On this day – Loxwood fire

On this day (July 4) in 1918 Horsham Fire Brigade rushed to a blaze at Loxwood at 12.45am.

Around 25 tons of last season’s hay had caught fire and Petworth and Guildford Brigades had already been contacted ‘without result’, according to press reports at the time.

The Horsham Brigade had their Shand Mason Steamer pump and managed to get two horses to pull it. Horse officers had been appointed for each county during the First World War to manage requirements both at home and at the Front and Mr H. Dowding, of Warnham, had charge of all he Food Production horses in West Sussex.

Capt H.C. Hunt was in charge of the Brigade and, after the 13 mile journey, they quickly safeguarded surrounding property.

A large part of the rick was eventually saved and the firemen finally reached home around 10pm.

The, rather battered, photo shows the Brigade at the scene. It’s currently not on show at the Museum.