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AFS despatch rider and messenger, WW2
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AFS despatch rider and messenger, WW2
An AFS (Auxiliary Fire Service) despatch rider and messenger on a motorbike at an LFS sub-station during the Second World War
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Media ID 7639645
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
1941 Appliance Appliances Auxiliary Bike Bikes Communication Defence Despatch Dispatch Messenger Motorbike Motorbikes Rider Riders Sandbags Volunteer Volunteers Firefighter Firefighters Firefighting Fireman Firemen
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment of departure for an Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) despatch rider and messenger during the Second World War. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) sub-station in the background serves as a stark reminder of the wartime environment, with sandbags piled high against potential bomb damage. The rider, dressed in a tin helmet and protective clothing, wears a determined expression as he mounts his motorbike. The motorbike, adorned with LFB insignia, is a vital means of communication and transport for the AFS, enabling the swift delivery of essential information and supplies between different fire stations and brigades. The AFS was a civil volunteer organization that played a crucial role in supporting the London Fire Brigade during the intense bombing campaigns of the Second World War. These brave volunteers, who included both men and women, performed various tasks, including despatch riding and messengering, to ensure the effective operation of the fire services. Their courage and dedication were instrumental in helping to protect the city from the devastating effects of the war. This photograph, taken in 1941, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the AFS despatch riders and messengers during the 1940s. The rider's smile suggests a sense of pride and camaraderie, despite the challenges and dangers of the wartime environment. The image is a poignant reminder of the vital role that volunteers played in the defense of London during the Second World War.
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