大象传媒

It was during November 1941 while I was Station Officer for Whitechapel, that I was instructed to attend an interview with the Fireforce Commander Mr McDuell. The interview took place at midnight, I remember it was raining like the devil.

Mc Duell appointed me as his Area Water Officer, and made it very clear to me that I was now expected to act on his behalf on all matters relating to emergency firefighting water supplies, and thenceforth I had the authority to sign letters and documents in his name. 鈥淏arnard鈥� he said 鈥測ou won't get the money, and you won't get the uniform, but you do get the authority, and woe betide you if you get things wrong!鈥�

This meant I was responsible for all matters of emergency water and its availability at fires. Sixty six miles of steel piping were laid in the gutters of the City of London and all hydrants, hose laying lorries, water units and canal boats converted into fireboats were all under my command. I was also made responsible for the requisitioning of bombed buildings and those with suitable basements would be turned into water tanks.

McDuell ended our meeting with the words 鈥淎t nine o'clock this morning Barnard you will be King of the Water Pipes and of Column Officer Rank! Pack your bags and return to these headquarters to commence your duties at once!鈥�

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Emma Baddeley on behalf of 大象传媒 London and Mr James S Barnard. It has been added to the site with the permission of Mr Barnard. Mr Barnard fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.