Firefighters killed in Blitz honoured on plaque

12 December 2025

Mick LunneyYorkshire

The raid on Sheffield on 12 December 1940 caused huge damage

Getty Images A black and white archive photo shows a huge hole surrounded and filled with rubble, in the middle of a road. There are two large buildings either side of the hole, lining the street. The buildings themselves are destroyed with only the external structures remaining. The remains of a sign saying FOR is on the end of one building. A crowd of people walking down the street and in the distance. A man and woman trying to walk around the edge of the hole. — The raid on Sheffield on 12 December 1940 caused huge damage

Plaques honouring the bravery of eight firefighters who died during the Blitz in Sheffield 85 years ago have been installed in the city.

The German bombing raid of 12 and 13 December 1940 will be commemorated with a series of events including the unveiling of the memorials in Pound's Park later.

Sheffield was targeted in a series of raids because of its steelworks and industrial capacity, with the bombings causing major damage and the loss of about 700 lives.

Seven of the eight firefighters who were killed as they fought the flames were volunteers, according to service historian Nigel Kind.

The red plaque memorial was organised by the Fire Brigades Union as part of its national project to honour firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Alex Wilson, organiser for the brigade union in South Yorkshire, said the efforts of firefighters during the blitz were exceptional in deadly circumstances.

"I think it's a timely reminder of the devastation of the blitz in Sheffield, not only for the fire rescue service, but for the wider public of the city of Sheffield," he said.

"And it is a reminder the sacrifice made by the fire and rescue service on behalf of the public."

The red plaque highlights the bravery of firefighters killed on duty

FIRE BRIGADES UNION Close up of one of the red plaques to be placed in Sheffield city centre. Lettering states the loss of life during the blitz by firefighters — The red plaque highlights the bravery of firefighters killed on duty

The plaque honours firefighters Norman Elliott, 35, Stanley Slack, 29, Frederick Parkes Spencer, 36, John William Swaby, 38, Arthur Moore, 28, Tom Stacey, 31, Alfred Garlick, 30, and Albert Wallace, 30.

All died while on duty on 12 December 1940, except for Mr Garlick, who was injured that night and died two days later.

The unveiling of the plaque is expected to be attended by surviving family members of those killed, along with serving South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue firefighters.

Nigel Kind, himself a former firefighter and now a volunteer service historian, said: "The blitz was colossal, our firefighters were at risk from air attacks and water mains were fractured.

"They were actually putting out the fires and when the Germans were still bombing the city, so they didn't know whether they were going to get hit by a bomb or not."

A series of events have been organised at the weekend to commemorate the Sheffield Blitz.

Neil Anderson, of the Sheffield Blitz Memorial Trust, said: "This anniversary is not only about looking back - it's about giving Sheffield a lasting record that feels alive, accessible and rooted in the real experiences of its people."

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