Memorial stone will honour two firefighters who lost their lives in 1974 Hurcott Mill tragedy

Author: Richard Prime – Communications Officer, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service

On Friday 8 March 2024 it was the 50th anniversary of the Hurcott Paper Mill fire in Kidderminster, where Watch Manager Bob Crampin and Firefighter Keith Marshall were killed in the line of duty.

Staff at Wyre Forest Fire Station marked the occasion with a short ceremony, led by the Service Chaplain, Rev. Dick Johnson, at approximately 1750hrs – exactly 50 years on from Friday 8 March 1974.

The Service’s Senior Leadership Board were represented at the event, along with local members of the National Association of Retired Firefighters, some of whom served with Bob and Keith at the old Castle Street Station in Kidderminster.

Surviving members of Bob and Keith’s families have also been invited.

The flag at Wyre Forest Fire Station will fly at half-mast and fire stations across the two counties have been invited to hold a minute’s silence.

To mark the 50^th anniversary of the tragedy, a memorial stone is to be created near the site of the Hurcott Paper Mill to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the two firefighters who lost their lives. Anyone wishing to contribute, should visit https://gofund.me/3cfb5c1b