03/04/2026
In 1937, my Grandad Leslie James Harris, joined Erith Urban District Council as a Probational Fireman.
In 1941, he was called up to join the National Fire Service.
National Fire Service was created to be the single fire service to combat the devastation of the Blitz, which Leslie experienced firsthand.
From 1943 to 1946, he joined the Army Fire Service (AFS) and embarked on a life-changing journey, from North Africa, to Italy to the Austrian Alps.
From the North African desert, to guarding ammunition ships in the docks of Algiers, dodging snipers in Genoa, battling sulphur fires in the Italian ports and finally ending as a Warrant Officer in the freezing conditions of the Austrian Alps.
Leslie used his Matchless G3/L motorcycle to travel between fire stations and conduct equipment inspections across Italy, maintaining it with a mechanicâs precision.
Leslieâs commitment to the service didnât end with the war. In April 1948, he joined the newly formed Kent County Fire Brigade (KFB) as a Leading Fireman at Erith.
His expertise led him to become a Fire Instructor in 1954 at the Brigade Training School in Boughton Monchelsea, where he helped shape the next generation of firefighters.
After 26 years of active service, Leslie retired from the Kent Fire Brigade.
Ever the mechanic, he spent his final working years at the Brigade Workshop, ensuring the vehicles he loved were always ready for the âbells downâ.
