Seventies Gallery

GLC-LFB Dennis diesel Compact Pump

Introduced into London in the mid-1970s, this narrow wheel base pump was not a dual purpose fire engine. It could only carry an extension ladder and not the 50 foot wheeled escape. Only two were purchased and their evaluation did not lead to a wider introduction in the LFB

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

1970s, 50, 70s, Base, Brigade, Compact, Dennis, Diesel, Engine, Engines, Evaluation, Extension, Fire, Firefighting, Foot, Ladder, Lfb, London, Narrow, Pump, Pumps, Red, Service, Seventies, Transport, Vehicle, Vehicles, Wheel

Ships trapped in Suez Canal, Six-Day War

Fifteen ships trapped in the Suez Canal as a result of the Six-Day War (5-10 June 1967) between Israel and Egypt. Although the war was short, the Canal was blocked at both ends and the ships were trapped in the Great Bitter Lake section between 1967 and 1975. The ships were nicknamed the Yellow Fleet because of the desert sand which covered them as time went on. Crew members of different nationalities got together to provide mutual support, organising social events, sporting competitions, film screenings, church services, etc. Seen here is a merchant ship, the Scottish Star (Blue Star Line). Date: 1970s

© Mary Evans Picture Library/DAVID LEWIS HODGSON

IRA bombing of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster

The fire started after the IRA planted an explosive device in Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, 17 June 1974. The 20 lb explosive device caused extensive damage and ignited a gas main that caused additional fire damage to the historic building. Although there were no fatalities, a number of people received minor injuries caused by the blast. The picture shows the building in the later stages of the fire, with smoke coming from the annexe roof, and water hoses stretched across the road

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library