Fitzrovia in City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Rathbone Street Firemen Memorial
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2026
1. Rathbone Street Firemen Memorial Marker
In memory of seven members of the London Auxiliary Fire Service who died as a result of injuries received in World War II on the night of 17th/18th September 1940, when a building on this site then in use as Sub-Fire Station 72Z, received a direct hit from a high-explosive bomb.
Fm Alfred George Abrahart
Fm Arthur Batchelor
LFm Jack Bathie
LFm George Bowen
Fm Robert William George
Fm Benjamin Mansbridge
Fm Myer Wand
This plaque also remembers
Fm Harry Errington
who for saving the lives of two fellow firemen in this place on the same night, was awarded the George Cross for gallantry.
Erected 2020 by Auxiliary Fire Service London.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1940.
Location. 51° 31.07′ N, 0° 8.075′ W. Memorial is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. It is in Fitzrovia. It is at the intersection of Rathbone Street and Rathbone Place, on the left when traveling north on Rathbone Street. Touch for map.
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harry Errington (here, next to this marker); Marquis of Granby (a few steps from this marker); The Newman Arms (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Stothard (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Coventry Patmore (about 120 meters away); Charles Laughton (about 120 meters away); Thomas Hodgkin (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Olaudah Equiano (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.
Also see . . . Firemen Remembered: Harry Errington and the George Cross (Blitzwalkers). Excerpt:
The most recent plaque to be installed was(Submitted on April 26, 2026.)of necessity, unveiled without ceremony due to Covid restrictions in 2020 but commemorates seven Auxiliary Fire Service members who died at the former Jackson & Allum's Garage at Rathbone Street, in the area of London's West End that we now know as Fitzrovia. The garage was then in use as an annex of AFS sub-fire station 72Z but on 17 September 1940, received a direct hit from a high explosive bomb that killed the seven firemen, as well as nineteen civilians who were using the basement as a shelter.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 20262. Rathbone Street Firemen Memorial - wide view
However, as the plaque informs us, apart from the tragic loss of life, Jackson's Garage was the scene of an act of great bravery that saw the only George Cross awarded to Harry Errington, the only member of the London Fire Service to be so awarded during the Second World War.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
