Many artists joined the Auxiliary Fire Service, later National Fire Service during the Second World War. Their work was exceptionally dangerous. Wilfred Haines died in a V1 rocket attack and Leonard Rosoman narrowly escaped death from a collapsed wall at the expense of a colleague who had just relieved him. Waiting to be called they sometimes had time to paint. Annual exhibitions of the work of firemen and women were held at the Royal Academy to support the London Fire Service Benevolence Fund and this selective list presented is largely drawn from the artists from the 1941 show. Developed in association with Grant Waters, Art Detective Group Leader: South East England, East England and the Midlands.