Red plaques have been unveiled today for two Reading firefighters who were killed in the same incident.
David Barnes, 44, and Neil Goldsmith, 31, were responding to a fire in a large builders’ merchants store on 15 September 1977, when it partially collapsed, trapping them both. Sadly, they had both died by the time they were found, with a significant fire and continuing collapse of the building hampering rescue efforts – which included the involvement of the Chief Fire Officer himself. They both left wives and two children.
Members of both David’s and Neil’s families have been involved with the plaque process and were present for the unveilings.
A newspaper clipping from the time (Evening Post, 16 September 1977) recounts the men being described as “ordinary men” doing the job “they loved”. It was said that “It was typical of both men that they were among the first to go into the building, neither of them was the type to stand back and let the other do the work”.
The plaques which have been unveiled are part of a national scheme which is run by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery, called the Red Plaque scheme. The scheme aims to recognise firefighters throughout the nation who have died in the line of duty with an iconic red plaque to commemorate their sacrifice. As of last count 39 plaques have either been laid or are in the process of being developed across the UK, and they are sited close to where the incident took place.
David Barnes had held positions in the Fire Brigades Union in Berkshire since he had come into the county in 1966.
The plaques are placed at the firefighters’ fire stations in Reading, with David Barnes’ plaque placed at Caversham Road fire station and Neil Goldsmith’s placed at Wokingham Road fire station. Both plaques received an unveiling ceremony on the same day.
James Hunt, FBU Berkshire brigade organiser, said:
“These plaques will help us all remember an incident which made a huge impact on firefighters locally and the sacrifices made by David and Neil to keep their community safe. David and Neil were both well respected firefighters and these will be fitting tributes to them. They are missed by family, friends and colleagues every day.”
Ian Murray (FBU president), Steve Wright (FBU executive council member for the Southern region), Councillor Colin Dudley (Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority), and Wayne Bowcock (Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer) spoke across the two unveilings.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
“Firefighters put their lives on the line for us all and we must remember those who make the ultimate sacrifice. It is particularly difficult for the local firefighting community when two firefighters are taken in the same incident. We are glad we can help their memories live on by unveiling these plaques.
“However, our thoughts, words and actions must not be limited to remembering those we have sadly lost in the line of duty. Every firefighter lost must serve as a reminder to us to fight for the living and for the safety advancements that will protect firefighters today.”
The Red Plaque scheme is funded by the Firefighter 100 lottery, which is also administered by the Fire Brigades Union, and aims to raise money for good causes related to the fire and rescues service. The lottery can be entered at www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk.
Photo at top: David Barne's widow, Veronica McBean, unveils his plaque
