FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL
CHARITABLE TRUST

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal

 

 

Registered Charity No: 1002745

The Firefighters Memorial Charitable Trust was established in 1990 by founder members of the then City of London Guild of Firefighters. It was to enable the commissioning and the erection of a National Memorial to the men and women of the United Kingdom Fire Service, who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the realm in World War II. In addition the Trust was empowered to hold an Annual Service of Remembrance each year.

The Founder Master of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters had commissioned the very moving “Blitz” Memorial Bronze Sculpture crafted by John Mills. Rarely do you see such a work of art with three life sized bronze figures actively engaged in their professional duties. The Trust was extremely fortunate in securing a prominent site for the Memorial which is now to the south of St Paul’s Cathedral, at the top of the new City Walkway. An approach can also now be made from the south bank of the Thames via the new Millennium Bridge, which leads right up to the Memorial.

On the 4 May 1991 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother graciously unveiled the Bronze Memorial Statue following a moving service in St Paul’s Cathedral. Her Majesty congratulated the Trustees and the Guild of Firefighters, (now the Worshipful Company of Firefighters) together with the Sculptor John Mills, on this achievement. The Memorial, very aptly named “Blitz”, depicting an officer and two firefighters engaged on operational fire-fighting during the war years, had on its octagonal bronze base the names of some 997 men and women who sadly lost their lives during the conflict.

On the 2nd Sunday in September, each year, a Service of Remembrance is held, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial. The London Fire Brigade Retired Members Association initially undertook the organisation of these services. In more recent times the Trustees have taken responsibility for the Annual Service of Remembrance, with the assistance of the London Fire Brigade together with other Brigades within the United Kingdom. The Master & Wardens continue their support in leading for the City of London.

In December 1996, the Board of Trustees accepted a proposal to create and maintain a central information base of all UK firefighters who have lost their lives in the execution of their duties. This database records some 2,258 names in total dating from the earliest record of an Insurance Fireman who died in January 1723. With the success of the annual Service of Remembrance there became a general ground swell from within the Service to have a UK National Memorial to recognise those who sadly lose their lives in peacetime. It was generally held that the existing Memorial be the focus for such a development. Accordingly, in 1998 the Trustees made a successful Planning Application to the City of London to elevate the Memorial by a little over one metre and to add the names of all those killed in peacetime.

(pictures: top right HRH The Queen Mother unveils the Memorial Statue in 1991, middle right Ceremonial Guard 2004, bottom right Highland Pipers at the Service 2004)

In July 2000 a merger was announced between the Trust and the Fire Service Remembrance Group. Following this merger the Trust became responsible for the Fire Services Chapel at the Fire Service College.

In January 2002 Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal graciously accepted an invitation from the Board of Trustees to become our Patron.

Following the tragedy of the Twin Towers, the Government received a number of approaches, seeking their approval and support for the adoption of a “Firefighters Day of Remembrance” to recognise the International nature of the Fire Service. Given that the Trust had fortuitously held their Annual Service of Remembrance in September for the last ten years, the Trustees were pleased to receive a formal invitation from Government to be the body for recognising such a day.

The Board of Trustees were unanimous in their decision to embrace this International concept as part of their Annual Service and accepted the invitation of the Government. Such an Annual Service will recognise not only the sacrifice of firefighters internationally but also be extended to remember all members of the community who suffer from the tragic effects of fire or other disasters.

The Trust supported by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters, works with Fire Authorities, Central Government, CFOA and other Fire Service Bodies. This brings together the main stakeholders in the British Fire Services best placed to ensure that the work and sacrifice of our firefighters can be remembered in a proper and dignified way.

In 2003 the Memorial was elevated and the additional names of those lost in peacetime were inscribed in bronze on the raised base. The Memorial was re-dedicated to coincide with the Service of Remembrance in Sept 2003. A total of some 1,192 names were added in bronze to the Memorial.
The Memorial with its added height looks even more fitting as a tribute to our fallen firefighters.

The Trust has also been asked to accept responsibility for the Fire Service Plot at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. They have been pleased to accept and are currently working with the management of the National Arboretum to ensure that our plot develops well within the overall concept and does credit to the UK Fire Service.
Finally the Trustees wish to continue to work with all interested parties associated with the UK Fire Service.