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Birmingham Fire Stations
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Radiorails
master brummie
Interesting photo's here about the old Birmingham City service.
When 'with siren' is mentioned does that mean two tone klaxons? I mention this because back in the late 1960's and early 70's, the Plymouth, Devon, CFO, had the monotone siren, a style familiar in the United States, fitted to the city's front line appliances. It was not totally successful as the increases in road traffic meant that the siren was not as audible to other road users as the newer two-tone klaxons. That, also, was the reason that bells were phased out.
Similarly the 'Coventry yellow' was a good idea - try finding a fire engine in some congested cities with red buses and post office vehicles in the frame, to name just two. Mandarins, in Whitehall - as usual knew best, so they are still principally red, but it is interesting to note how much yellow features also on present fire fighting vehicles.
When 'with siren' is mentioned does that mean two tone klaxons? I mention this because back in the late 1960's and early 70's, the Plymouth, Devon, CFO, had the monotone siren, a style familiar in the United States, fitted to the city's front line appliances. It was not totally successful as the increases in road traffic meant that the siren was not as audible to other road users as the newer two-tone klaxons. That, also, was the reason that bells were phased out.
Similarly the 'Coventry yellow' was a good idea - try finding a fire engine in some congested cities with red buses and post office vehicles in the frame, to name just two. Mandarins, in Whitehall - as usual knew best, so they are still principally red, but it is interesting to note how much yellow features also on present fire fighting vehicles.
Radiorails
master brummie
In the mid 1970's I had reason to visit the NEC. A spotted a 'pinkish' coloured pump similar to the one in post #95 at a one pump station. I believe it was Bickenhill.
Radiorails
master brummie
2, 3 and 4 from the right in my almost 30 years.
Many guys missed the axes; they were useful.
Many guys missed the axes; they were useful.
My great grandfather Walter Crisp Starkey was a fireman. He married Harriet Hayes, they lived in Aston.
I have a picture of
I have a photo of Walter Hayes with his family and the gentleman on the left is a spitting image
Aggie - I would love to contact you and see what photos you have. My particular interest is Linguard St and the career of Walter Hayes who was my wife's great grandfather. Ian
Insidecentre
proper brummie kid
Good morning, I've just stumbled across a post regarding FM Alan Carr, I was a Brigade child, with both mom & dad in the job, I remember Alan, from memory they believe he fell asleep after riding home from the continent either Spain or France. I grew up in the Brigade maisonettes on Woodcock Lane, dad spent time at Ako Green and mom cleaned there as by then we'd moved to just off the Avenue. Dad spent most of the job at Billesley along with John Sharp, Dave Able, Alan Margetts, Jock O'Donnell, Jack Singh mom ended up there first as cleaner then cook. My dad was Trevor "Badger" Cartwright
you might remember him.
Just noticed this post. Does the FB page mentioned still exist and if so can you please provide a link?
My Dad was in 1947-72, at Albion Street for 14 years and Harborne for 11 years. Have a couple of pictures of him so will post later.
Hiya, I knew all the men you refer to and I lived in the Bedsit 1962 and served at the Green in 1971 happy memories of Badger and our banter when we crossed paths. Have you any pictures of those days?
No problem, I have one more photo of him which I think was at Albion Street when Ted George was SO on his watch, probably taken at the party when Ted left to go Harborne.
I have a list of names so will post when I have added them.
I think this one was taken at Albion Street around 1960. Hopefully I have got the names right as they were told to me by my Dad about 50 years after the event,
Gary Owen was English and World Amateur Snooker Champion in 1963 and World Champion in 1966. He lost in the final of the World Professional Championship to John Spencer in 1969. After moving to Australia he lost two Australian Professional Finals to Eddie Charlton.
Gary Owen was English and World Amateur Snooker Champion in 1963 and World Champion in 1966. He lost in the final of the World Professional Championship to John Spencer in 1969. After moving to Australia he lost two Australian Professional Finals to Eddie Charlton.
I remember the Coventry trials with different colours. The problem with the yellow was that it tended to merge into the background under sodium lights at night.
Insidecentre
proper brummie kid
Insidecentre
proper brummie kid
Insidecentre
proper brummie kid
Inside centre comment from Paul Arnold re Badger.I served at Brook Lane in the 70's as a LFm on Red Watch with Badger, Dave Abel, John Sharp, John Herdman, and Co. I remember your Mom well. The last time I saw her was at your Dads funeral. Please remember me to her. I really liked badger and we got on well, a smashing chap and a 'salt of the earth' always ready for a joke and merry quip. All the best. Happy days.
