Daniel Michael O'Donovan
Daniel O’Donovan lost his life in the line of duty on the 11th March 1964. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 11th March 2025.
On the 11th March 1964 Firefighter Daniel ‘Mick’ Michael O’Donovan fell to his death whilst attending a lift incident in a block of flats in Hilldrop Crescent, Camden N7.
At 7:20pm the Euston Blue Watch were mobilised due to person shut in lift, Moelwyn Hughes Court, Hilldrop Lane (Kentish Town’s ground). On arrival it was established a man had become shut in the lift car that served the residential flats. During the course of these operations Daniel climbed out of a top floor window, with the intention of climbing up onto the flat roof, where he could then make his way to the lift motor room. Whilst doing so he lost his footing and fell 70ft to the ground, suffering multiple injuries, including fracture of the left femur and cervical spine. He was removed to Whittington Hospital, Islington but was pronounced dead on arrival. At the subsequent inquest, the Coroner Ian Milne paid moving tribute to Daniel and his colleagues: “In a profession which involves its members walking in darkness 60ft above London, there are definite risks. This shows the risks people run in the service of their fellow citizens.” Mr Milne also stated that the ledge had a very nasty rolling edge which was dangerous for a firefighter walking on it.
Daniel was 25 years old and was an avid sportsman. He was brought up in Harrow but he moved to Dunstable with his wife where they began raising their two children; Lorraine and Mark.
The plaque unveiling ceremony at the site was attended by members of Daniel’s family alongside serving and retired firefighters, on the 61st anniversary of his death.
His daughter Lorraine was only two years old at the time. At the unveiling, she said:
“I struggle because Dad is a word I seldom use because he died when I was young. It’s just bloody sad really. My mum had a suitcase which was hidden away and I’ve had to open it up and it’s as if all the past is coming out. I’ve been finding little poems that she wrote and it’s just sad, you feel there is a lot of love and a life is cut short.”
She added that her dad “loved” his job.
“He loved the camaraderie, he was ambitious and he was proud to be a fireman,” she said.
His son Mark, who was six months old when his dad died, said:
“We were so young. It was hard, it was difficult, but you adapt, kids do. If you haven’t got a dad, you just move on with your life, you don’t dwell on it.”
One of his brothers, Cathal, only a year his junior, tearfully recalled how the pair had been inseparable:
“We were a year different in age so we did everything together really. He loved going for snooker. He liked a pint. That was it. He was just a nice bloke. Then we got a knock on the door and that was it,”
“We went to school together. We were in the same year always. He was at the top and I was at the bottom in age. We used to live near the local swimming pool, we used to go swimming all year round.”
The pair even ended up marrying two sisters. “I met my wife through his wife so we used to go round in a foursome. “We were all really close.”
Mr O’Donovan, who is now in his eighties, said the recognition was “emotional”.
“This is brilliant, seriously. I didn’t know the scheme existed.” he said. “It was very emotional, very. I didn’t think it would be. I thought I’d passed it, but no”.
Fire Brigades Union Executive Council members for London David Shek, said:
“The Fire Brigades Union’s Red Plaque project aims to commemorate firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty across the UK, ensuring that their stories are remembered as part of the history of the places they served.
“We are proud to have unveiled a plaque in honour of Daniel Michael O’Donovan, who died during a lift rescue in 1964. His bravery and commitment to protecting the lives of others will never be forgotten.”
Below are memories added by those who knew Daniel O’Donovan or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Daniel O’Donovan that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
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Photo credits: Mark Thomas
