Pre-war, many of the larger towns that had their own police force had police fire brigades - Portsmouth, Liverpool, Manchester and many others.

At one time, up to 60 per cent had them. When Norwich was asked the strength of its brigade, it replied: "Four full-time and 144 part-time, that being the total of constables."

Of course, they would not all be available for fire duty. Usually, a number would be detailed for duty as part-time firemen.

In Manchester, all the constables were full-time. In many of the towns, there was a nucleus of full-timers. All, of course, were forbidden to strike.

-R W Carden, Beechwood Avenue, Brighton