The Little Fire Engine That Could: The 1927 Essex Hose Carriage

The 1927 Essex Hose Carriage, a symbol of firefighting innovation, stands proudly as a reminder of NSW’s transformative shift from hand-drawn and horse-drawn carts to motorised fire appliances. Pictured outside the Fire Services Museum, c.1982 [Museum of Fire collection]

Before the introduction of motorised fire appliances in the early twentieth century, fire brigades in New South Wales (NSW) relied on horse-drawn or even hand-drawn carts and reels to transport their equipment from the station to incidents. Firefighters had to manually pull or hitch their apparatus to horses, limiting their response time and the efficiency of fire suppression efforts. These early methods, whilst effective for their time, became increasingly outdated as urban expansion, industrial growth, and the rising demand for faster emergency response placed greater pressure on fire services.

Many appliances like the cart pictured above gave years of faultless service, carrying hoses and other necessary firefighting equipment. The firefighters here are wearing traditional NSWFB uniform in a demonstration outside the Fire Services Museum, c.1982 [Museum of Fire collection]

By the mid-1920s, many of these manually operated appliances had been replaced by motorised engines, offering a more rapid and reliable means of transport. However, many regional brigades, particularly those in small villages across the Illawarra and Hunter Valley coalfields, still relied on traditional methods. Recognising the need to modernise firefighting across the state, the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) sought to introduce motorised appliances to these regional areas. It was during this transformative era that the 1927 Essex Hose Carriage was born, representing an important step forward in bringing modern fire suppression technology to smaller communities. Today, this historic vehicle stands as a testament to the ingenuity and evolution of firefighting in NSW, marking a significant shift in how fire brigades operated.

Manufactured by the Hudson Motor Company, the Essex Hose Carriage was built onto the chassis of the Super-Six model, a vehicle known for its durability, power, and smooth handling. The Super-Six featured a six-cylinder engine and a three-speed transmission, providing both reliability and speed—key attributes for an emergency response vehicle. Its robust construction and mechanical performance made it an ideal choice for the NSWFB, particularly in rural areas where the terrain and road conditions varied widely. To adapt the vehicle for firefighting duties, the NSWFB modified the Essex with custom-built hose carts, allowing them to carry essential fire suppression equipment. They were equipped with vital tools such as branches, standpipes, and scaling ladders, ensuring firefighters had everything needed to tackle blazes quickly and effectively. The transition from horse-drawn to motorised vehicles dramatically improved response times, allowing brigades to arrive on the scene faster and with a greater range of firefighting capabilities.

No. 155 Essex Hose Carriage of Teralba Fire Brigade at Cooks Hill Station. Station Officer Ray Palmer and Firefighter Bill Armit in the front seats, 1 October 1954 [Museum of Fire collection]

The No. 155 Essex Hose Carriage officially joined the NSWFB fleet in August 1927, beginning its service at Boolaroo Fire Station, located on the Central Coast of NSW. The introduction of this modern appliance was a significant milestone for the Boolaroo Brigade, symbolising progress and efficiency. Such was the excitement surrounding the arrival of the Essex Hose Carriage that the Boolaroo Fire Brigade hosted a celebratory event, attended by members of the brigade, representatives from the Board of Commissioners of NSW, and various other officials. A write-up detailing the occasion was even published in the Newcastle Morning Herald, highlighting the impact of motorisation on firefighting in NSW.

From Boolaroo to the Ball—The 1927 Essex has always been the life of the party! First celebrated at its debut in 1927 and still turning heads at the NSW Fire Brigades Ball, 1995. Bankstown Town Hall [Museum of Fire collection]

The No. 155 Essex Hose Carriage was in service at Boolaroo Fire Station until 1932 when it was transferred to the neighbouring brigade in Teralba. The vehicle remained in active service at Teralba for over two decades, serving the local community and reinforcing the importance of motorised fire engines in regional firefighting operations. After 31 years of dedicated service, the Essex was decommissioned and sold in 1958, entering private ownership for several decades.

In 1982, the historic No. 155 Essex Hose Carriage was officially acquired by the Fire Services Museum (now the Museum of Fire), ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, this remarkable vehicle stands as a proud exhibit, allowing visitors to appreciate the advancements in firefighting technology and the significant role that motorised appliances played in modernising fire brigades across NSW. By maintaining and displaying this important piece of history, the Museum of Fire continues to educate and inspire, shedding light on the evolution of firefighting and the dedication of those who have served in emergency response over the years.

-Story by Museum of Fire Heritage Team