Above: A Fordson/Sulzer heavy unit of the London Auxiliary Fire Service pictured just before the outbreak of war. The unit is attached to a sub station of Bethnal Green Fire Station in East London; note the two hook ladders mounted on top of the main ladder and the rear-facing crew compartment behind the main cab.        (London Fire Brigade)

Above: A typical London Blitz scene as weary firemen attack a large warehouse fire in Tabernacle Street, Shoreditch, on 11 January 1941. Note the jet on the far left being used to protect a building opposite from the intense radiated heat, and the general use of radial branches. The crew in the centre are waiting for water whilst all the facial expressions show the tension of the moment as the photograph is taken by light from the flames alone.   (Daily Mirror)