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British WW11 Firemans helmet. A rare helmet in that it was used by a fireman on the GWR (Great Western Railway). This helmet has been marked by the owner, and he has also inserted a piece of felt in the top to provide a littles extra warmth in the cold weather. Remaining exposed during bombing raids to deal with fires and bomb damage to keep the railways, and the war effort going. I think the following poem found on the internet says it all;

Through bomb and flame, they stood their ground, with just an axe, or branch in hand.
No thought for themselves, just others around, they gave so much, protecting our land.
As bomb after bomb, fell to ground, that terrible noise, that terrible sound.
The young and the old, they all did their bit, those very brave firemen, sadly now many dead.
Many have gone, but will not be forgot, for all that they did, and much they could not
They all did their best, in our hour of need, those hundreds of firemen, a very brave breed.
We'll never forget them, and all that they did, to make this world better, and life better to live.
God bless the many, that have sadly now gone, we shall remember them, freedom and peace cannot be wrong."A TRIBUTE TO OUR WAR DEAD"
Peter C. Matten, former West Sussex Fire Brigade