September 2024: Fireman’s Helmet
September’s Object of the Month, a fireman’s helmet, is currently on display in our Fire Fire exhibition, which is part of our GWR: What’s Your Emergency exhibition series. The exhibition looks at firefighting on the railways and the men and women who undertook this important role.
This helmet dates from about 1950 and came from the Swindon Works fire station. Swindon Works had one of the biggest brigades on the Great Western network. The helmet was made by Helmets Ltd for J Compton Son and Webb, who supplied uniform for the GWR and British Railways. It was known as the Cromwell 2030. It is made of compressed cork which is lightweight and fire resistant. Prior to this, firemen wore brass helmets, but by the 1930s they were considered too dangerous around live electricity.
Two firemen from the Swindon Works Fire Brigade wearing brass helmets, 1928.
A helmet was an important part of the fireman’s uniform. Other uniform and equipment requirements included:
- Great Coat
- Best Tunic
- Working Tunic
- A Pair of Best Trousers
- A Pair of Working Trousers
- Undress Cap
- Pair of Boots
- Belt with axe, Spanner and Life Line
- Plate, Brush and Button Stick
- Copy of Drill Book
All firemen had to undergo a kit inspection twice a year, where they had to produce the kit they had been assigned. It needed to be kept clean and in good repair, which was the responsibility of each fireman.
The Swindon Works Fire Brigade changing room in the 1920s, showing brass helmets, caps, jackets and books.
The helmet is on display at STEAM in the Fire Fire exhibition until March 2025.
