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Some of the countries best known photographers of the 1950's and 1960's learnt their trades and made their names during the war years working on behalf of the Ministry of Information's GPO Film Unit (later to become the Crown Film Unit). During the Blitz and subsequent war years a number of these intrepid photographers saw service with the Auxiliary and National Fire Service's as members of the 'London Fire Force Film Unit'.

As a part of the unit they served alongside fire crews at some of the largest and most dangerous fires ever seen within this countries fire service history. From the cities streets to the very dome of St Pauls Cathedral these intrepid photographers took up position with their cameras to capture some of the most iconic images of the Blitz on London and the fire crews dealing with it.

Whilst working with the fire service they attended incidents with the basic uniform that every fireman wore, their steel helmets also displayed the word PRESS on the front.

Following the work of photographers in the London Fire Force Unit a number of movies were produced highlighting the Blitz of 1940 and the heroic efforts of the London Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Service; Fires Were Started 1943 (also known as 'I Was A Fireman') - Humphrey Jennings, The Bells Go Down 1943 - Basil Deardon, both of which used serving NFS Firemen alongside well known actors to act out many of the roles portrayed.