Staff Fire Brigades During WWII

As the political climate intensified in Europe during the late 1930s, an Act of Parliament was passed to authorise the formation of a voluntary fire service. The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) was formed in January 1938 and fire stations were set up in schools, garages and factories. The number of men joining the army put a strain on the number of fire personnel. The demand for volunteer services marked the first time women were able to become fire watchers and drivers, which was a major shift in wartime operations.

The presence of war personnel on the estate meant that an AFS was appointed to Herstmonceux Castle. An AFS was formed in every county in case of any V-1 missile strikes or other enemy attacks.

During the war, authorities established fire stations in schools, factories, and castles to fight the fires that came from the Blitz. Firefighters were issued a steel helmet, rubber boots, and waterproof leggings. The vehicle pictured above was a trailer pump, used often, which was towed by taxis.

While the firefighters, pictured above where you are facing now may not have put out fires at the Castle itself, the wartime auxiliary fire service was integral to putting out "The Blitz" that occurred on September 7th, 1940. Most of the bombings happened at night, meaning firefighters spent long hours extinguishing fires or dealing with explosions.

The public's opinion of the fire service changed significantly as a result of the Blitz. During the 'phoney war', firefighters had been thought of as 'army dodgers'. The war created a shift in the public's attitude as firefighters became known as 'the heroes with grimy faces'.

The role of firefighters during World War II cannot be forgotten.