SALISBURY

The Merryweather TL and Dennis F12 PE were operational at the old fire station in Salt Lane when John Champion (shown in photograph) joined the Brigade in 1963.  Now shown in the drill yard of the new fire station in Ashley Road.

We are unsure how long the TL remained in service, but aware that the PE’s wheeled escape was replaced by a 13.5m (45ft) ladder and the appliance remained in service for a lengthy period.  Without power-steering and the counterbalancing effect of the wheeled escape, the steering would have been particularly heavy at low speed.

(Photo courtesy of John Champion)