READING Geoff Pritchard’s article in Looking Back that outlined the story of the North Quay Fire Station, correspondent Colin Dawe thought readers might be interested in the earlier history of the fire service in Weymouth.

Very early fire fighting involved privately owned, hand powered water pumps usually operated by any available volunteers. By the end of the 19th century, companies such as the Whitehead Torpedo Works in Wyke Regis and the Hope Square Breweries had their own fire brigades that consisted of basic appliances operated by a group of ‘trained’ employees.

In 1895 the Weymouth Fire Brigade was formed and it was manned mainly by employees of the Weymouth Corporation. Early in the 20th century this brigade bought a Merryweather Gem Steam Fire Engine, which was drawn by two horses.

Although sufficient steam pressure to drive the water pump was generated in under 10min there were major delays reaching a fire due the preparation and harnessing of the horses.

By 1922 the brigade consisted of two officers and 20 men who were summoned by a private electric alarm network that was installed across the town. The equipment available was the Merryweather fire engine, a horse drawn hose tender that carried 10 men as well as the hoses and a 70ft telescopic ladder.

In 1923 a motorised fire engine with pump, ladder and seating for men was bought for £1,280. It was a Dennis N Type Motor Fire Engine (registration PR 477), capable of 35 miles per hour and it had a high delivery rate turbine water pump.

The firemen included Arthur Bartlett, Colin’s grandfather, who was often at the wheel. Arthur worked as a carpenter in the corporation yard, which was located between Stavordale Road and Westwey Road.

By 1934 the brigade consisted of a Chief Officer (P R Wright), First Officer (W Bowring), Second Officer (F Hawkes), Driver (Bartlett), Engineer (Dawe) and about 20 firemen (including Wallbridge, Samways, Williams, Pitman, Parker, two Kirbys, two Crockers, two Denmans and two Bowrings).

The equipment available was the Dennis fire engine, a tender with a motorised water pump, a 60ft escape ladder , a hose cart, four chemical and two foam extinguishers and 3,400ft of hose ‘mainly in good condition’.

During the summer of 1936, the new Leyland Fire Engine (registration JT 5199), referred to in Geoff’s article, was purchased.

In August, 1938, Arthur was driving the engine to a fire at the Edenhurst Hotel on the Esplanade. He took the corner from St Edmund Street into St Thomas Street at high speed and First Officer Bowring was thrown from the vehicle causing him severe head injuries. Shortly after this, in 1939, Arthur left the service. The photograph shows Arthur in his Fire Brigade uniform around the time of his retirement.

Colin would like to hear from any reader who may have old photographs of the three fire engines taken during their service. He can be contacted on 01305 788156.