Doves of fire

about the author terence beresford was born in romford in 1946. he lived and went to school in rainham, essex. on leaving school, he had various jobs - mainly building and construction work. in early 1966 he applied successfully to join the london fire brigade. three months later he was serving as a fireman at f27 bow, where he stayed for four years and was the mess manager. he then transferred to f29 leyton, where he attained the leading fireman written examination and was qualified in driving. transferred to f22 poplar, he passed his leading fireman's practical and "acted up" at most of the 'f' division stations. promotion came and c26 barbican was his station, six weeks later he transferred back to 'f' division millwall. in fact he now had all service qualifications. after short spells as sub officer at bethnal green and poplar, terry transferred to f21 stratford, blue watch, as long term temporary sub officer. eight happy years and the royal humane society award saw terry leave for f23 millwall, and only weeks after, transferred to red watch 'f' division headquarters following injury. serving two years at 'f' divisional headquarters staff saw him finish up as sub officer fire prevention branch, stratford. after exemplary service, he retired in 1985 with injuries received.