Image ID: 20281

Auxiliary Fire Service vehicle, Central Fire Station, Nottingham, c 1950

Courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council

Shakespeare Street
Nottingham
England

An Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) Bedford S type self-propelled pump, pictured in the yard of the Central Fire Station on Shakespeare Street, Nottingham with its covers in the open position to show stowed equipment. Although resembling the famous 'Green Goddess' or RLHZ 'fire engine' (itself more accurately described as a self-propelled pump), the latter was a variant of the S type with a 300 gallon water tank and four-wheel drive for off-road use. It was also distinguished by having the hose reel further forward, a step up to climb into the cab, and headlights in a lower position as a result of it having to stand higher to give the greater ground clearance required. The S type, first introduced as a chassis by Bedford in 1950, featured rear-wheel drive, accommodated a 400 gallon tank and a Light Portable Pump (said to be not very 'light' at all by those who had to use it) with small removable wheels. Picture the Past is grateful to website contributor Chris Jackson for clarifying the identity of this vehicle.

Organisation:

Rate this image:

Keywordsfire enginevehicleemergencyservicesauxiliarybrigadehosesequipmentcanlorrypumpladderBedford

Nottinghamshire Archives