Keith Marshall
Keith Marshall lost his life in the line of duty on the 8th March 1974, alongside his colleague Robert Crampin. Their Red Plaque was unveiled on the 26th October 2024.
A build-up of toxic and highly inflammable gasses caused a massive flash-over which claimed the lives of Sub Officer Robert Albert Crampkin, of Kidderminster, and Firefighter Keith David Marshall, of, Worcester, the first officers to be killed in the 25-year history of the brigade.
At 1745hrs on Friday 8th march 1974 Blue watch were instructed to proceed to a ‘smoke issuing’ at Hurcott Mill in Kidderminster. Built in the 19th Century, Hurcott Mill was a three story former paper mill that was of brick and timber construction with open compartments, and timber floors that were supported by cast iron columns. In 1974, the building was being used to produce foam filled furniture. The officer in charge of Blue watch that day was Sub Officer Robert “Bob” Crampin. Bob was a highly experienced and well respected Sub Officer, regarded by some as ‘one of the best’. He was the Brigade’s chief breathing apparatus instructor and was a stickler for correct procedures and safety. As the first fire engine headed towards Hurcott smoke could be seen in the distance; it was clear this was going to be a protracted incident. On arrival, Bob and his crew established a water supply from the nearby pools and prepared several firefighting jets.
Riding on the second fire engine was Firefighter Keith Marshall from Red watch. Keith had two years’ service and having arrived at work early for his night shift with Red watch, had agreed to ‘stand in’ for a member of Blue watch. At 1800hrs the assistant divisional officer gave the instructions for a team to enter the mill and fight the fire from inside. Sub Officer Bob Crampin and Firefighter Keith Marshall donned breathing apparatus sets and entered an upper floor via the external fire escape, with a charged jet. A few minutes before the two men were due out of the building, Sub Officer Mick Turbutt and Firefighter Paul Gittens from Bewdley reported to ECO with their BA sets. By now the fire had spread to most of the building. Wearing breathing apparatus, Mick and Paul made their way towards the building to relive Bob and Keith but as they tried to enter the building they were nearly blown off their feet. A radio message was sent to fire control stating that ‘a Breathing apparatus crew were overdue and that a search was in progress’ Further BA teams tried to enter the building but had varying degrees of success due to the severity of the fire. Firefighter Alan Davies and Firefighter Colin Gillet entered an upper floor of the building via a pitched ladder and commenced a search of an area where polyurethane foam was being stored. The men were attached to guidelines because the storage area was heavily smoke-logged, and officers were unsure as to whether the floor was structurally intact. Searching through intense heat and near zero visibility, the men located their fallen colleagues near a doorway.
At the inquest, the coroner recorded the deaths of Sub Officer Bob Crampin and Firefighter Keith Marshall as two cases of ‘death by misadventure’. He also stated that : ‘there should be no smoking of any kind at premises of this type, and that ‘there should be improved Fire prevention measures and notices indicating what is stored in the building made available to all’.
The funeral procession of the two firefighters travelled through the centre of Worcester and included two fire engines. Extra seating had to be installed inside the cathedral where the funeral was held to cope with the large number of mourners, who included 350 members of brigades from across the UK.
Today, Keith is fondly remembered by his family, former colleagues, and brothers and sisters in the FBU. His memorial can be found on Hurcott Wood, Kidderminster.
Below are memories added by those who knew Robert Crampin or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Robert Crampin that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
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