Fire Engines Photos

Mick, this picture in itself tells so many story's of what must have been
a very difficult time in the UK just after the second world war.I'm sure
your father was very proud in doing his bit for King and country.
I'm sure this picture will bring fond memories to you for many years to
come of your father and thankyou for sharing it with us all....Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 07 January 2009.

Mate an excellent picture.

Added by Ryan on 08 January 2009.

Hi Mick,
Thanks for posting this shot of your Dad and the extremely rare Bedford Extra Heavy Unit'; You thought it was a poor photo, but I think it is very good. From what I've gathered, there are no surviving EHUs which is a shame; I would love to have seen one of each of the Home Office issue machines in one central location, so the next best thing is to put together a portfolio of photos of them. One thing that would be extremely useful is for persons with knowledge and/or actual experience of NFS/AFS days and euipment to make personal tapes or writings---a living history book is what some call this. See if you can come up with more photos.
Thanks again,
Bob Graham


Added by Bob Graham on 08 January 2009.

Wow, that looks like it could sure move some water.

Great photo - shows us so much - even down to the fine ropework on the
bell-lanyard; and the "Back-crew getting out" lanyard.....

If none of this class have survived; these photos are very important.

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 09 January 2009.

Another smashing picture Mick, thank you, now that's a pump wiv attitude!


Added by John Stott on 09 January 2009.

Mick, great photos.
Bob, there was an extra heavy unit at Lambeth during the 1990 Blitz reunion display.

Added by Peter McCombie on 16 September 2009.

Thanks to Pete for posting the info concerning an EHU having been preserved---Lambeth could well indicate that this machine is preserved in the London Fire Museum and was fired up for that display in 1990. Maybe one of the guys who frequent this site might give us an idea. Thanks.

Added by Bob Graham on 17 September 2009.

The extra heavy pump was rated at 1100 IGPM, which was the highest capacity unit issued in WWII. The regular heavy pump was 700 IGPM, while the much more common large trailer pump was 500. Other smaller trailers ranged from 125 to 350.

It was mounted on a longer wheelbase and higher GVW chassis than the heavy unit, but the overall design and configuration were the same except for some small additional equipment lockers. It too had an "official" crew of six, but actual numbers varied quite a bit....

Added by Rob Johnson on 30 August 2018.

FYH245 - I am about to post another picture of this in a sadder state






Added by Petros on 30 July 2023.

another picture with it stripped - was owned by a guy called Stefan





Added by Petros on 30 July 2023.

The pump was powered by a very thirsty Ford V8 petrol engine

Added by Sid Lloyd Montgomery on 03 January 2025.

Agreed, even the 700gpm pump / Ford V8 could get through a gallon every 10 minutes.

Added by Peter McCombie on 05 January 2025.

The Ford V8 used back then had its origins in the US, when the price of a gallon of gas was 19 cents, so fuel consumption was not ever an issue!

Added by Rob Johnson on 05 January 2025.

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