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 UK. 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.