FIRE IN THE TOWER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 27 July 1929, Page 3

FIRE IN THE TOWER

BATTLE WITH FLAMES BEEFEATERS AND BAYONETS KEEP CROWDS BACK A fire at the Tower of London last month was fought by Beefeaters in their centufies-old scarlet uniform and by troops stripped to the waist. It was the most spectacular five seen in London for many years, and was watched by crowds of people lining the parapet of Tower Bridge. Flames and clouds of smoke were seen pouring from the roof and windows of a building nearly 300 years old. It stands between the Broad Arrow and Salt Tower, and is now used as a mobilisation store.

It was stocked principally with clothing—a lot of which was removed 'by troops. ' 1 The building adjoins the married men’s quarters and the officers’ quar-, tors. It is stated to have been -built at the time of Queen Anne, and at.one time was known as the Spanish* Armoury. • *]

GUARDS PARADE

Twenty fire-fighting appliances—motor pumps, turntable laddei's, and an emergency tender—entered the Tower by different gates. When the alarm, was ’given about 5.30, Grenadier Guards;, were drawn up on parade. The Tower’s own fire-fighting facilities were brought into'action .and the bi’igade was sent for. The fir© engines had to cross', a' bridge over the moat to reach the. interior of the Tower. . -iV^ While the fire was in progress' relief firemen were brought up in mdtprlo'rries. Other firemen wearing respiratory apparatus had to be employed ••.td reach the scat of the outbreak, whichwas under control in less than tw.tf hours. Guards with fixed bayonets' were placed at all entrances with Beefeaters, who saw that no unauthorised person was allowed to approach. Complete secrecy was observed concerning details of the fire.