Funeral of the late Chief Superintendent THOMAS

Liverpool Mercury November 2nd 1907

The late Chief Superintendent Thomas

It is with much regret we announce the death at his residence Hatton Garden of Chief Superintendent Thomas head of the Liverpool Fire Brigade. Mr Thomas was a native of Warwickshire, and whilst well in his teens joined the 17th Duke of Cambridge's Own Lancers, popularly known as the "Death and Glory Boys" With this regiment he served in the Zulu, and he formed one of the search party which recovered the body of the Prince Imperial, the ill-fated son of Napoleon 111, and Empress Eugene. For a period he acted as orderly for the Duke of Cambridge. He left the army with the rank of Corporal in 1880 and joined the Liverpool Police Force, then under the control of Major Greig.

His intelligence and zeal speedily gained recognition and secured for him steady promotion. In 1885 he was made Sergeant, in 1895, he was appointed Inspector and became Chief Inspector 7 months later, and was promoted to the rank of superintendent in January 1899. During his early police career he served in the fire brigade and subsequently acted as deputy-superintendent, whilst he was one of the first members of the mounted-police detachment, a branch of the force for which his skill as a horseman eminently fitted him. For a month after becoming superintendent he had charge of C. Division, but in February 1899, he was appointed to succeed Chief Superintendent Willis as head of the fire brigade. At this time he retained the rank of Superintendent, some 4 months later he was raised to the rank of Superintendent. During the 8 years regime at Hatton Garden Mr Thomas developed the fire brigade to a higher degree of efficiency than it had every previously known.

The Funeral

One of the most impressive funeral spectacles ever witnessed in Liverpool was presented on Tuesday when the remains of Chief Superintendent Thomas head of the Liverpool Fire Brigade were interred at West Derby Cemetery. The environs of the deceased's residence in Hatton Garden became crowded for some considerable time before the cortege began to move on at 1pm. The gathering was an unusual one, and as a display of public sympathy could hardly be surpassed.

The marshalling of the procession was witnessed with great interest, in the following order :-

Detachment of police, [50 strong].

Detachment of mounted-police on foot

Liverpool Police Band, under Bandmaster Crawley.

Hose carriage bearing the remains, coffin surmounted with the deceased's helmet, and floral tributes.

The Head Constable, his deputies, Chief Superintendents, Inspectors, Sergeants

The came a carriage literally enveloped in magnificent flowers

A contingent of the Fire Brigade staff followed the mourning coaches, and then aged contingents of the Salvage Corps of Liverpool and other local brigades including, Birkenhead, Wallasey, Litherland and Bootle.

The following amongst others, forwarded floral tokens of affection, Officers and members of the Glasgow Fire Brigade, Messers Merryweather and Sons, London, Fire Salvage Corps, Liverpool, Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers, Officers, Sergeants and Constables of the Mounted Police, A, B, C, and D. Divisions, Liverpool, Head Constable, Assistant Head Constable, officers and men of headquarters staff. Officers and men of the Birmingham Fire Brigade. Two wreaths attracted special attention, these were in the form of fire helmets, one of red nepheliums, with variegated bands of blue azaleas, and lilies of the valley, and another of white azaleas set on a large pedestal of rare flowers.

The sight was something to remember. The scene in Hatton Garden when the cortege emerged from the fire-yard moved many in tears. The Police Band played the "Dead March" in "Saul" the mournful sounds, collected and immense gathering. The drum was muffled, the reins of the horses which drew the hose-carriage, conveying the remains were picked out in black and white. So great was the amount of wreaths sent that they had to be placed in pyramid fashion on a patrol waggon and were about 12 to 14 feet high. The rear of the structure was notable on account of the gigantic wreath of orchids, azaleas and other flowers.

The Head Constable Mr Dunning and the Deputy Head Constable, Mr Harry Lane was in full uniform, with cocked hats, silver braided dress, and sword.

The procession occupied two hours in reaching the cemetery, where there was a vast concourse of people. The service was conducted both at the church and the graveside by the Rector of Liverpool, the Rev Canon Kempthorne.

Chief Superintendent Smith and Superintendents Tomlinson, Phillips and Breese, acted as pallbearers. The chief mourners were, Jeffrey and Gordon Thomas [sons] Mr William E. Thomas [brother], Mr P. J. Hacket [brother-in-law], Messers Price, Outram, F. Birks, A. W. Birks, W. E. Houghton, A. Lawrence, Scott [Wrexham] J. W. Brier [West Kirby], Charles Hughes, John Cooke, Chief-officer John M'Coll, [Glasgow Fire Brigade] Dr T. M. Dawson and House Chief-officer Scott [Bradford] and Detective Inspector Eakins, [Birkenhead].

The general mourners included Alderman Maxwell [Chairman of the Watch Committee], Alderman J. Duncan [Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee], Mr William Evans, J.P, Mr T. E. Sampson [city coroner] Head Constable Mr Leonard Dunning, the Assistant Head Constable H. P. Lane, Fire Superintendent Weir, Chief Superintendent Smith, Chief Superintendent Sperrin, Superintendents, Tomlinson, Webb, Stowell, Phillips, Breese and Foden. Detective Chief Inspector Duckworth, Chief Inspector Mullineux, Chief Inspector Affleck [governor of the Main Bridewell] Chief Inspector M'Keown, Yunnie, Jones [hackney carriage department], M'Donnell, Gibson and Holbrook and many others.

Fires attended Chief Superintendent THOMAS

Fire at a Liverpool tailoring establishment, narrow escape by firemen.

About 10pm last evening an intimation was received at Hatton Garden Fire Station that the services of the Brigade were needed at Messers HENOCHSBERG and ELLIS'S Tailoring establishment in Islington. Deputy Chief Superintendent THOMAS accompanied by Inspector DIXON, Inspector M'CORMICK and the brigade along with the chemical engine at once started out followed by the Salvage Corps, under Chief Officer MUIR and Superintendents SMITH and CABLE. Fire escapes and two hand reels from district stations were also requisitioned. On Arriving at Messers HENOCHSBERG and ELLIS'S premises the firemen found volumes of dense suffocating smoke bursting from the basement in Islington, and for some time considerable difficulty was experienced in discovering the actual seat of the fire. Eventually it was found that the outbreak was confined to the back of the cellar, where a large quantity of rubbish, boxes, and matter of an inflammable nature were generally stored. Through the exertions of the firemen, ably supervised by Mr THOMAS, the fire was prevented from spreading to any great extent, although a portion of the ground floor, which is level with the street gave way. In the course of an hour or so the outbreak was got under, and finally extinguished. The damage, which is fully insured is somewhat considerable, but the brigade is to be complimented on having saved the greater portion of the building.

It seems that the alarm was given by Mr CLAXTON, the caretaker of the building, who with his wife, occupied an upper apartment. The place was secured about 8.30 that evening, Mr J. ELLIS Jnr being one of the last to leave. Everything then seemed as usual. Whilst closing the outer gates of the premises the keeper detected smoke and fearing that something was wrong, telephoned to Hatton Garden. Whilst doing so he informed Sergeant HUDDY 3A, who happened to arrive at the door, that his wife was upstairs, and asked him to bring her down. The officer immediately rushed through the smoke and succeeded in reaching the woman, whom he got safely out of the building. Two of the firemen named LEIGHTON and HODGSON, had a narrow escape. Whilst engaged with water branches on the ground floor the boarding gave way, and they fell through into the cellar among the burning debris. The mishap was noticed by Mr THOMAS, who, with others, speedily rescued the men. The fire, which occurred beneath the boys clothing department, has destroyed a large quantity of new stock. Although several gas jets are used in the basement, each is surrounded by a wire guard. Mr HENOCHSBERG who is at present in London on business was at once summoned to return home. During the evening large crowds of spectators assembled in the vicinity of the fire, but perfect order was kept by Inspector BATTY and Sergeants HUDDY, MURPHY, PRICE, GIBSON, CLINGAN and GUTHRIE. We understand that the portion of the establishment in Camden St which was untouched by the conflagration, will be open for business as usual today.

Liverpool Mercury, June 1st 1897

Fire in St John's Lane, a timely precaution

Yesterday afternoon some excitement was caused in St John's Lane owing to an outbreak of fire on the premises of Messers KINGDON and Co, paint, colour and varnish manufacturers. The fire brigade from Hatton Garden were soon of the scene, Chief Superintendent WILLIS, and Deputy Chief Superintendent THOMAS, accompanying with a hose carriage and a large stock of appliances. The seriousness of the fire was quickly manifest and the brigade worked with a will to save the extensive building. The adjoining property which includes the Bee, Star and Garter, De Silva's and the Victoria Hotels, being of a valuable character, every effort was put forth by the firemen to prevent the flames spreading in their direction. The outbreak had started in the basement of the shop, where large quantities of inflammable oils, etc were stored, and on arrival of the brigade a sharp fire was raging. Two powerful water branches were brought to bear upon the conflagration which within half an hour was extinguished, but not before some considerable damage was caused.

A very thoughtful act was preformed by Mr A. JONES, manager of the shop. Immediately the fire, the origin of which is unknown, was discovered, an attempt was made by those on the premises to extinguish it, but without avail. An alarm was thereupon communicated to Hatton Garden. Meanwhile Mr JONES comprehending the danger of allowing a quantity of Benzine to remain in the building, at once carried this inflammable liquid out of the shop and flung it into the street. The Salvage Corps were present and rendered assistance, appliances arrived on the scene from St George's Hall, Lime St and Warren St etc.

Liverpool Mercury, April 17th, 1899

Early on Saturday morning a fire broke out in the hold of the steel barque Bolivia, lying in the Albert Dock, the Hatton Garden Fire Brigade, under Chief Superintendent THOMAS were soon in attendance, followed by the fire steamer Rathbone, and in the course of 15 minutes succeeded in extinguishing the outbreak. Some difficulty was experienced in the work owing to the heavy volumes of smoke that rolled out of the vessel. It is understood the fire originated through a hot rivet falling among some loose wood in the hold where repairs were going on.

Liverpool Mercury, June 17th 1899

Cotton Fire on board a Liverpool ship

Exciting scenes in the Toxteth Dock

At an early hour yesterday morning information was received at Hatton Garden Fire Station that the steamship Pyrrhus belonging to the Ocean Steamship Company [Alfred HOLT and Co] was on fire in the east side of Toxteth Dock. The brigade immediately turned out under Chief Superintendent THOMAS together with the steamer Rathbone, and at once proceeded to the scene of the conflagration. On arrival it was seen that the fire was a serious one, inasmuch as the Pyrrhus was filled with cotton and other merchandise. The difficulty however did not daunt the members of the brigade and five branches from the main street were at once brought into bear, the Hatton Garden contingent being ably supported in their efforts by a steamer from Lark Lane, under the command of Inspector COWIN, and the Dock Board tender Hodgson. The dense volumes of smoke and the intense heat made the struggle one of the greatest danger. After a prolonged fight against the flames, extending over three hours the efforts of the brigade were successful and the fire was got under. With the bulkheads red hot, and with suffocation threatening every minute, the toilers had worked on with indomitable pluck, though on one or two occasions stimulants had to be administered to them. The fire was confined to the part of the vessel it originated, or otherwise the damage would have been much greater. 1700 bales of cotton are damaged. Amongst the onlookers were Mr DUNNING deputy head constable, Mr Hyslop MAXWELL, chairman of the Fire Committee, and Mr LIARDET, harbourmaster.

Liverpool Mercury, June 19th 1899

Warehouse fire in Liverpool

About 5pm yesterday information was received at Hatton Garden Fire Station that an outbreak had occurred in Grundy St, off Victoria Rd, Chief Superintendent THOMAS along with the Brigade and the steamers Hornby and Livingstone speedily reached the place, followed by an engine and appliances from Westminster Rd. It was found that the top storey of a warehouse owned by the Liverpool Warehousing Company Ltd was well alight, the flames going through the roof. The building contained nearly 4,000 bales of cotton and as the adjoining and opposite premises were stored with similar material, operations were quickly commenced and tons of water were thrown upon the flames by three jets from the Livingstone and five from the main. The room werein the conflagration raged held 700 bales of cotton, most of which was badly scorched, and was occupied by Messers G. B. TAYLOR and Co and A. B. PATON and Co. The Liverpool Salvage Brigade were present.

Liverpool Mercury, July 3rd 1899

Shortly before midnight on Saturday a fire broke out at the premises of Messers T. F. ASHE and NEPHEW, spirit merchants, 5 and 7 Atherton St. Chief Superintendent THOMAS and the Hatton-garden fire brigade attended, followed by many of the appliances from the neighbouring police stations. The upper portions of the extensive premises which run from Atherton St to Thomas St were fully alight, and fearing the spirits stored in the under apartments would be caught by the flames, a vast quantity of water was immediately poured on the outbreak by means of ten branches from the main. Within an hour the fire was got under and prevented from spreading. The damage to the large stock of bottled stout and beer in the room where the fire raged is considerable, the flames were fed to a great extent by the by the quantity of straw and packing material stored in the place. Owing to the efforts of the fire brigade the whole of the lower floors was kept intact, although water found its way through them to the street. The building is fully insured and we are informed that the fire will not interfere with Messers ASHE and NEPHEW'S business.

Liverpool Mercury, Sept 11th 1899

A good save, on Saturday afternoon the Liverpool Fire Brigade succeeded owing to the prompt manner they turned out, in preventing a great conflagration. Shortly after 5pm a woman looking from her window noticed smoke issuing from the rear of the premises of Messers BILLINGTON Brothers, patent spring mattress manufacturers and engineers 93 and 95 Great Homer St. Chief Superintendent THOMAS and the Hatton-garden fire brigade attended, along with the chemical engine and a number of appliances, followed by Deputy Superintendent WEIR and ladders and reels from Vauxhall Rd, Athol St and Rosehill. It was found that a fire was raging among a number of mattresses and woodwork in the lower storey, and making rapid advance despite the fact that several of the workmen had brought the firm's hosepipe to bear.

Liverpool Mercury, Oct 7th 1899

The Liverpool Fire Brigade under Deputy Superintendent WEIR, were yesterday morning called to the vessel Goya lying in the Bramley Moore Dock. It was found a sharp fire was raging among the coal in the bunkers, and although some difficulty was experienced grappling with the outbreak it was subdued in a short time without damage being done to the ship. About 8pm that evening the brigade under Chief Superintendent THOMAS and Deputy Superintendent WEIR were summoned to the African Oil Mills, Parliament St, an outbreak having started in such a building stored with inflammable materials, causing the fire authorities to bring along all necessary appliances, which included the chemical engine and the steamer Rathbone. Fortunately the trouble was not alarming, one branch from the chemical arresting all progress of the flames.

Liverpool Mercury, Oct 23rd 1899

Shortly after midnight on Saturday Chief Superintendent THOMAS and the Hatton-garden fire brigade were called to Freemason's Row, where a sharp fire was found to be in progress in the premises occupied by Mr PRESCOTT teamowner. When the outbreak was discovered help was given by neighbours to remove 11 horses, threatened by the flames to a place of safety. On the arrival of the fire brigade a vast quantity of hay was found afire in a loft, but matters were soon settled by means of a branch from the chemical engine and another from the water main. 5 water branches and a jet from the chemical engine were at once applied and within a quarter of an hour further danger was past. At first the men found it impossible to enter the building, the volumes of choking smoke beating them back at every attempt. The Chief attired on of his men in an ingeniously contrived arrangement known as a smoke helmet, not unlike that used in diving operations, this enabled the officer to wander through the smoke at will, directing a hose in quarters where flames were seen breaking out. Considerable damage was caused to stock and valuable machinery, it is not yet known whether they are insured. But for the speedy arrival of the fire brigade the building would not have been saved and serious damage would have threatened scores of small court houses in Dryden St and shops in Great Homer St. This was the fourth turnout of the Brigade during the day. Mr BILLINGTON informed us business will be resumed on Monday.

Liverpool Mercury, Nov 13th, 1899

Shortly after 2am this morning the Liverpool Fire Brigade under Chief Superintendent THOMAS were ordered to the offices of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, Canning Place, where an outbreak of fire was found in the basement among a quantity of rubbish and waste paper, the daily sweepings of the building.. One branch from the chemical engine and another from the water mains speedily extinguished the burning material, although the brigade experienced some difficulty in reaching the spot owing to the dense volumes of smoke.

Liverpool Mercury, Nov 14th, 1899

Timber fire at Bootle, with great destruction

Shortly after 2am this morning a disastrous fire broke out in the extensive works of Messers Henry QUAYLE and Sons, timber merchants and sawmill proprietors 182 Regent Rd. A full brigade under Inspector DIXON, hastened from Westminster Rd, followed by reels, ladders etc from all the neighbouring stations. Chief Superintendent THOMAS and the Hatton-garden fire brigade reached the spot with the chemical engine. The yard in which the fire originated contained a vast amount of timber, well seasoned and consequently of a most inflammable character, so speedily did the flames take hold that when the brigade reached the locality hundreds of planks were blazing furiously, lighting up the sky to such an extent that the glare could be seen from the farthest end of Liverpool and from Waterloo.. Thousands of sightseers were kept at a respectable distance by a large body of police. The sparks which shot up in the air eventually set fire to several adjoining premises, among them being the large works of Messers Harry TAYLOR and Co, timber merchants. Deputy Chief Constable DUNNING was speedily on the scene and watched the work of the brigade. At 3am the fire, although raging fiercely was got under.

Liverpool Mercury, Jan 11th, 1900

Warehouse fire in Liverpool

At 4.35 am yesterday PC 278A, noticed smoke issuing from the top floor of the four-storey provision and grocery warehouse of Trantom's Ltd, 11 and 13 Cheapside, nearly opposite the main bridewell entrance. He ran to Hatton Garden and the brigade were quickly on the spot with the chemical engine and hose-carriage, Chief Superintendent THOMAS and Deputy Superintendent WEIR both being present, together with Chief Officer MUIR in charge of the salvage and Inspector TAYLOR in charge of the police cordon. Superintendent SHIMMIN of the water department also attended. The fire, which had obtained a firm hold burned fiercely owing to the inflammable goods stored and the strong wind, but with five branches at work and a plentiful supply of water the flames, though the access was restricted were limited to the top storey and a 5.35 "fire out" was passed round.

One of the fire brigade Constable 201A, BREWER, had been struck by a falling slate and had a rather severe scalp wound dressed by Dr WEBSTER at the Northern Dispensary, he will have to remain off duty for some days. On examination it was found that besides the destruction of the goods in the top storey, which was gutted, the contents of the three lower storeys were more or less damaged by water. The loss which is considerable is covered by insurance. The owners of the building are Messers William GUNSTON and Sons, Vernon St.

Liverpool Mercury, Feb 5th, 1900

During the last 48hrs, Liverpool Fire Brigade were kept busy owing to a number of outbreaks, resulting in great destruction of property and loss of life

At 9pm on Saturday a telephonic message was received from Collingwood Dock Police Station that a dwelling house, 3 Clay St, off Great Howard St, was on fire. Chief Superintendent THOMAS with a full staff of men, soon reached the place, where the centre room of a three story house was found well alight. One water jet from the main, speedily extinguished the flames and saved the other parts of the building. On searching the debris the dead body of an old woman named HOGAN was found frightfully burned. It is surmised that the woman who occupied the middle room [the tenant of the house is Hannah CORFIELD] upset a paraffin lamp or candle, the bed on which she had been lying was completely destroyed and the fire had been in progress for some time before it was discovered. The body was removed to the Prince's Mortuary.

About 7.45 am yesterday Chief Superintendent THOMAS and the fire brigade were called to the premises 90 and 92 Islington, in the occupation of Messers James HANLON and Son, leather goods manufacturers, where a smart blaze was in full swing in the stock rooms on the first floor, the building was two large old houses, converted into one building. The inflammable nature of the goods stored there caused the flames to quickly advance up the staircases to the roof. For an hour or more the firemen worked with two branches and the chemical engine. the damage was considerable.

At the conclusion of their labours, when about to return to headquarters, the brigade were informed that St Saviour's Church, Upper Huskisson St had caught fire. The nearest route was taken without delay, on arrival, about 9.30 am the building was found well alight, the flames bursting through all the windows, through the roof, the heat was that of a furnace. Additional appliances were sent for including the powerful fire steamer Livingstone, but it was at once evident the edifice was doomed. Pitchpine woodwork was blazing in all directions, the galleries on three sides of the church were sending up sheets of flame to the roof, which, in the course of an hour fell in to the edifice, bringing down the galleries and leaving the bare walls standing, with nothing but burning window sashes. The organ, likewise, came away in the general destruction.

The sight was grand attracting thousands of people, who gazed in wonder at the mass of flames soaring above the walls. Hundreds of tons of water were poured upon the burning pile from four water branches, in addition to several from the Livingstone. At midday when it appeared all danger was over, the discovery was made that the burning debris had got underneath the floor of the church and had started additional trouble, which was only ended after strong efforts. At 1pm the whole of the interior had burned itself out. No damage was done to the offices, vestry or porch of the church, owing to the existence of partition walls, although a certain amount of water had reached those quarters. Everything inside the church was destroyed, book, hassocks, and articles belonging to the congregation. The silver plate and all church documents, however, were saved by the vicar, the Rev R. M. AINSLIE, M.A, who was summoned to the spot from his house in Falkner Square. There is little doubt that the fire originated from the overheating of a flue near the vestry, which ignited one of the beams which ran the full length of the gallery.

Liverpool Mercury, March 28th, 1900

Distillery fire in Liverpool, serious damage.

Shortly before 2am this morning some of the workmen engaged in the distillery of Messers Archibald WALKER and Co, 263 to 271 Vauxhall Rd, discovered an outbreak of fire in the stillroom and gave the alarm, whereupon, Chief Superintendent THOMAS and the Hatton-garden fire brigade hastened to the place. The distillery is a vast and old one and consists of numerous wooden platforms, corridors and passages leading from one part of the building to another. Consequently the conflagration would speedily create a deal of damage. The stillroom, in which the fire occurred contained dozens of wooden beams running in all directions, and as the flames caught these the interior presented the appearance of a furnace. So speedily did the blaze spread that within a short time the roof fell in with a crash. Some dozen water branches were brought to bear and in three-quarters of an hour the fire was got under, although at 3am the place continued to burn. The damage is considerable, as a large stillroom and its contents of liquor and machinery are completely destroyed.

Liverpool Mercury, May 10th, 1900

A fire in Park Lane on May 9th, on the premises of Messers E. PICKLES and Co, where under the direction of Chief Superintendent THOMAS, the chemical engine was brought into operation, which subdued the flames within 15 minutes, goods and the building were damaged but not to a great extent. The fire is supposed to have started from the overheating of one of the shutes attached to the place.

Liverpool Mercury, June 14th, 1900

About 11pm on the 13th, June, the Hatton Garden Fire Brigade, under Chief Superintendent THOMAS, were summoned to the showcase works of Messers Ogden Ltd, 119 St James St, and on arrival found the whole of the extensive building, which is an old one, well ablaze. The place being full of packing cases and similar inflammable material, speedily lent itself to the flames, which started from the ground floor, quickly reaching the roof, and carrying all away. For at time it was doubtful whether any portion of the place could be saved, and especially the adjoining pawnshop which was in imminent danger, but the vast amount of water poured on the burning timber eventually told and in the course of an hour and a half all anxiety was past. The fire brigade however were unable to leave spot until about 1am today. The damage is considerable, Chief Superintendent THOMAS, whilst entering the burning building, sustained a nasty wound to his hand.

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