Harry Colebourn
Harry Colebourn lost his life in the line of duty on the 13th May 1972. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 8th November 2024.
On May 8th 1972 a runaway tanker train crashed and exploded at Chester Railway Station. Having run into a stationary passenger train that was waiting at the platform, the passenger train then mounted the platform demolishing the Buffet and causing a major fire. One postal worker was trapped and was rescued by Fire Brigade personnel. Henry “Harry” Stafford Colebourn was off duty at the time but as was practice when major incidents occurred, he reported to the Fire Station and organised and despatched extra equipment to the Fire Ground. He was also responsible for ordering on Bulk Foam supplies. This extremely hazardous incident was successfully closed without any serious injuries, a miracle in itself. By Friday 12th May Harry had returned to his normal duties as a Station Officer of Red Watch. There was a mountain of dirty oily hose lying in the Station yard which needed scrubbing and testing. As was Harry’s nature he always got stuck in with the crews when needed although as the Station Officer this was not expected. During the hose tests Harry was holding a branch under pressure when he lost his footing. The reaction in the hose threw him to the ground and he was then struck on the head by the heavy brass branchpipe. He was rushed to Chester Royal infirmary where he died of his serious injuries the following night on Sat 13th May 1972. Harry was given a Fire Service Funeral with Full Honours.
Harry was an experience Officer with 25 yrs service. He was well liked and very highly respected. The real tragedy here, is that just days before at the Railway Station fire, an extremely hazardous incident, only minor injuries were experienced by a handful of Firefighters and yet during a routine hose test, which had been carried out probably thousands of times, a man loses his life helping his work colleagues when by rights he should have been somewhere else
Today, Stephen is fondly remembered by his family, former colleagues, and brothers and sisters in the FBU. His memorial can be found on Firemans Square in Chester where he bravely fought to get his colleague to safety.
Below are memories added by those who knew Harry Colebourn or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Harry Colebourn that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
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Photo credits: Julian Brown
