Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
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The National Fire Service in Woking and a Pump Relay competition in Guildford
Men of the NFS demonstrate their fire fighting equipment skills before an audience in this splendid colour film from 1942. And the best crews get the best prizes.
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Overview
Guildford is the setting for the National Fire Service's Trailer Pump competition in this superb film from October 1942. Firemen from various local districts, previously belonging to the A.F.S., race to set up their equipment, spray a target and then dismantle everything over a set course in the fastest possible time. Spectators watch from the sidelines while officials judge the teams. After a number of speeches, the parading firemen are awarded prizes.
The National Fire Service, featured in this film, superseded the Auxilliary Fire Service, or A.F.S., in August 1941. Eric Giles, the filmmaker, eventually reached the rank of Senior Company Officer within the organisation.
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