Bob Smith
Robert “Bob” Smith lost his life in the line of duty due to an explosion on the 25th February 1974, alongside his colleague Paul Parkin. Their Red Plaque was unveiled on the 12th September 2024.
On the afternoon of the 25th February 1974, a fire began at the British Steel Corporation’s Tinsley Plant of Shepcote Lane when a furnace wall cracked and molten iron oxide slag began to seep into soaking pits used to re-heat ingots prior to rolling. Five fire engines were in attendance, with crews from Darnall Road, Mansfield Road and Division Street Fire Stations. The fire was quickly dealt with but without warning there was a massive explosion, injuring eleven firefighters and two British Steel workers.
Each pit could take up to 70 tons of steel. There were five ingots, each weighing 12 tons in the pit when the explosion took place, an explosion of such force that it was heard half a mile away by other workers, described as “sounding just like a bomb”.
Prior to the explosion, four firemen from the Darnall fire crew took a length of hose down a flight of steps (including Bob and Paul) and were underneath the furnace to cool it down. As they started to spray the leak they heard a rumble above them. Somebody shouted ‘run’. As they started to run towards the steps they were hit by a blast of red hot heat and molten metal. The blast was so severe it was heard more than half a mile away and described as “sounding just like a bomb”. Two of the crew survived with injuries but unfortunately Bob and Paul didn’t.
Sub-Officer Bob Smith, aged 47, of Cartmell Road, Woodseats, Sheffield, was stationed at Darnall, served in the Sheffield Fire Brigade for 23 years. He left a wife and a son, Christopher, aged nine. His proudest possessions were a medal from the Queen, and a commendation for bravery signed by the late Winston Churchill. 12 months prior to the incident, one year after receiving his 20-year long service medal, Bob was promoted to sub-officer. It meant moving from Lowedges, where he served as leading fireman, to the busy Darnall station.
On the 10th March 1974 the explosion claimed its second victim when Firefighter Paul Parkin, of Bramley Drive, Handsworth died in the Northern General Hospital. He was 27. He left a widow Barbara and two daughters, Marie aged 5 years, and Suzanne aged 3 years. Barbara was three months pregnant at the time of his death with their third child, Mark Paul who was born in September 1974. In 2014, Paul Parkin’s family received a posthumous bravery award for him from the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Peter Rippon.
Both firefighters already had rooms named in their honour at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s city centre headquarters on Eyre Street. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Shaw said: “I know Paul will never be forgotten by his family and friends who knew and loved him. “It is just as important for it to be known that Paul’s sacrifice will never be forgotten by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the people of Sheffield.
FBU South Yorkshire Brigade Organiser Alex Wilson said
“Both firefighters had shown courage and dedication. The area around the plaque was a “place of reflection and remembrance for the local community and future generations of firefighters.
“We will always remember Bob Smith and Paul Parkin, and their service to the people of Sheffield.”
Below are memories added by those who knew Bob Smith or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Bob Smith that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
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