NFS North London Messengers Part 2

The 11th December 1943 issue of “Illustrated” gave a two page spread of what was entitled “Fireman’s Holiday”, an account of the activities at Tandridge Surrey, a Training Camp for part-time firemen. The use of ‘Pump Escapes’, Hook ladders, and fire appliances of all shapes and sizes were used in the training offered. This was open to Messengers and I took the opportunity of the training in September 1944. The letter to my mother tells of the welcome by Assistant Fire force Commander Sir Eric Studd. I write about the ‘squad drills, the hydrant drills (hundreds of ‘em), running up and down shouting, water on, water off, knock off and make up;’ and also lectures. Not surprisingly for a 16 year old young man, there is a lot about the grub, all the meals getting a good report. On more than one occasion the mains fused, so candle light was used for supper and letter writing.

Our activities for 1943 came to a close with a birthday party on 21st December. “We were well entertained by our officers who showed great talent and they were ably assisted by Hornsey’s best four-piece band, ‘The Embassy Players’. Mr Beck, our Fire Service ‘Father’ presented fourteen new Leading Messengers with their chevrons.”

Now it must be time to confess that I am not possessed of a phenomenal memory. I have the good fortune to have a small archive of Messenger matters, amongst which are a copy of every one of the fourteen issues of “Tally Ho”, the monthly publication of 35 C Division Messengers, of which I had the privilege of being the editor.

The idea originated with Mr. Bennett and I was very ably assisted by a small group of regular contributors. Those who have ever been engaged in a similar enterprise will know that it is not easy to encourage others to participate. Nevertheless our first issue was a two sheet foolscap production in January 1944, just a year after our Service was founded. By the March we had moved to ‘quarto’ and following our motto of ‘Bigger and Better’ the No 4 issue of May had a bright red banner heading with blue print! All of course on war-time paper and ink.

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