities during the early afternoon as part of the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the 29th December 1940.</p> <p>With the original 1935 engines running, and the expert volunteer crew having run through the process of preparing the boat for the day, pulling up the anodes, lifting the fenders and casting off the ropes, the Massey Shaw edged out into the South Dock as the December sun lit up the buildings of Canary Wharf.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3105" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-1-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 1" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-1-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-1-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The following extract from the 1940 Bartholomew’s Atlas of Greater London has the mooring position of the Massey Shaw highlighted with an arrow and shows the entrance to the Thames through the locks at the South Dock entrance which is still the route through to the river.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-37.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3146" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-37-1024x756.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 37" width="625" height="461" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-37-1024x756.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-37-300x221.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-37-624x460.jpg 624w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-37.jpg 1129w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The locks are essential to maintain the water level in the docks whilst the height of the river fluctuates with the tides. At the time we left it was low tide so whilst the Massey Shaw waited in the lock, the water level dropped as water drained out into the river.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3106" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-2-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 2" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-2-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-2-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-2-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>With the level of the water within the lock having dropped to that of the river, the lock gates start to open and the River Thames opens up.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3107" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-3-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 3" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-3-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-3-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-3-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Leaving the lock. It was fascinating to think of all the ships that have passed through this entrance coming from, and departing to, the rest of the world when these docks were in use.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3108" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-4-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 4" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-4-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-4-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-4-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Moving out into the river. The weak December sunshine was a very welcome sight.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3109" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-5-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 5" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-5-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-5-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-5-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Passing Greenwich.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3110" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-6-1024x665.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 6" width="625" height="406" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-6-1024x665.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-6-300x195.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-6-624x405.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The route into London gave me an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Massey Shaw and how the boat steers and handles on the river and we had soon passed through central London, and reached Lambeth, opposite the old headquarters of the London Fire Service. Turning round, it was now the run back to the City and demonstration of Massey Shaw’s fire fighting capability.</p> <p>Passing under Lambeth Bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-38.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3148" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-38-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 38" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-38-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-38-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-38-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The London Eye.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-39.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3149" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-39-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 39" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-39-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-39-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-39-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Approaching Hungerford Bridge, it was time to test the Monitor. The Monitor is the steerable, high pressure jet which is a permanent fixture on deck. Additional water jets and hoses can be connected to the outlets running along the edge of deck, dependent on the type of fire.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-7.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3111" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-7-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 7" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-7-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-7-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-7-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Switching one of the engines to power one of the water pumps results in a high pressure jet which can easily be directed towards a fire.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-8.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3112" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-8-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 8" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-8-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-8-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-8-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The pressure of the jet is such that it was used not only to pour water onto a fire, but also to knock down walls where these had been left in a dangerous condition, or to provide a firebreak between buildings to prevent a fire spreading. Coming up to Southwark Bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-9.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3113" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-9-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 9" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-9-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-9-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-9-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The monitor can be positioned at a high angle with the jet then able to reach the upper floors of the warehouses bordering the Thames, or onto ships.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-10.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3114" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-10-680x1024.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 10" width="625" height="941" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-10-680x1024.jpg 680w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-10-199x300.jpg 199w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-10-624x940.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The Massey Shaw then carried out the first demonstration in front of the location of Dowgate Fire Station, however the light was much better for the second demonstration so I will cover later in the post.</p> <p>After the first demonstration it was back to moor on a swinging mooring at Bankside with the weather continuing to improve.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-11.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3115" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-11-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 11" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-11-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-11-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-11-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Passing under the Millennium Bridge provided a unique view of this foot bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-12.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3116" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-12-680x1024.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 12" width="625" height="941" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-12-680x1024.jpg 680w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-12-199x300.jpg 199w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-12-624x940.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>A good opportunity to enjoy the river and city in late December sunshine.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-13.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3117" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-13-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 13" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-13-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-13-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-13-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>A visit by the RNLI Tower lifeboat.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-14.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3118" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-14-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 14" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-14-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-14-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-14-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The RNLI depart.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-40.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3155" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-40-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 40" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-40-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-40-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-40-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Now heading back to the second demonstration, powering up and testing the water jet whilst passing Queenhithe. The attention to detail during the restoration was such that although a post war wheelhouse has been added, the lifebuoy is in the same position as when the Massey Shaw was operational – see the photos from the 2nd World War in yesterday’s post.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-15.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3119" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-15-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 15" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-15-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-15-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-15-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Standing off the location of Dowgate Fire Station, and adjacent to the railway bridge into Cannon Street station, the Massey Shaw gave the main display using her on deck Monitor.</p> <p>The Merryweather pumps on the Massey Shaw are each capable of pumping 1,500 gallons of water per minute through the main Monitor and the other deck outlets. This equates to an incredible 11 tons of water an hour.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-16.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3120" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-16-680x1024.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 16" width="625" height="941" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-16-680x1024.jpg 680w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-16-199x300.jpg 199w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-16-624x940.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The following video shows the Massey Shaw in action.</p> <p><div style="width: 625px;" class="wp-video"> <video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-3141-1" width="625" height="352" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-Video-1.mp4?_=1" /><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-Video-1.mp4">http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-Video-1.mp4</a></video></div></p> <p>Although the many warehouses that ran along the Thames have long since disappeared, the river edge continues to be populated with buildings that edge directly onto the river. These buildings, along with the many different types of craft that continue to travel along the river require the ongoing support of a Fire Service that can approach a fire from the river and support their land based colleagues, as well as providing rescue services on the river.</p> <p>As part of the commemorations on the 29th December 2015, the Fire Dart, one of the fire boats currently in service with the London Fire Brigade arrived to demonstrate current fire fighting capabilities.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-17.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3121" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-17-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 17" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-17-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-17-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-17-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Although of a very different design and using completely different construction materials, the function is basically the same – pump large volumes of water from the river at high pressure onto a fire.</p> <p>Note also the very different uniforms of the crew compared to the wartime Massey Shaw (see yesterday’s post) where today life saving and protection from water and the elements are essential functions of the clothing worn by the crew. Comparing the uniforms of today with that of the men who fought fires during the war or sailed to Dunkirk in what appears to be have been little more than a thick jacket and trousers and a flat hat only adds to my admiration of these early fire fighters.</p> <p>The Fire Dart, one of two current London Fire Brigade fire boats based at Lambeth at the river fire station demonstrating the use of their water jet.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-18.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3122" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-18-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 18" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-18-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-18-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-18-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The main monitor on the Fire Dart is more flexible than that on the Massey Shaw in terms of the type of water jet that can be swiftly delivered. The jet can be quickly changed from delivering a single high pressure jet for force and distance, through to a cloud of water spray.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-19.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3123" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-19-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 19" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-19-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-19-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-19-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The Fire Dart in front of London Bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-20.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3124" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-20-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 20" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-20-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-20-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-20-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Watching the Fire Dart run through its demonstration.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-21.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3125" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-21-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 21" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-21-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-21-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-21-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Now both the Massey Shaw and the Fire Dart run up their main deck Monitors.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-22.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3126" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-22-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 22" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-22-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-22-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-22-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The two jets at full pressure. Although the Fire Dart has more flexibility in how the water jet can be configured, the Massey Shaw jet appeared to be capable of slightly higher pressure, reaching higher than the Fire Dart.</p> <p>Amazing to see two fire boats in actions, although 80 years separate their design, construction and materials, they are still performing the same basic function.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-24.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3128" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-24-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 24" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-24-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-24-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-24-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The Fire Dart having finished demonstrating 2015 fire fighting capabilities, now heading back to Lambeth.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-25.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3129" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-25-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 25" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-25-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-25-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-25-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>It was then time to head back to the Isle of Dogs and enjoy the river and views of London on a very mild December afternoon.</p> <p>Passing HMS Belfast on the river in a relatively low craft gives an appreciation of the size of the Belfast not always appreciated from the shore. It also gives an indication of what it must have been like to approach a large cargo ship in difficulties or on fire in the much smaller Massey Shaw.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-26.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3130" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-26-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 26" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-26-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-26-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-26-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Approaching Tower Bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-27.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3131" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-27-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 27" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-27-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-27-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-27-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Looking down the river towards Rotherhithe.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-28.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3132" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-28-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 28" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-28-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-28-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-28-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>And a final view back towards the City.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-29.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3133" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-29-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 29" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-29-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-29-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-29-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Passing Greenwich and approaching Greenwich Power Station.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-30.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3134" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-30-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 30" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-30-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-30-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-30-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>Running between the Isle of Dogs and the Greenwich Peninsula. I could not quite believe that this was late December.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-31.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3135" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-31-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 31" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-31-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-31-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-31-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>The flag of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-32.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3136" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-32-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 32" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-32-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-32-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-32-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>All too soon we had returned to the South Dock on the Isle of Dogs. Since departing, the tide had risen and there was some discussion as to whether the Massey Shaw would fit under the bridge, even with the mast on the wheel house lowered.</p> <p>Although the bridge states West India Dock, as can be seen from the 1940 map shown at the start of this post, this is the entrance to the South Dock, with the West India Docks (import and export) being the two more northerly docks, although they are interconnected. Manchester Road is the road passing over this bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-34.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3138" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-34-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 34" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-34-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-34-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-34-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>In the end, the safest decision was to raise the bridge to allow the Massey Shaw to enter the lock without any risk.<a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-35.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3139" src="http://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-35-1024x680.jpg" alt="Massey Shaw 29th December 2015 - 35" width="625" height="415" srcset="https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-35-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-35-300x199.jpg 300w, https://alondoninheritance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Massey-Shaw-29th-December-2015-35-624x414.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p> <p>It was a remarkable day out and hopefully a fitting tribute to those who worked on the Massey Shaw on the 29th December 1940.</p> <p>The attention to detail during the restoration means that being on, and seeing the Massey Shaw in action is as close to experiencing the fireboat as it would have been in 1940 as it is possible to get.</p> <p>It was a fantastic experience on a mild and calm sunny day, but consider what it must have been like for fire fighters on the boat on a cold winters night, soaked by the mist from the water jets, fighting fires as the City continued to be bombed with smoke and burning embers being blown across the river.</p> <p>My thanks to the Massey Shaw Education Trust for the day, and to the whole volunteer crew who provided a wealth of information on the history of the Massey Shaw and the operation of the boat.</p> <p>I hope that yesterday and today’s posts have provided some insight into this historic craft.</p> <p>The web site of the Massey Shaw Education Trust can be found <a href="http://www.masseyshaw.org/">here</a> for more details of events and how to support this remarkable craft.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://alondoninheritance.com/">alondoninheritance.com</a></p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="https://alondoninheritance.com/eventsandceremonies/the-massey-shaw-fireboat-on-the-river-thames-29th-december-2015/" data-text="The Massey Shaw Fireboat - 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