Firefighters’ Memorial Day – The Dudgeon's Wharf disaster

Firefighter's Memorial Day – The Dudgeon's Wharf disaster

Today is Firefighters’ Memorial Day and to mark the occasion one of our colleagues suggested his dad (Roy F. Hardman who was a Fireman) could write an article about it. He was pleased to do so and mentioned an incident which touched him the most

Firefighter's Memorial Day – The Dudgeon's Wharf disasterOn July 17th 1969 I was serving at ‘L22’ that’s Ilford Fire Station in Ley Street, Ilford. I held the rank of Leading Fireman having recently been promoted.

During my time in both the Essex and London Fire Brigades before and after the 17th July 1969, none of my friends had lost their lives in the course of their duties. However, on this dreadful day, 5 members of the London Fire Brigade lost their lives in an incident at Dudgeons Wharf on the Isle of Dogs. My father’s family lived in the area, so I knew it quite well. I went on duty that night and the mood was rather sombre.

    ...as I was watching a coffin being lowered into a grave, I realised that could have been myself or any member or members of my crew.  

The funerals took place on the 23rd July and the cortege went passed my fire station L22 Ilford. My crew, along with myself and other local crews formed a guard of honour on the forecourt. Once the cortege had passed by, we followed along behind to the cemetery.

At the cemetery, although I did not personally know any of the deceased brigade members, I was very emotional with tears in my eyes. This is because as I was watching a coffin being lowered into a grave, I realised that could have been myself or any member or members of my crew.

The incident at Dudgeons Wharf was caused by a demolition worker using cutting gear to open an inspection cover to enable the inspection of the tank. A spark caused a massive explosion.

There was also a member of the demolition team killed that day as well as 5 members of the London Fire Brigade.

A very sad day indeed.

 

HazchemBecause of the incident, the Hazchem Code (a warning plate system for hazardous chemicals) was introduced in the 1970s.

Published: 4 May 2020

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd
 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: EACH's chaplain - finding strength through weakness

You may also enjoy: Just Recruitment navigating its way through the crisis 

Jobs currently available

Lettings Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC2
About the role

Just Recruitment has an exciting opportunity for a motivated Lettings Negotiator who is confident in communicating with people to join a company based on the outskirts of Colchester.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Registering and qualifying new applicants
  • Conducting property viewings
  • Negotiating offers between tenants and landlords
  • Securing lets and progressing deals through to move-in
  • Building strong relationships with landlords and tenants
  • Supporting with marketing and property listings

Skills required include:

  • Previous experience in lettings
  • Strong sales/customer service background
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Target-driven and self-motivated
  • Well-organised and able to manage a busy workload
  • A full UK driving licence (essential)

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Multi-skilled Site Services Trades Person
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: £15.70 per hour
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Part Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913728
About the role

Just Recruitment has an exciting opportunity for a Site Services Tradesperson to join an engineering company based in Braintree, Essex.

Please note that this is a part-time role — working 24 hours per week, ideally over 3 days.

You will be part of the Facilities and Maintenance team, delivering general maintenance support to all buildings.

This role involves liaising with the Department Chargehand for daily tasks and with the Department Manager for any special or additional requirements. You will be responsible for carrying out general maintenance duties, as well as conducting Health & Safety compliance checks across the factory site, including inspections of fire extinguishers, legionella water testing, fire escape routes, and fire call points.

Required skills include:

  • General plumbing – mains water and WC.
  • General carpentry and woodwork.
  • Light building works (tiling, light building repairs, etc).
  • Painting and decorating.
  • General maintenance duties.
  • Be self-motivated and organised, and able to work on own as well as in a team.
  • Driving licence.
  • A forklift truck licence is desirable but not essential.

Hours of work:

  • Monday to Friday, between 07.30 to 16.00.
  • Hours negotiable, ideally 3 full days.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Commercial Assistant
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913727
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add a Commercial Assistant to their team.

You will be responsible for supporting the Commercial Team in managing the financial and contractual performance of their projects. Primary functions of this role include administration, pricing and agreeing variations, client liaison, query handling and contributing to the efficient running of the department.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Reconciling and archiving completed jobs.
  • Document control and administration.
  • Updating internal reporting records.
  • Raising and agreeing variation costs.
  • Assisting with negotiation and agreement of order terms and conditions.
  • Communicating with clients and internal departments as required.

Experience/skills required include:

  • Experience in an administrative role.
  • A confident communicator, both written and spoken.
  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to multitask.
  • Computer literate with good working knowledge of MS Office.
  • Good numeracy skills and a high attention to detail.
  • A willingness to learn and take initiative.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more