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The National Fire Service in Woking and a Pump Relay competition in Guildford

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

The National Fire Service in Woking and a Pump Relay competition in Guildford

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Woking
24 Oct 1942
Silent
6m

Men of the NFS demonstrate their fire fighting equipment skills before an audience in this splendid colour film from 1942. And the best crews get the best prizes.

Guildford is the setting for the National Fire Service's Trailer Pump competition in this superb film from October 1942. Firemen from various local districts, previously belonging to the A.F.S., race to set up their equipment, spray a target and then dismantle everything over a set course in the fastest possible time. Spectators watch from the sidelines while officials judge the teams. After a number of speeches, the parading firemen are awarded prizes.

The National Fire Service, featured in this film, superseded the Auxilliary Fire Service, or A.F.S., in August 1941. Eric Giles, the filmmaker, eventually reached the rank of Senior Company Officer within the organisation.

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From the collection

Life Under Fire

The horror of Luftwaffe bombs coloured daily life in Britain's cities and beyond, and war brought myriad daily hardships besides. But Britain could take it!

The Blitz receded after May 1941, but even after the Battle of Britain, the nation faced a barrage of incendiary bombs, V-1s and V-2s. While young men fought Axis powers across three continents, their families listened anxiously to the wireless, while many worried too about children far from home. But in the face of the destruction, sirens, blackouts and hours in shelters, the now-legendary 'Blitz spirit' kept despair at bay. Britain held her nerve thanks to mutual support, defiance and wit - plus a good grumble and as many cups of tea as rationing allowed.