Memorial stone to be laid to mark 50th anniversary of Hurcott Paper Mill fire

Two firefighters died in the line of duty.

Author: Ben CartwrightPublished 8th Mar 2024
Last updated 16th Apr 2024

A memorial stone's being laid in Worcestershire today to mark the 50th anniversary of two firefighters who died in the line of duty.

On Friday 8 March 2024 it will be the 50th anniversary of the Hurcott Paper Mill fire in Kidderminster, where Watch Manager Bob Crampin and Firefighter Keith Marshall were killed in the line of duty.

Staff at Wyre Forest Fire Station will be marking the occasion with a short ceremony, led by the Service Chaplain, Rev. Dick Johnson, at approximately 17:50 – exactly 50 years on from Friday 8 March 1974.

The Service’s Senior Leadership Board will be represented at the event, along with local members of the National Association of Retired Firefighters, some of whom served with Bob and Keith at the old Castle Street Station in Kidderminster.

Surviving members of Bob and Keith’s families have also been invited.

The flag at Wyre Forest Fire Station will fly at half-mast and fire stations across the two counties have been invited to hold a minute’s silence.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy, a memorial stone is to be created near the site of the Hurcott Paper Mill to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the two firefighters who lost their lives.

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