Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #173071 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Synopsis
This is a gritty tale of passion and professionalism - of humour and heartache involving 20 years at one of the world's most exciting Fire Stations. Soho Fire Station is at the heart of London's West End. Surrounded by Theatre Land, China Town and the fantastic mixing-pot of restaurants, dives and bars that is Soho. This is the real life story of a True London Fireman.

From the Publisher
'Underfire: The Dramatic life of a London Fireman' is an extraordinary real life story of friendship, humour, danger and heartache. Ray Chilton was a London Fireman for over 30 years, and served at Battersea, Westminster, Manchester Square and Paddington before becoming Station Officer at Soho.
'Underfire' describes exactly what it was like to work in the heart of London's West End. Chilton describes serious incidents such as the Oxford Circus Tube Fire (for which he was commended), the Aldwych bus bomb and a fire at The Royal Academy of Art. Former New York firefighter Dennis Smith described 'Underfire' as "a great and thrilling narrative," and commented that "most of all it made me realize just how universal the work and the culture of firefighters is...it all rings so true and touching."

About the Author
Ray Chilton was a London Fireman for over 30 years, and served at Battersea, Westminster, Manchester Square and Paddington before becoming Station Officer at Soho. He was commended for his work fighting the Oxford Circus Tube fire, and also served in the Aldwych bus bomb incident.

Customer Reviews

Underfire captures the essence of London's firefighters
Ray Chilton's book 'Underfire' is a gripping and honest recollection of life as a London Fireman. From the first page you are drawn in to a world where firefighting, cameraderie and leadership inspire this man to be part of a unique group of men and women who work in London's West End. Ray's detailed account of incidents and honest reflections on the people, and the struggle to manage one of London's most demanding stations is touching, outrageously funny at times but always shrouded by the dangers, losses and emotions that make him and the job demand our respect and gratitude for 30 years of dedication.

An absorbing read...buy this!
This book is fantastic. It goes underneath the p.c gone mad and media smoke screen presented by the London Fire Brigade and is an honest, gritty, funny and sometimes very emotional account of life with the London Fire Brigade at its busiest station, soho. If you are a firefighter, enthusiast or just curious, this book will get you hooked and you wont want it to end. Fantastic

Not just for firemen!
This book gives a fascinating insight into the life and work of London firemen. It is a wonderful account that sees the author struggle between the love of the job and his fellow firemen against the pressures of the Brigade and the physical and emotional toll that 30 years of service takes on a person. For me, the book's interest lies not just in what drives this group of ordinary people to do extraordinary things but also in the author's passion and knowledge of London. Don't make the mistake of thinking this book is just for firemen, but be warned that you will never look at a fire engine in the same way again!