Memorial to fallen firefighter unveiled at site of Brooklands Hotel blaze

John Hunt, a 65-year-old superintendent of more than 40 years experience, was in command of the incident when the roof of the hotel on Marsland Road collapsed on him. He died a matter of days later.

At the time, the Sale Guardian said thousands attended a service at St Paul's or watched a procession along Washway Road to Brooklands Cemetery, where Mr Hunt is buried.

His sacrifice is to be remembered thanks to the efforts of family members and to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Red Plaque Scheme.

This week, dozens attended a service where one such memorial was unveiled at the site of the old Brooklands Hotel, Marsland House, an office belonging to Bruntwood Works.

John Hunt (Image: Fire Brigades Union)

Ed Burrows, a regional secretary for the FBU, said: "Firefighters in Sale are committed to making sure that every one of their number who has given their life is remembered.

"Mr Hunt set an example to every firefighter with his bravery throughout his career. He was an extraordinarily brave man.

"This plaque will help to ensure the community knows what he did and what he sacrificed. It is important that history is remembered in the spaces it was lived."

Sharon Johnson, head of commercial for Bruntwood Works, added: "We are honoured that our Marsland Building now bears a Red Plaque to commemorate the life and work of Superintendent Hunt who sadly lost his life in the line of duty.

"It's been a privilege to work with his family and the FBU to find out more about the historical significance of the building and to learn about his heroic actions.

"The plaque ensures that the local community will continue to remember the brave actions of that night and the sacrifices made."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.