Firefighting Competitions at Kenley

Edward John Charles Williams OBE and his wife Dorothea, who was his secretary before they married.

Jane Collman

A Westland Dragonfly rescue helicopter at Kenley - the Officers' Mess can be seen in the background.

Jane Collman

A 'casualty' is rescued from the Avro Lincoln (RE242, ZQ-V) which was used for fire-fighting practice at Kenley.

Jane Collman

Edward Williams OBE, behind the microphone at the prize-giving for the fire-fighting competition at Kenley.

Jane Collman

Fire-fighting competition at Kenley. The winners receive their trophy.

Jane Collman

A cutting from 'Fire' magazine, November, 1952, about a fire-fighting competition at Kenley on 26/9/1952.

Jane Collman

During the 1950’s, RAF Kenley hosted several firefighting competitions.

Jane Collman has given permission for us to add these photos and cuttings which came from her Grandfather, Edward John Charles Williams OBE, who was Principal Fire Officer for the Air Ministry and definitely organised the competition in 1952. His work took him to air bases all over the world.

There are two films of Fire-fighting Competitions at Kenley, on Getty Images. One from 10th July, 1954, which you can watch here, and one from 14th July, 1956, here.