Nikki Young

Uncle Charlie

Charles George Gadd, my Great Great Uncle (my Great Grandma's younger brother), was born in Deptford, London, on 14th September 1921.

Charles was one of the London Firefighters called to a fire in a fruit and veg warehouse in Langley Street on 11th May 1954.  Unbeknownst to those tackling the fire, the warehouse had recently been sprayed with an insecticide which gave off an inflammable vapour.  An explosion caused the shingled roof (which was still reinforced with cobble stones, placed there during the war as protection against incendiary bombs) to collapse, trapping firefighters underneath.  Station Officer Frederick Hawkins and Firefighter Arthur Batt-Rawden died at the scene.  A handful of firefighters, including Charles Gadd, were rescued and taken to hospital with severe burns.  Charles succumbed to his injuries and passed away on 23rd May 1954, at Charing Cross Hospital in London.  He was only 32 years old and left behind a young wife, Rosanna.

Although I never met Charles, I do remember my Nan talking about her Uncle Charlie with pride.  I got the impression that they were quite close; there was only 7 years age difference between them.  My Nan is sadly no longer with us, but I believe the Red Plaque, to honour the life of her Uncle Charlie, would have meant a great deal to her.

I was incredibly honoured to be at the Red Plaque unveiling ceremony, with my daughter Bethany, on 11th May 2024; the 70th anniversary of the fatal fire.  The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the three firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty and I was touched by how well attended the event was; attendees included family members of the fallen,  current and retired firefighters, a piper, and a bishop.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in arranging the Red Plaque and the unveiling ceremony.  I find it comforting to know that the sacrifice of these brave men will never be forgotten.