Northumbrian Gunner: London - Fire Fighters Memorial

The National Firefighters Memorial is located to the south of St Paul's Cathedral in London.

It was originally commissioned to remember the firefighters who lost thier lives during the Blitz on London in World War Two.

Firefighters Memorial St Pauls

The German Luftwaffe began their air attacks on London on the 7th September 1940, and continued day and night for 56 out of the next 57 days.

Heinkel He 111 River Thames London 7 September 1941

After defeat in the Battle of Britain and due to heavy losses during daylight raids, the Luftwaffe abandoned daylight raids, attacking only at night.

London Blitz Night Raid

The London Fire Brigade struggled gallantly to deal with the fires and the rescue of people during the air raids and in the aftermath.

London Fire Brigade Firefighting

London Fire Brigade Rescue

On the night of the 29-30 December 136 bombers attacked London dropping around 100,000 bombs, mainly incendiary devices, targeting the City of London. The resulting fires became the Second Great Fire of London.

London Blitz Second Great Fire of London

London Blitz Second Great Fire of London
Ave Maria Lane

During the raid 28 incendiary bombs fell on St Paul's Cathedral. Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered that "St Paul's must be saved at all costs". In the morning after the raid, St Paul's remained as a defiant image to the destruction around it.

St Pauls Cathedral December 30th 1941

St Pauls Cathedral February 15th 2023

The Blitz officially ended 11th May 1941. With the Luftwaffe not achieving strategic objectives of damaging the war economy and demoralising the British, resources were re-focussed on the forthcoming German invasion of Russia.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Attacks on London would resume in 1944 when the V-Vengeance Flying Bombs and Rockets targeted the metropolis. During the Second World war from 1939 to 1945, 363 male members of the London Fire Service lost their lives. They are commemorated in the original memorial. The memorial later extended to record all 1,027 men and women of the Fire Services who lost their lives form 1939 to 1945. The memorial was then designated the National Firefighters memorial, recording not only those lost during WW2, bring the total roll of honour to 1,192 names.

While others are running away from danger, firefighters are running towards it. Tragically, some firefighters have paid the ultimate sacrifice keeping people safe.