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Family visit fire boat named after Blitz heroine

Alice Bhandhukravi
BBC London
Family handout Black-and-white photo of Gillian "Bobby" Tanner in uniform during World War Two. She is smiling and wearing a peaked cap with the Auxiliary Fire Service badge. Another uniformed figure is partially visible beside her.Family handout
Gillian Tanner was among thousands of women to step up on the WWII home front

The family of a woman who risked her life as a firefighter during the Blitz have stepped aboard the London fire boat named in her honour.

Gillian Tanner, known to friends and family as Bobby, signed up to the Auxiliary Fire Service at the age of 19 to help fuel fire engines as bombs rained down on London.

Her bravery earned her the George Medal, one of the highest honours for civilian gallantry.

Ms Tanner was into "anything with speed and a bit of danger attached," her granddaughter told BBC London.

The London Fire Brigade fire boat named "Tanner" moored on the River Thames, with part of Westminster Bridge and the Palace of Westminster visible in the background. The vessel features the LFB crest and red, yellow, and black markings.
The fire boat was named after Gillian Tanner in 2022

As well as naming the boat after her in 2022, an LFB leadership training scheme has also borne her name since 2021.

During the Second World War, thousands of women joined support services on the home front.

Ms Tanner's role was to drive petrol through the burning streets to supply fire engines during some of the most intense bombing London had ever seen.

Patrick Goulbourne is seen speaking during an interview by the River Thames. He is wearing a uniform and life jacket, with the fire boat “Tanner” visible in the background.
Patrick Goulbourne says Gillian Tanner embodies LFB values

Patrick Goulbourne, deputy commissioner at London Fire Brigade, said: "During the most difficult times during the war, she was out supplying our fire engine so it could respond to London throughout the war, to make sure that we were able to keep those people [safe] and respond as much as we can."

"Her acts of bravery are testament and stand true as some of the values we hold dear today."

Members of her family visited the boat and explored her legacy ahead of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) next month.

Mandy and Tina Jones are seated indoors during an interview. Both women are wearing light jackets and microphones, with a corridor and kitchenette visible in the background.
Mandy and Tina Jones said their grandmother liked activities with "speed and a bit of danger"

"I didn't realise the connection and the value people put on her and what she'd done until today," her granddaughter Mandy Jones said.

She said her grandmother was a "strong-willed and determined" person who would "get on and do it" when there was work to be done.

After the war, Ms Tanner continued with adrenaline inducing activities, including racing cars in Monte Carlo and training racehorses.

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