UK Firefighter LODD Story Unearthed Decades Later

THE story of a young fireman who died tragically more than 60 years ago will be remembered on an historic walk.

Robert Burrows, believed to be from Salford, was 25 and had been a fireman for just two years.

He fell from the back of a fire engine on the way to an emergency call in March 1951.

Robert's story was unearthed by Gerald Tidswell, a volunteer with the Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust.

Gerald, 64, who runs tours around the city's four cemeteries, stumbled across his headstone at Peel Green cemetery in Eccles and contacted bosses at Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale to research further details.

It emerged that Robert, then employed by the Salford Fire Department, was one of two firemen who fell in the incident.

Records show the fire engine was turning onto Eccles New Road in Salford when a faulty handrail broke. Firefighters at that time perched on the side of the engines.

Robert suffered head injuries in the fall and died. The other man's injuries were less serious.

Now Gerald, whose cemetery tours are starting again for summer, plans to tell Robert's story to visitors. He said: We do tours of local cemeteries and tell stories about the people remembered in them. They are popular and interesting.

I found the gravestone of fireman Burrows and got in touch with the fire service to ask about his story.

It is tragic and very unusual. It is important to recognise someone who died so young and so tragically serving their community.

Gerald has so far been unable to trace his family or any photographs. He now wants to put a face to Robert's name.

The blaze he was attending was at West Wynford Street in Weaste.

Bob Bonner, curator of Greater Manchester Fire Service's Museum in Rochdale, researched archives and newspaper cuttings and found an inquest report.

He said: Here at the museum we keep a roll of honour dating back to 1801, so we have a record of every firefighter who has died on duty. Having such comprehensive information meant that it was easy for me to help Gerald.

We are happy that Robert's story is being told and that he is being remembered with pride.

For details, visit www.weaste heritagetrail.co.uk.