Pits also had underground underground fire stations. Here we see Les Havill at Calverton Colliery. On leaving Ilkeston Mines Rescue Les became Fire Officer at Calverton Pit.

Charging Room. This contained the motor-driven and hand-operated oxygen compression pumps of the "Meco" and "Proto" types, oxygen storage cylinders, and charging board for the accumulators of the emergency rescue lamps.

George

Michelle and Tracy

1978, George Brock, Ilkeston Mines Rescue telephonist and radio operator,
in the station lamp house checking the lamps on the charging frame.

Duty Room. The telephone, duty board and gas testing apparatus were placed in this room. It was also used for lecture purposes.

Apparatus Room. Two types of self-contained breathing apparatus were in use, viz.: the "Aerorphor" and "Meco." Fifteen sets of each apparatus were provided. Two "Proto" sets were also provided and used for instructing the members of the permanent staff and for demonstration purposes. Testing meters of the "Combined" and Haldane's types were used to set the feed of oxygen in the compressed oxygen type of apparatus.

Liquid Air Plant Room. This contained the liquid air plant and the air storage containers. Four small containers were always kept ready for emergency use, two in the rescue car and two in the room. Immediately on receiving a call for assistance the manufacturing plant was started; liquid air being obtainable after 20-30 minutes running. The quality of the liquid air, and also the compressed oxygen, was determined by analysis every month by means of a Dr. Briggs oxygen apparatus. Click here for more information

Garage. This was fitted with large swing doors for the purpose of affording quick exit of the rescue car and fire engine, which stood side by side. A Bowser petrol pump was situated conveniently for the cars. A sliding pole on the Fire Station principle connected the garage with the single men's quarters.

Some of the staff at Ilkeston Mines Rescue Station 30th March 1971. Ray Havill, John Parkin, John Newton Ken Musgrove, Frank Morley Asst Sup Albert E.Sheffield and Superintendent T.Harry Radford

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