A female firefighting team

1932

This striking sepia‑toned image shows a trailblazing all‑women fire crew proudly posing on their converted motorcycle and sidecar—complete with hose reel, portable extinguishers and polished metal fittings. Clad in tailored tunics, pleated skirts and flat‑topped caps, these volunteers exemplify the innovative spirit of London’s auxiliary fire services in the early 1930s.

Historical Context
In the wake of rapid urban growth between the World Wars, London’s fire brigades began to recruit women into auxiliary roles—driving light apparatus, laying hose and providing first aid at small outbreaks. Motorcycle‑sidecar units like this one offered a nimble response to fires in narrow streets and congested districts. Though full frontline duties remained the preserve of men, these female crews proved invaluable in community safety, paving the way for expanded women’s roles in Britain’s emergency services during World War II.

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