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1965 Ex london Fire brigade Commer cob

THE HISTORY

 

In 1965, Greater London Council ordered six Commer Cobs to be used BACVs (Breathing Apparatus Control Vehicles). DYC32C ended up, at least to start with, in Bromley. It remained with the Fire Brigade until 1977, when it was sold out of the service. While it did indeed start life in Bromley, it’s speculated that it would have served at a number of other stations as they years went on, probably due to the versatility it offered. Of the six ordered, DYC32C is believed to be the only one that survives today. 

 

The Commer was, at one point, owned by a builder who cared little for the fire-based heritage and then used it as a van. However, it survived the cement dust and was sold again to someone who wanted to restore it. It was then, while rubbing the paint down, that the ‘London Fire Brigade’ livery was exposed, and as such, its history was discovered. That owner did a great deal of work to the van, including significant repairs to the front end, which had succumbed to rust. The rear, surprisingly, was in good condition. Sadly for him though, he had to sell the van on. 

 

Happily, the van was then restored back to its former firefighting glory, including a full complement of period correct equipment. And of course, the red paint, the gold livery and the all important blue light made a return, too. Now, this little Commer Cob is in exceptional condition and stands as a fun and engaging reminder of a past chapter of the Fire Brigade. 

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               THE EQUIPMENT

  • Period two-way radio fixed to dash (non-functional)

  • Wooden Breathing Apparatus tally board with name markers

  • Period London Fire Brigade map of London

  • Period first aid kit, fully stocked with original items 

  • Wooden box containing radiation kit

  • London Fire Brigade Control Unit box with radio, headset and battery

  • Two yellow and black checked tabards 

  • One red and white checked tabard 

  • Tarpaulin cover for van

  • Winkworth silver bell

  • Functional rotating/flashing blue light for roof 

  • Red and white flashing light (not tested)

  • Two period Fireman’s helmets (one with Commander livery)

  • Two Fireman’s peaked caps

  • Two axes on canvas belts

  • Two period uniform tunics with silver buttons

  • Two pairs of Firman’s black leggings

  • Two face masks in green canvas bags

  • Two jacks and wheel nut removers

  • One London Fire Brigade petrol can

  • One London Fire Brigade wooden box with rope and another face mask

  • One pair of period Firefighter’s boots 

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