"They crossed the River Tamar via the ferry and quite deliberately put themselves in harm’s way: as they drove towards Devonport’s bombed area they would have passed, travelling in the opposite direction, many frightened Plymouth residents seeking refuge from the danger.

“What a sight must have appeared before them. The sky lit up and changing from black to red to orange and yellow, the deafening noise from bombs exploding, buildings in flames and collapsing, acrid smoke and gas filling their lungs..."

An article written by Saltash resident Barry Brooking describes in moving detail the sacrifice made by six auxiliary firefighters in Saltash on the night of April 22, 1941, when they rushed to the aid of families affected by the bombing raids on Plymouth during the Second World War. Barry’s grandfather Francis was among the men lost that night.

In this week’s Cornish Times, out in the shops today, find out the story of these men, and how their descendants will meet tomorrow for a special service in their honour and to commemorate the 80th anniversary of their deaths.