Remembering Leeds' trailblazing women firefighters on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

A Leeds Beckett academic and third year History students have been researching women's role in Leeds Auxiliary Fire Service to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).

Professor Shane Ewen, from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, alongside students on the Public History Project module conducted research into the women who volunteered to join Leeds' Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) in the year leading up to the declaration of war in September 1939. Many women remained in the service after the formation of the National Fire Service (NFS) in 1941, only leaving following de-nationalisation six years later.

Working alongside Space2, an arts charity based at The Old Fire Station in East Leeds, the students have helped to diversify the histories of the Fire and Rescue Service as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project Trailblazers: Histories of Women in the Fire and Rescue Service. 

Using digitised genealogical records and unpublished archival documents, the students have produced a series of StoryMaps - interactive histories utilising digital maps, text, images and multimedia - to share the experiences of Leeds' trailblazing women firefighters. Their research reveals that women played a key role in the country's civil defence during wartime.

Abbie, a third year History student at Leeds Beckett, said: "Often, when we learn about civil defence roles during the war, we are met with a plethora of stories from male perspectives, so being able to explore history from a female perspective was especially compelling."

The StoryMaps tell the stories behind women's decisions to volunteer for a traditionally masculine public service. Orlagh, a third year English and History student at Leeds Beckett, was struck by the diversity of their backgrounds: "These women came from all walks of life across Leeds yet shared a common dedication to service. They were waitresses, factory workers, clerical assistants, housewives, mothers, teachers and civic officials, from all across Leeds.

"They also included women from prominent local families: including Elinor Gertrude Lupton, a Justice of the Peace and the Lady Mayoress, and her younger sister Elizabeth (Bessie). Both sisters had already served as Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses during the First World War. Women played an active role in the AFS and NFS, serving as control room operators, watch room attendants, dispatch riders and drivers, and cooks in fire stations and mobile canteens. What linked them was their dedication to protecting their home city and nation during the Second World War."

Dr Shane Ewen, Professor in History, said: "The students did a fantastic job at filling the gaps in our knowledge about the history of the Fire and Rescue Service and the critical role that women have played in it. Simply put, the fire service would not have been able to operate without the important contribution of thousands of women during the war, and the students have demonstrated that through their StoryMaps, which are sure to be of interest to many."

The StoryMaps, which are published on the Space2 website, will be launched at The Old Fire Station, where the Leeds Eastern Fire Heritage Group is holding a Tea Dance on Saturday 10 May, starting at 2PM. All are welcome to join in the celebrations.

In the evening, Shane will be sharing the experiences of Leeds' wartime auxiliary firefighters, including pioneering women, in a service at the city's Minster. The event, hosted by Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, will include orchestral, choir - including Leeds Philharmonic Chorus - and bagpipe performances, alongside shared stories of Leeds people who contributed to the defence of the country during the Second World War.

The VE/VJ Day 80 Leeds event takes place at 7:30pm on Saturday 10 May at Leeds Minster.

Tickets are £5 with all proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. You can book your ticket by visiting Leeds Ticket Hub.