Auxiliary Fire Service Jacket

The Auxiliary Fire Service was formed in 1938 to supplement the work of local fire brigades. It was formed of volunteers, many of whom were too old or too young to serve in the military.

Uniforms were initially in short supply and some members only had a helmet, boiler suit and wellingtons. Others were issued with spare General Post Office uniforms. The original single-breasted jacket was superseded by this double-breasted jacket which gave better protection. Local authorities had to find a place to store the equipment and so fire stations were housed wherever space was available, often in schools or factories.