PC James Hardacre ran into the burning factory to remove highly dangerous explosives but was later found under a collapsed wall
On April 28, 1917, the sky above Church, in Accrington turned 'blood red', claiming the life of a heroic police constable.
As members of the Curch Fire Brigade gathered to tackle the blaze, the fire spread to other buildings within the factory. PC Hardacre ran into the burning building and removed one magazine of explosives, before returning for another. But as he bravely tried to contain the blaze, a second magazine blew up, casting yellow sulphur into the air.
The blast also caused damage to four boats which were pulled by a tug along the nearby Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Cases of machinery belonging to Howard and Bullough's were also set on fire. In addition, the explosion was reported to have shattered the window of the Co-operative drapery store in Abbey Street, Accrington.
The courage of the members of the Church Fire Brigade, who were called to deal with the incident, was also recognised when Superintendent Ware and firemen were awarded the OBE. The award was "for conspicuous courage and devotion to duty on the occasion of a fire at a chemical works". PC Herbert Bradbury, who was injured in the explosion, also received the King's Police Medal.
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