Ambulance Stories of the 70s

The South Parade Pier Fire June 11th 1974.

 

In June 1974, Ken Russell utilised South Parade Pier for the filming of his rock opera "Tommy" starring Roger Daltry, Elton John and Tina Turner. During the filming of the Pinball Wizard scene a serious fire broke out in the Gaiety bar area, causing damage to the value of £500,000.

When we arrived the fire was raging and made worse by the strong wind, there was nothing we could do apart from standing by to treat any injuries that may occur to the hundred or so firefighters that were on scene.

The fire brigade was very well organised and it was not long before thier mobile canteen arrived with food and drink in abundance, as it seemed that this was going to be a very long job. We were also invited to refreshments, so it was the first time I had sat at a table in the middle of the main road, eating a meal, whilst having a front row seat at a major fire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Parade Pier Fire at its height. (Thanks to Jenny Bignell of Hampshire for pictures)

 

Some days earlier they were filming Tommy at the Wesley Central hall in Fratton road Portsmouth, and as there were a lot of people involved we were sent to stand by, and my claim to fame is that I got to speak to Oliver Reed, (the actor) who was actually sober at the time.

 

 

Southsea Pier after the Fire (copyright Roger Lovell)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

These are just a few of the incidents that I attended in the early years of my career, that I hope you find interesting, there have obviously been many many more.

 

 

With my wife Anne, collecting my 30 year Medal

I held many ranks in the service, including station officer and control superintendent. I retired in 1998 as the Training Business Manager, looking after the industial first aid side of the service.

I have done and seen so many things in my sixty five years, I even worked twenty years part time for 'Barrells' a local undertakers, and was in the Auxiliary Fire Service (in the sixties, but that's another story) that people have said "You could write a book on your life" and so I have, but only to give to my son Paul and daughter Samantha, so that they can see what dad did in his life. Unless someone want's to put it in print and earn me lots of money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Now where's my duster.

 

Graham