On the 19th March 1941, five local firemen lost their lives whilst on duty during the London bombings. The London Fire Brigade had been under intense pressure from the many fires caused by enemy bombs and had to frequently call in reinforcements from outlying areas. It was on this fated night at West Ham that the Coney Hall Auxillary Fire Service was called to action. On convey to a fire in Silvertown their truck was obliterated by a land-mine explosion, killing five of its crew. (Charles) Wesley Drew, Dennis Gerald…
Tag: West Wickham
King Visits Anti-Aircraft in West Wickham, 1940
The King has twice visited North-West Kent this week – on Saturday before for a Home Guard parade at West Wickham, and again on Wednesday to inspect a number of defence units, including a listening post at West Wickham. As reported in the Bromley & District Times, 16th August 1940
The King Visits Kent, 1940
When the local Home Guard received a surprise visit from Royalty in August 1940, the local newspaper reported the excitement of the villagers in West Wickham, and the surprise of the men themselves. The Home Guard put on the largest display in the history of the movement on that day. Record parade of Home Guard at West Wickham Inspection of Anti-Aircraft units The deep interest which the King takes in the military ad civil defence of this country was evident at two visits which he has made to Kent within…