Cyril Dutton

Cyril Dutton

Cyril George Dutton lost his life in the line of duty on the 29th November 1940. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 2nd November 2023.

Auxiliary Firefighter Cyril Dutton was just 25 when he lost his life while on duty and is believed to be the first person to have been killed in Chester during the Second World War.

Cyril lived on St Anne Street close to where Chester Fire Station is located and had been off duty, enjoying a walk in Grosvenor Park in Chester with his wife Florence when he heard his colleagues race past in a fire engine to the scene of a bombing raid. He leapt into action, racing off to grab his uniform and join his colleagues in tackling the blaze. Tragically, he lost his life after being injured by falling masonry and getting trapped in the building.

Hundreds attended his funeral with his coffin borne on a fire engine and a guard of honour formed of 150 firefighters from seven brigades. The funeral was covered by the Chester Chronicle and the Cheshire Observer, with photos showing his colleagues parading through the city centre as many bystanders stood silently paying their respects.

During the funeral, the vicar said that Cyril laid down his life, though not in the trenches and not at the front, for his King and his country.

Below are memories added by those who knew Cyril Dutton or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Cyril Dutton that you wish to add, please include your memory below.

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Photo credits: Dom Salter