Remembering war-time heroes

Oct 23 2008 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

WE are indebted to Gwilym Roberts, of Compton Way in Abergele, for this formal picture of Colwyn Bay’s National Fire Service crew.

It dates back to 1941 during the early years of the Second World War.

It was taken outside the then fire station which was situated where the town’s tax office is now. St John’s Church steeple can be seen in the background.

The photograph remembers some of the people who are seen looking smart in their uniforms.

“The National Fire Service was formed in 1941 and it reverted back to a county-run brigade in 1948,” he said.

“The history of Colwyn Bay and surrounding fire service can be read in D Wheway-Davies’ book From Horses to Helicopter which was printed in 1961.

“He is pictured as the middle man in the front row, looking the most important as he was the company commander, and later finished his career as chief fire officer of Denbighshire and Montgomeryshire Fire Service.”

The boy on the motorbike was Huw Jones, of Bryn-y-Maen, who later emigrated to Australia in the 1950s.

If anyone recognises anyone else contact Mr Roberts on 01745 824465.

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