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1940 Bedford Heavy Unit (FYH 104)
Fire Engine Photos
No: 7434   Contributor: Pete Matten   Year: 2006   Manufacturer: Bedford   Country: United Kingdom
1940 Bedford Heavy Unit (FYH 104)

1940 Bedford Heavy Unit (FYH 104).During World War 2,around 1,000 pumps were built on Bedford chassis,and most were capable of producing 700gpm through four delivery outlets and were designated Heavy Units.Also during this same period of time many were produced and could deliver 1,100gpm through six deliveries and were designated as Extra Heavy Units.

Through bomb and flame,they stood their ground,with just an axe,or branch in hand.
No thought for themselves,just others around,they gave so much,protecting our land.

As bomb after bomb,fell to ground,that terrible noise,that terrible sound. The young and the old,they all did their bit,those very brave firemen,sadly now many dead.

Many have gone,but will not be forgot,for all that they did,and much they could not
They all did their best,in our hour of need,those hundreds of firemen,a very brave breed.

We'll never forget them,and all that they did,to make this world better,and life better to live.
God bless the many,that have sadly now gone,we shall remember them,freedom and peace cannot be wrong.
Picture added on 13 April 2008
add commentComments:
Hi Pete,
This one is from 16A3Z which meant it was in Southampton (16A) but the 3 Z would indicate it was not right in the center and could have been stationed in another city; I often had to take reports to Divisional HQ 16A whioh was right on The Avenue in Southampton. It's good to see these units in preservation, as so many were cut up.

Added by Bob Graham on 13 April 2008.
I owned one of these back in the early 1990's.The registration number was FYH 245.Unfortunately, the vehicle, although a good runner, had none of the original pumping equipment.Has anyone any information on FYH 245.I believe that it was going to be restored when I sold it.

Added by Stefan Bielecki on 09 May 2012.
Large numbers of these wartime pumps were also produced on both Austin nad Fordson chassis. The bodywork and pump installations were essentially similar to this Bedford. The canopy crew cab was accessed from the rear, and was intended to protect the cew from falling debris while on the road - a feature which was by no means universal on the peacetime appliances made before WWII!

Added by Rob Johnson on 30 May 2014.
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