WWII Auxiliary Fire Service

[DavidGreenall110]

Evening,

Does anybody know if the Auxiliary Fire Service records for WWII still exist?

Dave

[Andy J2022]

I don't know if any still exist, but my guess would be that if they have, they will be in the local county record office. For bigger conurbations such as London, Birmingham, Manchester etc, start looking locally and ask the archivists for advice on where else to look if that proves fruitless. Civil defence was (and still is) a local council responsibility.

[DavidGreenall110]

Thanks, I'll give it a try

[Romilly]

I’ve looked, (in vain) for any Central London WW2 Auxiliary Fire Service Records.

My husband’s Grandfather served with them. As he lived in Islington, I’ve tried the Local Authority and the National Archives.

Can anyone suggest anywhere else to look?

Cheers, Romilly.

[Andy J2022]

I’ve looked, (in vain) for any Central London WW2 Auxiliary Fire Service Records.

My husband’s Grandfather served with them. As he lived in Islington, I’ve tried the Local Authority and the National Archives.

Can anyone suggest anywhere else to look?

Cheers, Romilly.

Try starting here: https://www.thelondonarchives.org/your-research/research-guides/fire-brigade-records
In particular, look at section 4 where it says: " For firefighting staff enrolled in the Auxiliary Fire Service from 1938, see LCC/FB/WAR/04/012–014. These volumes are not detailed but do give their name, district, fire station, and date and reason for leaving. "

[Romilly]

Thanks for the links Andy, very interesting!

I’ve followed them through, but I can’t see where I can search by name?

I’m looking for William Stewart Johnson (1901 - 1974) who lived in Islington, North London and served in the Auxiliary Fire Service during WW2.

Romilly

[Chris Doran]

Some brief mentions of activities and personnel of the AFS and NFS appear in the minutes of our local councils. But, as I expect is the case in most places, these aren't digitised or online and only viewable in printed volumes in local history sections of libraries and thus have to be searched manually. Entries I note include commendations (with award of the George Medal to at least one AFS member) and names of several who were killed on duty -- probably also to be found in local newspapers. They don't record joining/leaving of individual members of the AFS, only for the NFS who were council employees (though I seem to recollect that the organisation and management of fire brigades changed during the war).

[Bookbox]

I’ve followed them through, but I can’t see where I can search by name?

I’m looking for William Stewart Johnson (1901 - 1974) who lived in Islington, North London and served in the Auxiliary Fire Service during WW2.

You can't search by name online because the records aren't online. It's just a catalogue. The search has to be done in person at the archives. There are three volumes to look through, and they are in number-order, not name-order.

You can ask the archive to do it ...
https://www.thelondonarchives.org/our-services/paid-document-research-service

... or engage someone to visit on your behalf (probably cheaper).

[Romilly]

Thanks for the advice Bookbox, much appreciated.

I have now found further information by looking on the 1939 Register; which showed that he was based at Holloway Fire Station.

Holloway Fire Station: The station at 84 Mayton Street, N7, was built in 1908 to replace an earlier 1871 building. During WWII, it was a vital part of London's fire defence.
AFS Mobilisation: When the AFS was formed in 1938 to bolster regular firefighting resources for wartime, Holloway Fire Station became a central hub for the area, supporting six sub-stations, including one at Shelborne Road School.
Nationalisation: In 1941, during the height of the Blitz, the AFS and local brigades like Holloway were merged into the National Fire Service (NFS) to create a more unified response to aerial attacks.
Post-War and Closure: The station returned to the control of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in 1948 and continued operations until 1975, when it was replaced by a new station on Hornsey Road.

I’ve also found some photos of Holloway Fire Station online.

Romilly.