W. R. Matthews (1) (1881–1973)

During World War 2, when London was under attack from German bombers, a group of volunteers stayed at St. Paul's Cathedral in shifts. Their job? To protect the dome and the church from fire, should the cathedral be hit. They slept in the crypt, sometimes participating in lectures, and learned the many confusing ways in which to get around in the church in the event of a fire or bombing. In this book, the former Dean of St. Paul's celebrates their dedication and patriotism.

I first heard of show more this account when I read the introduction to the short story "Fire Watch" by Connie Willis. By far my favorite of the short stories in the collection by the same name, "Fire Watch" compelled me to add this nonfiction account to my TBR list. But this is a tough little cookie to track down - I was able to get it on interlibrary loan from not my local system, not my state system, but across the country. This is a short book and an interesting account. Mathews praises the Watch highly, and his account often has the folksy sort of tone of a small-town history. I found it all the more charming since I have seen the church, have been in awe of its sheer size, and am very grateful for those volunteers who made it possible for me to visit. show less