THE names of two Victorian firemen who lost their lives in the line of duty have been added to a national memorial.

William Bowey, from Newcastle, was overcome by acid fumes while fighting a fire in a chemist’s shop in September 1890 and died 18 days later.

Frederic Charles Tiplady, also of Newcastle, died after falling under the wheels of an appliance on the way to a fire in April 1896.

Both have now had their names added to the National Firefighters’ Memorial outside St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are very proud that two firefighters from our brigade have been commemorated for their bravery and devotion to duty.

“It was an honour for me to lay a wreath at the Firefighters Memorial on behalf of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

“As we all know, firefighting was and still is a dangerous job.

“Frontline staff potentially put their lives on the line every time they are called out to a fire.”