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Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Saturday 18 January 1947.
85 years old Licensee Rescued from Blazing Tavern.
Overcome By Fumes.
Members of the Whitstable company of the N.F.S. figured it a dramatic
rescue in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) morning when they were
called to a fire which has broken out at the "Wall Tavern," Middle Wall.
Donning respirators, firemen rushed into the blazing, smoke-filled
building to bring out the 85-years-old licensee, Mr. John B Foreman, who
lived there alone. Mr. Foreman was immediately taken to the Whitstable
and Tankerton hospital, where he was detained suffering mainly from
shock.
The alarm was given at about 4:30 a.m. by a postman, who saw smoke and
flames pouring from the tavern, and the N.F.S., under Company Officer
Lucas, were on the spot 3 minutes after they have received the
information.
The fire, which started in an upstairs bedroom, spread quickly to the
ceiling of the bar immediately underneath and Mr. Formeman apparently
managed to get to the ground floor before being overcome by the fumes.
The N.F.S. completed a grand job of work by getting the fire under
control within half an hour and were able to leave an hour later. But
for their prompt turnout it is likely that the tavern which is mostly
timber built would have been completely gutted.
As it was, the inside of the tavern presented the rather sorry spectacle
afterwards. Standing in the bar, one could look up through great holes
in the ceiling to see the furniture and scorched ceiling of the room
above. From the blackened beams, particles of burnt timber drifted down
and a large hole in the outside wall exposed parts of the bedroom to the
elements.
However, the "Wall Tavern" though temporarily closed, is expected to
play its part once again next week in the assuaging of customers'
thirsts.
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