Whilst the old grey cells continue to function Southwark will always hold a special place in my memory banks. It was the place that introduced me to the LFB; it was also the location of my very last day in the Brigade too. We won that time… A tale that will resonate with many-the first introduction with that scruffy, run-down place simply referred to as Southwark. Fifty-nine years ago, my adventure with the LFB started.
What it lacked in school exam results or academic prowess was made up for by selling my Sub Aqua skills for all they were worth. If this made any difference I never discovered. The place showed none of its former glory days and was largely now hidden behind its semi-derelict, four-storey, frontage facing on Southwark Bridge Road.
It was behind this frontage that our futures would be determined. The LCC recruitment hut, for that is all it was, a shabby wooden hut, was located on the northern side of the training school. It stood at the end of a long narrow cobbled yard. We were a collection of hopefuls, but nervous, adolescent lads. We were in stark contrast to the other firemen recruits there. They all looked at least ten years older, much stronger, and far more self-assured than us kids!
We were required to take the educational test; undertake physical exercises; and undergo a medical examination at County Hall.
Finally, and if any got that far, attend an interview at the Lambeth Headquarters. I would discover that they used the same tests more than once because written on my wooden desk, and on the ruler, were answers to some of the sums and a couple the more difficult spellings. So, thanks to the aid of the desk and ruler I completed the tests. But maybe we just had to prove we could actually read and write? The two strength tests can next.
