The Bells Go Down 1943

Recruitment into the Auxiliary Fire Service

On 3 September 1939, as World War II begins, East End residents join the London County Council Auxiliary Fire Service. Tommy Turk, a light-hearted gambler, and Bob Matthews are drawn in, while Sam, a small-time thief, inadvertently joins while trying to dodge Constable O'Brien. The trio is assigned to the Q sub-station, a temporary training setup in a local school under Ted's supervision.

First call and formal posting to District 21 crew

The Q sub crew answers its first call at Christmas; the fire is out on arrival, but District Officer MacFarlane is impressed by Ted's handling. As a result, Ted, Tommy, Sam and Bob are posted as a crew at District 21's superintendent's station. They begin operating as a unit under the full-time fire service.

Nan and Bob marry; life near the docks

Nan Harper marries Bob Matthews and they move into a flat near Benjamin's Wharf. Nan becomes pregnant and suffers fainting spells as they settle into wartime life. She also befriends Ma Turk, linking themselves to the local community.

Susie and Tommy's scheme to make Ted jealous

Susie, newly joined dispatcher, spends evenings dancing with Tommy in an attempt to provoke Ted. Ted mocks Tommy's reluctance to fight fires, teasing him about his handling of danger. The playful rivalry threads through their relationships as the city braces for war.

Short Head's doughnuts controversy and a bold race plan

Tommy learns Short Head is not winning, largely because Ma Turk feeds the dog doughnuts. He decides to enter Short Head in a high-stakes race on 7 September, hoping to win big and save face. The plan is interrupted by the approaching blitz.

The first Blitz begins; a rescue at the docks

The first massive German air raid hits London, focusing on the East End Docks and drawing crews to multiple fires. Ted saves Tommy from a delay-action bomb by using a high-pressure hose to knock him clear just before it explodes. Water mains break and the newly formed 21-Q crew is pressed into frontline service.

Second night of the Blitz; bonds and bombs

The 21-Q crew forges bonds with full-time counterparts as fires rage across the district. Susie, still searching for her missing loved ones, helps locate Ma and Ted's family; the Hopvine is bombed and people are rescued from the cellar. The night reinforces the dangers and camaraderie of the crew.

The race win that slips away the next morning

The morning after the raid, Tommy learns Short Head has won the race. But with no one around to collect the stake, the elation is tempered by the war's harsh reality. The crew continues with fires and duty.

Benjamin's Wharf fire; Bob's peril and Nan's safety

A huge fire erupts at Benjamin's Wharf; Bob finds himself fighting within his own burning flat. Nan remains safe and is cared for by Ma Turk at St John's Hospital, while Susie searches for her missing relatives. O'Brien arrives to arrest Sam, but a bomb explodes, hurling him into the River Thames, and Sam rescues him from drowning.

St John's Hospital fire and MacFarlane's bold command

St John's Hospital becomes engulfed in flames, forcing a dangerous multi-team rescue. Chief MacFarlane transfers Ted's crew to the hospital fire and personally enters the burning building to direct the rescue efforts.

Tragedy strikes: the collapse takes lives

In the smoke and heat, a section of the hospital collapses, killing Chief MacFarlane and Ted. Tommy reaches the chief at the ladder, but the disaster ends in tragedy and leaves the remaining crew to carry on with heavy hearts.