Customer Reviews

47 reviews

• George. F Perrin.

  An excellent read giving a true reflection of an era sadly gone.
  Having worked alongside Dave, and known him since he passed his probationary period period, we have had many a good laugh together, which is illustrated in his book. He always liked to be at the 'sharp end' at jobs. A fireman who would eat, sleep, and drink the fire brigade.
  The book illustrates that characters from all walks of life join the fire brigade, which explains why there is seldom a dull moment.
  He was a true 'Gentleman Fireman'. With his promotion came a fair and professional officer. His charitable work, energy and enthusiasm at organising events was second to none.
  I recommend this book to anyone interested in just people, or life 'on board' a typical inner London fire station where you will gain a fascinating insight into the services 'Esprit de Corps'.
  

• John Williams

  As a former London fireman (retired) this is a story that totally resonates with me. The author, who I never actually served with, caught the flavour of the times (the 60s to the 90s), and the changes that occured, exactly. He also taught me something of the Brigade's lesser known history, whilst giving me quite a few laughs along the way. I am only three-quarters finished but its a good read and I felt I just had to post my review. Well done Mr Pike.
  

• Patch Melbourne

  An apt title for this enjoyable read. The book is the autobiography of the author David Pike who on the surface says he was not particually gifted, but who then narrates us through an enlightening exploration of his varied, and interesting, fire service career in the London Fire Brigade.
  It is an engaging book. It is also honest. David Pike not only points out the strengths and flaws he finds in others, he points out the flaws in himself. Something which in itself is refreshing to see. He paints a picture of a service culture before 'PC' directed our every thought and deed.
  The book has one other interesting plus. It contains photos of many of the people mentioned. This helps put a name to a face, and is a welcome addition. The book is richly detailed. I highly recommend it. If you are interested in London, fire brigade stories, or just people, this is one you can't miss.
  

• Jake Greenslade

  Informative, well written and throws in some surprising aspects of life in the fire service very few of us even knew. The reader gains an illuminating insight into the life and the culture of the London Fire Brigade as it moved from life before 'PC' and 'elf and saftey' to a service more driven by external rules and regulations.It was not an easy transition.
  Overall a very pleasureable read. A reminder, if one were needed, to the debt we owe to the firemen of the past and the firefighters of the present for their skills and techniques that come to aid when it all goes wrong! This is one of a number of fire service books on the market, but a clear contender for a best read of its type.
  

• Lesley Flood

  A very good read. Clearly written with a great fondness about the authors choosen career, but refreshingly not through a pair of 'rose tinted glasses'. I have just read it on my Kindle, but it is a book I will now buy as a paperback. His story contains many outstanding moments and lots of chuckles along the way, despite the tragic happenings, in a story that flows off the page.
  One of the seling points points of this particular book, compared to others in a same genre, it the clever introduction of the London Fire Brigade's history, and the workings of the brigade during the 1960s to the very late 1990s. As interesting career that I enjoyed reading about.
  

• Chris Howell

  A very informative and engaging paperbook on the authors active career in London's fire service. A well written tale which uses a series of black and white photographs as excellent milestones as he takes you on his jounney through his service and 'adventures'. A book which provides far more than just a series of 'firemen' fighting blazes tales, and a poigniant reminder of the scacrifices that members of the London brigade have made on our behalf.
  

• Chris Thompson

  A gem of a book, concerning the authors rise through the ranks of the London Fire Brigade and his, and others, adventures along the way. From a 'boy' fireman to senior rank the book chronicles a wealth of fascinating real life tales and anicdotes that fills this excellent book. It transports you from the 60s to the envy of the century and shows you there is much more to the London Fire Brigade than just fighting fires. The start of this tale is set in a time that was much less PC, drinking on fire stations was legal and the men were men! It is full of real human stories that amuse, sadden and excite. But most of all it is book that will enthral you.
  

• Michele Johnstone

  If you are retired fireman, today's firefighter,an enthusiast or just curious, this book will excite, fascinate and reflect well on the men and women who run into danger when the public runs out! The story, starting in a less than 'PC' service explores the people, the events and the history of the UK's largest fire brigade. The author, from being lead to leading others takes you on a remarkable journey. A journey filled with excitement, laughter, tears and frequent danger provides a refreshing look at London's fire brigade before the new millennium. It provides an honest account of the authors career, a career where the skill of team building, the fighting of fire, can have tragic consequences if you get it wrong. A highly enjoyable read, a read that surprised me as someone who previously never gave much thought to those riding fire engines. Now I will. Recommended reading.Well done Mr Pike.
  

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