The Service
Communities all over Hampshire were deeply shocked and distressed by the tragic incident in which Firefighter James Shears and Firefighter Alan Bannon sadly lost their lives. One year later, our thoughts and prayers are with their families at the anniversary of the tragic incident and we continue to give them all the support we can. This was a devastating loss to our Service and a loss to the whole fire service community.
If you would like to add your thoughts and messages to the hundreds that have been left over the past year, please fill in the form below.
Please note all the details you enter below will appear on this website. Please do not provide any personal details (eg your address) or information that you do not wish to be disclosed.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 1:54am
Bert & Britney proud to have known you, proud to have served with you. No words can express the emotions. You may have left us but you will never be forgotten and you will live on forever as legends of StMarys. If you are looking down on us keep us safe. Respect brothers, see you on that big one! Red Watch, hang in there boys and stay strong.
Steve Pearce, Green Watch Cosham.
Sunday, 18 April 2010 5:53pm
As an x fireman from the late 60s I still feel a great great loss, for those two very brave firefighters James and Alan who were just doing there job, My thoughts and condolence to thier familys and relatives the watch they were on and all the other firefighters at there station and all the Hampshire Fire Service-my thoughts are with you all PD
Mr P A Davidson, Banbury Oxfordshire
Sunday, 18 April 2010 4:28pm
God Bless U both. Heroes til the end. Best wishes to your loved ones xx R.I.P
Rachel Crosby, Southampton
Sunday, 18 April 2010 3:00pm
It's taken me a while to think of the right words to place on this book of condolence. Maybe it's because I'm waiting to be told it's not true and that Red Watch will once again be blessed with Lil Jim's smiling face or see Berts cheeky grin. But alas the tradegy is true, the lads of Red Watch have had their very hearts ripped out and their pain is felt by so many. Lil Jim and Bert two of the finest firefighters, who would guess that we walked among true hero's. My thoughts at this very sad time are with both of the families.
Michelle (Batester's wife R/W 54), Southampton
Sunday, 18 April 2010 12:24pm
It was a honour and a privilage to have known you both, Jim, my chip buddy and Burt my drink buddy. Both such a loss and i know the watch will never be the same without you guys. The best watch i have served with.
Paul Deakin, Ex R/W St Mary's Now W/W Rushmoor
Sunday, 18 April 2010 11:33am
Words cannot express the sorrow. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of two fallen heros.
John & Ruby Elst, Hythe
Sunday, 18 April 2010 11:01am
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time R.I.P
Watch Manager Chris Knight, Bromley LFB R/W
Sunday, 18 April 2010 9:52am
On behalf of all at Lydd fire station Kent, we offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the two brave Firefighters so tragically lost in Southampton. Rest peace.
Russell Harrison, Lydd Fire station KFRS
Sunday, 18 April 2010 9:26am
'Jim' & 'Bert' you know what I always say; 'every job is a mess up - just to varying degrees' (the polite version!). How I wish we could go back and change the cruel twists of fate that took this job to the ultimate extreme. I know that we can't. I take comfort in the knowledge that we managed to hold the flames back and returned you both to your families as they remembered you. The Watch has undoubtedly lost two of the best firefighters, colleagues and friends. Difficult as it will be; we'll pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and climb back aboard those red trucks. That's what you would have wanted. Bert & Jim - so sadly missed by so many. See you at the big one fellas . . . . .
'Batester', Red Watch, 54 St.Mary's, Southampton
Sunday, 18 April 2010 4:39am
Bert & Britney The Boys are lost without you, Red Watch will never be the same again. But the Watch and families will now be much closer and friendships have formed because of you, for which I am personally grateful. We will never forget you ... and Bert I will never forget you owe me two large steaks!! Bye Bye Boys. Rest in Peace xx
Jenna Shergold, Blue Watch, Fire Control, HFRS & Mumbles Girlfriend R/W 54 St Marys
Saturday, 17 April 2010 11:18pm
As an ex ( thankfully retired ) firefighter, you often get asked - are you a hero? Answer: no but I did work with a lot of them. You 2 are among the greatest. With deepest respect to you both, your families and your watch. R.I.P.
Kevin, Preston, Lancashire
Saturday, 17 April 2010 9:51pm
Sincere condolences to the families and everyone at HFRS. Rest in peace brothers.
Brett Kirby (Lieutenant), Westport FD, Westport, CT USA
Saturday, 17 April 2010 9:36pm
rest in peace brothers thoughts are with you and your families
Chris Argent/hinckley red watch, Leicestershire
Saturday, 17 April 2010 8:11pm
My heart goes out to your families left behind in such sad circumstances. You gave your lives in the effort to help others and having been married to a fireman I know that you gave you lives as he would have done without a second thought. My heart also goes out to the crews that also had the unenviable job of rescuing thier fallen brothers.
LYNNE, Hampshire
Saturday, 17 April 2010 7:46pm
My Brothers you have made the ultimate sacrifice, float on the clouds and dance with the angels. You will be missed Ian
Ian, Hampshire
Saturday, 17 April 2010 7:24pm
It was a honour to have worked with you.You made the ultimate sacrifice, never to return to home station. Rest easy now lads
Willy Baker, Hampshire
Saturday, 17 April 2010 3:42pm
Sincere sympathies to your families and Red Watch St Marys. A tragic loss for the UK's fire and rescue service
Andy Fish, Red Watch, Duffryn, South Wales
Saturday, 17 April 2010 3:36pm
My sincere sympathy to the family friends and all members of HFRS at this extremely sad time. James and Alan you were true heros, who paid the ultimate price of courage. Rest in peace lads.
Martin Elkins, Ex KENT FRS TUN WELLS
Saturday, 17 April 2010 1:32pm
Having been a member of London Fire service for 14 years (1974-1988). I feel the loss as much as if it had been one of my own colleagues. These guys died doing a job they loved and paid the ultimate price. The good outcome is that there were no civilian fatalities. A job very well done in extreme circumstances that other firefighters will fully understand. The Fire Brigade I'm sure as always, will give tremendous support to the families of the two tragically lost. Please pass on my condolences to all concerned. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. God Bless you all.
Mick Harrison, ex London fire Brigade, Goa, India
Saturday, 17 April 2010 11:35am
my thoughts go out to the families of alan, james and the whole of st marys station. r.i.p
barry hodkin, red watch, southsea.
Saturday, 17 April 2010 10:04am
The ultimate sacrifice from two heroes, rest in peace brothers Chris PRFB, Melbourne Australia
Chris, PRFB Melbourne Australia
Saturday, 17 April 2010 9:53am
our son is a firefighter, and something like this is hard to deal with. our thoughts are with the families and fellow firefighters . god bless you all
kate, fareham
Saturday, 17 April 2010 6:36am
Rest In Peace my brave brothers...prayers and thoughts to the families of these real heroes. God Bless!
Billy Off, Hammonton Company #2, NJ, USA
Saturday, 17 April 2010 0:51am
Such very brave men. My thoughts go to your family, friends and those on Red Watch that have to carry on. Rest in Peace James and Alan.
Sarah - Green Shift Hampshire Constabulary, Southampton
Saturday, 17 April 2010 0:39am
On behalf of Red Watch, I would like to express our sadness at the loss of two very brave firefighters, Alan and James. Our thoughts lie with their families, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.
Andy Taylor, Red Watch, Fire Control, Cornwall
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