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Beyond the Flames
As a teenager at a South London comprehensive school, young David Pike is advised by his careers master to seek employment at a local engineering factory. Determined not to do so, 'Pikey' first considers the Metropolitan Police; disappointed at their rejection, he sees an advertisement for the London Fire Brigade, who at sixteen offer him a place as a Junior Fireman.
From those early days in the 60s as a Junior Fireman, Pikey's career spans four decades and numerous jobs as he climbs the career ladder in the London Fire Brigade. On the way he undertakes a wide variety of roles, as well as organising several high profile charity events and official Fire Brigade commemorations.
David Pike's enthralling book is his own account - sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, but never dull - of his career in, and dedication to, fire fighting in the capital city. The reader will gain a fascinating insight into the workings of the London Fire Brigade and the firefighters who keep us safe.
From those early days in the 60s as a Junior Fireman, Pikey's career spans four decades and numerous jobs as he climbs the career ladder in the London Fire Brigade. On the way he undertakes a wide variety of roles, as well as organising several high profile charity events and official Fire Brigade commemorations.
David Pike's enthralling book is his own account - sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, but never dull - of his career in, and dedication to, fire fighting in the capital city. The reader will gain a fascinating insight into the workings of the London Fire Brigade and the firefighters who keep us safe.
- GenresNonfictionAutobiography
795 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 28, 2013
As a teenager at a South London comprehensive school young David Pike was determined not to follow the advice of his careers teacher; factory life wasn't for him. At sixteen he seized the offer of a place as a Junior Fireman with the London Fire Brigade and started a journey that spanned four decades and numerous roles within the Fire Brigade.
David Pike's book takes the reader 'Beyond the Flames' and details a long and successful career rising through the ranks of the London Fire Brigade. In many amusing anecdotes, he describes the camaraderie and epic fund raising efforts as well as the accounts of devastating fires that sometimes ended in tragedy.
David Pike's book takes the reader 'Beyond the Flames' and details a long and successful career rising through the ranks of the London Fire Brigade. In many amusing anecdotes, he describes the camaraderie and epic fund raising efforts as well as the accounts of devastating fires that sometimes ended in tragedy.
specially-requested
March 31, 2014April 26, 2018
Excellent account of a fireman road to the top
Being a retired fireman this made a wonderful read and recommend this book for the civilian readers who would like a insight into the workings of the brigade.
Being a retired fireman this made a wonderful read and recommend this book for the civilian readers who would like a insight into the workings of the brigade.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews