Firefighter of Barbican Fire Station, who gave his life on St Pancras Way, London, 1st October, 1978
describes the fire and reports: "A firefighter at Barbican Fire Station, Stephen was killed by a wall collapsing while attempting to rescue another firefighter during a major warehouse fire. From Basildon in Essex, Stephen was twenty-four at the time of his death."
Our colleague, Andrew Behan, adds that Stephen Michael Neill was born on 29 September 1954, the son of Michael P. Neill and Phyllis Mabel Louise Neill née Clarke (1930-2010). His birth was registered in the 4th quarter of 1954 in the East Ham Registration District, Essex (now Greater London).
His death was registered, aged 24 years, in October 1978 in the Camden Registration District, Greater London.
Probate records confirm that his address had been 224 Clay Hill Road, Basildon, Essex and that when administration of his estate was granted on 28 February 1979 his effects totalled £453.
He is shown as "Fm Stephen Michael Neill" on the plaque at the London Fire Brigade memorial in Highgate Cemetery, Swain's Lane, London, N6 and as "STEPHEN NEILL" on the plaque attached to a wall in Granary Street, London, NW1. He is also commemorated on the National Firefighters memorial in Sermon Lane, London, EC4, in the and on the .
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