Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Fire Brigade
Little girl at a New Year party, Soho Fire Station, London
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Little girl at a New Year party, Soho Fire Station, London
A little girl with Father Christmas (fireman Pester) at a New Year party, Soho Fire Station, London, 2 January 1955. A total of 65 children attended the party. There were six children present whose fathers had died in service -- Station Officer Hawkins, and firemen Rawden and Gadd. The little girl is Carol Anne Rawden, age one year, receiving a dolls cot at the presentation after the party. All the toys were made by station personnel. Date: 1955
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14158079
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
1955 Anne Balloons Bereaved Bereavement Bunting Carol Celebration Claus Decorations Died Fathers Gadd Hawkins Loss Present Presentation Rawden Receiving Soho Toddler Firefighter Firefighting Fireman Firemen January Pester Santa Year
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> those present
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fire Brigade
> Popular Themes
> Firefighters
> Special Days
> Christmas
> Father Christmas
> Special Days
> Christmas
> Santa
> Special Days
> Christmas
> Toys
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this heartwarming photograph taken on 2 January 1955 at the Soho Fire Station in London, a young girl named Carol Anne Rawden, aged one, is seen beaming with joy as she receives a dolls cot at a New Year party. The festive occasion was organized by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and was attended by 65 children, six of whom had lost their fathers in service. The fallen heroes were honored by Station Officer Hawkins, Firemen Rawden and Gadd, whose families were present at the celebration. The atmosphere at the party was filled with cheer and merriment, as evidenced by the decorations of flags, bunting, balloons, and festive lights that adorned the fire station. The children were treated to a fun-filled day, with Father Christmas, or Fireman Pester as he was known, making a special appearance in his wooden Santa Claus costume. All the toys distributed at the party, including the dolls cot presented to Carol Anne, were handmade by the fire station personnel. This poignant image captures the spirit of resilience and community support during a time of loss and sadness. The London Fire Brigade's thoughtful gesture provided a moment of joy and happiness for the children and their families, who were dealing with the grief of losing their loved ones in the line of duty. The photograph is a testament to the bravery and compassion of the firefighters and the enduring power of community during difficult times. This historical image is a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.