Charles Henry Thatcher was the officer in charge of the Carshalton Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) that operated from this lock-up in The Square, Carshalton. Charles won a medal for his service during the Blitz of 1940.
But briefly, what was the AFS? The Auxiliary Fire Service was set up in 1938 as a voluntary body to support local fire brigades during the war. Extra space was required to house these volunteers, so the lock-up opposite Carshalton Fire Station was commandeered by the Civil Defence Department for AFS use.
The fire station itself stood next door to the old library opposite – originally council offices and, for a short time, the Carshalton Museum. The station became operational in 1908
Charles lived at 3 Titchfield Road on the St Helier Estate. In fact, most of his team also lived on the St Helier Estate.
He was awarded the British Empire Medal for tackling fires in East London on the night St Paul’s Cathedral was nearly destroyed — 29 December 1940. That night saw more fireman medals awarded than at any other time during the Blitz.
Carshalton lost its fire station when it finally closed in 1947 under the Surrey Fire Brigade, merging with Sutton.
It is said that locals were unhappy with the decision. So for a while, a fireman was still stationed here in Carshalton — but he had only a telephone, and no fire engine.
Bonus fact: For an escape during the Blitz, the Carshalton AFS used an old tunnel by St Giles church at Cripplegate. Interestingly, this church has a connection to Carshalton and St. Helier. Read more here.
