From the outset, it was decided that the appliance would be fully stowed, as near as possible, to its original specification. Group member, Pete Weight agreed to act as inventory and stores officer, this title has now become "Quartermaster". Pete has spent 2 years pursuing all the items that are needed with great success but the hunt continues!
When 240FLM arrived at Wicken in October 2014, almost no operational equipment was on board, it did arrive with a "hand winding lever" for the jacks, the "Fly Ladder" TL Stirrup and a rather odd length of manilla line, as well as a whole assortment of non Fire Brigade related artefacts and the odd cobweb or two!
The task of restowing her was therefore likely to be challenging at best. However, as is the way with firemen, a simple word of mouth event leads to an initial offer of an original Hook Ladder, which was of course quickly accepted, and the job was off and running.
Over the following 12 months, equipment needed started to arrive from all over the world, this included a "Hook ladder belt", an original Turntable ladder hook belt, CTC extinguisher, Hydraulic pump lever, pressure relief valve, a fulls set of manuals.
Equally obvious was that with so much equipment flooding in, someone needed to take responsibility for it and as usual, a volunteer stepped forward. Pete Weight, ex G Division, agreed to take on the role of Quatermaster and continues to hunt the country for related items that could accompany 240FLM as she moves from a restoration project to a show vehicle.
It also soon became clear that with so much equipment to gather together, it would make sense to try and equip the appliance with the 2 distinctive types of fire gear that would have been worn by the crews during its 17 year service. Therefore, running parallel to the equipment search, a broad appeal was issued via many channels for any original fire gear, and personal equipment such as axes, belts etc.
The response was overwhelming and within 18 months, everything needed was donated by retired firemen,friends of the group, or, purchased at sensible prices via the internet, exhibitions, auctions and fire related shows. Obviously, with most of this equipment being at least 35 years old, much of it is in need of restoration, with some items in particular appearing at first to be unusable. But we are a resilient and creative group and between us we have managed to resolve all the major restoration challenges.
Follow the story below to see how we have progressed
When 240FLM arrived at Wicken in October 2014, almost no operational equipment was on board, it did arrive with a "hand winding lever" for the jacks, the "Fly Ladder" TL Stirrup and a rather odd length of manilla line, as well as a whole assortment of non Fire Brigade related artefacts and the odd cobweb or two!
The task of restowing her was therefore likely to be challenging at best. However, as is the way with firemen, a simple word of mouth event leads to an initial offer of an original Hook Ladder, which was of course quickly accepted, and the job was off and running.
Over the following 12 months, equipment needed started to arrive from all over the world, this included a "Hook ladder belt", an original Turntable ladder hook belt, CTC extinguisher, Hydraulic pump lever, pressure relief valve, a fulls set of manuals.
Equally obvious was that with so much equipment flooding in, someone needed to take responsibility for it and as usual, a volunteer stepped forward. Pete Weight, ex G Division, agreed to take on the role of Quatermaster and continues to hunt the country for related items that could accompany 240FLM as she moves from a restoration project to a show vehicle.
It also soon became clear that with so much equipment to gather together, it would make sense to try and equip the appliance with the 2 distinctive types of fire gear that would have been worn by the crews during its 17 year service. Therefore, running parallel to the equipment search, a broad appeal was issued via many channels for any original fire gear, and personal equipment such as axes, belts etc.
The response was overwhelming and within 18 months, everything needed was donated by retired firemen,friends of the group, or, purchased at sensible prices via the internet, exhibitions, auctions and fire related shows. Obviously, with most of this equipment being at least 35 years old, much of it is in need of restoration, with some items in particular appearing at first to be unusable. But we are a resilient and creative group and between us we have managed to resolve all the major restoration challenges.
Follow the story below to see how we have progressed
The uniforms and personal equipment that we used during the period
Our pre 1975 helmet range showing a mixture of LFB stepped combe, Middlesex smooth combe and County post 1972 with the low combe.
The helmet with the red tape ( Leading Fireman) shown in the middle was the precurser to the later white tape as seen on the right. This transition occurred during the late 1960's and was in place by 1970 for all ranks up to Station Officer. Station Officers went over to white helmets with black tape at the same time.
NB: All of the helmets have been donated by group members or retired fireman who are keen to support this project.
The helmet with the red tape ( Leading Fireman) shown in the middle was the precurser to the later white tape as seen on the right. This transition occurred during the late 1960's and was in place by 1970 for all ranks up to Station Officer. Station Officers went over to white helmets with black tape at the same time.
NB: All of the helmets have been donated by group members or retired fireman who are keen to support this project.
The classic LFB " Stepped Combe " helmet, here seen in Sub Officers markings. Another item generously donated by Mitch Theobold.
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The appliance will also be able to carry the post 1975 uniforms of which this is the type of "County" style yellow helmets used by firemen.
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A pre 1970 Station Officers helmet. This helmet was kindly donated by Colin King and has been fully restored.
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The classic melton pre 1975 fire tunic as worn by all fire brigades in the UK. This had remained unchanged for almost 50 years and they had a reputation for acting like a sponge and soaking in water which resulted in the tunic weight increasing dramatically. However, it proved to be popular due to its simple but effective design which meant it was, for the most part, comfortable, easy to clean, and had nothing on it that was not absolutely necessary. On each side of the waist were 2 belt clips to keep the belt,axe & pouch, belt line, plastic gloves and torch supported.
The personal issue equipment of a pre 1975 fireman was very limited, it consisted of a personal webbing belt, axe & webbing pouch, a " silk" neckerchief was actually worked very well at keeping sparks and small hot debris from getting down the neck of the tunic. A 13 feet long personal line made up in a "belt line knot" which was opened by pulling one end of the line and the whole would then unravel, the loop to rove the belt through was made by leaving 2 small lengths of line unwrapped and very slightly looser than the rest. a bicycle lamp and a very poor quality pair of red plastic gloves which were wholly unsuitable for the job we did. They would melt to skin if hot items were picked up when turning over debris.
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The post 1975 tunic was almost identical in manufacture except for the addition of the 2 breast pockets which actually served little purpose.
Although this type of tunic was destined for replacement, many felt that the later styles never quite matched the smartness of this traditional version. Clearly, the replacements offered far more personal protection and flexibility with personal equipment. An historic moment had been reached once they were withdrawn.Many of our group tunics have been donated by members.
When the 1975 gear upgrades were introduced, very little changed, the notable improvements were that the completely worthless bicycle lamp was replaced with a 3 cell, "Bardic" type hand lamp which although still under-powered at least stood up to the rigours of firefighting.
The other 2 changes were the removal of the belt line from the belt and a personal, belt mounted pouch, issued and the new " Probane" flame retardent neckerchief replaced the traditional silk versions.
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The historic " Acme Thunderer" whistle. carried by all firemen to raise the alarm in the event of personal or team difficulties, would also be used to alert all staff on the fire ground of a need to evacuate a building. This device had been used during the first world war and nothing had been found to replace it even by the late 1970s
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The " Proto" breathing apparatus head harness worn once a probationary period had been served. TL.s historically did not carry Breathing Apparatus but this item was always either in the inside lower tunic pocket or in the helmet . This one has been donated by Sub Officer Mitch Theobold.
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The officers wallet, the method of recording details of the incident for later input into the FIre Report Form or, FDR1.
A pencil, pad and your skill were the important attributes to ensure all the relevant information was collected as it was very unlikely that you would be able to return later.
This original wallet has been donated by Pete Cowland
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A selection of officers handlamps., Leading firemen would generally have used the small cycle lamps and officers would make use of a variety of types and styles. The lamp, 2nd from right is the "Wooten" hand lamp, used mainly be senior officers. Some restoration will be required on the "Guardian" lamp on the extreme right.
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On board 240FLM.
The appliance " Nominal Roll Board". (on the left) A vital item that recorded who was on board the appliance at any given time. This was supposed to ensure that in the event of an emergency involving the crew, a rapid check could be carried out to establish if anybody was missing. In the centre, the appliance radio pack, how much history has been spoken through this handset!. this particular unit has been kindly donated by Paul Wood and will be fully restored. On the right, the traditional method of getting from A to B when away from the station and a call was received, the GLC Atlas. A3 in size, it was the original " Sat Nav" of the day. Courtesy of Ted Temple.
One of the K22 Wandsworth fireground pages from a GLC LFB Atlas.
One of the hardest items to source was always going to be an original " High Voltage-electrical gloves tin.However, as is the way, whilst visiting the Odiham Fire show in August 2016, an original tin, formally belonging to B27 Deptford, was found under a junk stall and purchased for the princely sum of £5. A few hours hard work and some metal paint and it is now as good as new.Strange to think that this tin was on an appliance 40 + years ago less than 2 miles from where 240FLM was stationed.
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A sight familiar to anyone that served in the LFB until the early 1980's, on the top a Hook Ladder belt and below, the Turntable ladder hook belt.
Both belts just needed a good leather clean and the brightwork polishing. they are both in remarkable condition. |
The standard issue LCC " Hand Control Branch" was the only practicable way for personnel to hand deliver a jet or spray of water onto a fire. 1 each of these was issued to the Turntable Ladder fleet and was stored in the nearside foot locker. It was a heavy cast brass and gunmetal unit but gave excellent long term service before being replaced by the lighter construction AWG branch.
This particular unit was generously donated by Eric Billingham.
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One of the reasons for the existence of a Turntable Ladder. The TL rescue line on its wooden bollard was used exclusively to lower casualties, conscious or not, from the upper floors of a building when no other means of rescue was available or speedy enough.The line was positioned on its bollard near the turntable and fed over a collared guide wheel, then around a cleat, both of which were fitted to the turntable frame, before being led to the head of the ladder where it was laid over a pulley wheel. The ladder would then be elevated and extended while the line was paid out by hand. Once extended to the required height, The casualty would be placed in the 2 part sling ready for lowering.
A 130ft steadying guide line was thrown out from the building and manned by at least one Fireman on the ground before the lowering commenced. As the casualty was lowered out of the building, a shorter, 20 feet steady line, attached to the harness could be used by the rescuers in the building to stop the casualty from spinning which was always a danger. This particular line and bollard was generously donated to the group by Mike Heberd. |
The 2 most basic extinguishers, 2 gallon Water stored pressure and Chemical Foam, both to be carried in the back cab,and in the front was carried the CTC ( Carbontetrachloride) pump action chemical extinguisher for small fires in vehicle electrical systems.
Apart from being a rescue appliance, the other main function was to provide a high level, high volume water attack on a major fire. To do that, the appliance was originally equipped with a " Streamflow" brass A Type branch and selection of nozzle sizes. The "Streamflow" consisted of an additional inner tube which constricted and compressed the water flow and in turn this produced an increased velocity . later on, these brass versions were replaced with the chromed aluminium type and had a range of 5 different size nozzles. We currently still require 1 more and a nozzle spanner.
A 50 feet, general purpose long line and a 100 feet general purpose long line, both in their dedicated carry bags complete with shoulder straps for carrying aloft. These lines were historically made from either hemp or untanned manilla yarn which had been cut out of previously used lines which had become unserviceable. Originally, these lines would have been in green canvas bags but we are at this stage unable to find any. we are grateful to a senior group member for donating these.
A " pressure relief valve" ( shown above) stowed in the rear hose locker, was brought into use when the appliance was used as a water tower. The device, manually operated, was always located as close to the base of the ladder as possible and was used to drain water down from the extended ladder before the equipment was made up and the ladder housed.
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