HMS Severn supports London Fire Brigade 150th Anniversary

Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Severn arrived in London January 24 for a four-day visit to support the 150th Anniversary of the London Fire Brigade.

She was greeted in style by one of the brigade’s Lambeth-based fire boats – Fire Dart – which saluted Severn with jets of water as she approached North Greenwich.

HMS Severn then headed for West India Dock where she will be berthed for the anniversary celebrations.

Monday, the ship is hosting a capability demonstration on board in the evening for specially invited guests, including the Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade. 

Two buglers from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Collingwood, will perform during a ceremonial sunset.

Strong links have existed between the Royal Navy and the Fire Brigade since 1866 when the Metropolitan Fire Brigade was established.

Its first Chief Officer Captain, (later Sir), Eyre Massey-Shaw, had a preference for selecting Seamen as fire brigade recruits because they already had similar skills including working at heights, handling ropes and working long hours of duty in isolation.

The Fire Brigade uniform also reflected this nautical heritage, featuring the peak-less cap, similar to that worn in the Royal Navy.

HMS Severn will leave the city mid-afternoon on Wednesday, January 27.