MacDonald Syer Ltd – 1949 Margate Kent.

How MacDonald Syer Electricians Helped London Survive WW2

MacDonald Syer Ltd was a lift engineering and electrical business based in Calvin Street, Shoreditch, East London. The company was founded by John MacDonald and William Syer in 1908 and became one of the leading contractors in the city. But what many people may not know is how MacDonald Syer electricians played a vital role in helping London survive the Blitz during WW2.

My grandfather (left back row) worked for MacDonald Syers for many years. They were a lift engineering and electrical business based in Calvin Street, Shoreditch East London.

Here they all are very smartly dressed on a works outing to the seaside. Margate in Kent in June 1949.

Photo taken by Sunbeam Photo Ltd, 82 Sweyn Road, Margate Kent.

MacDonald Syer Margate Kent 1949. MacDonald Syer Ltd was a lift engineering and electrical business based in Calvin Street, Shoreditch, East London. The company was founded by John MacDonald and William Syer in 1908.

Repairing Bomb Damage

One of the main tasks of MacDonald Syer electricians during WW2 was to repair bomb damage to buildings and infrastructure. The company had a contract with the London County Council (LCC) to maintain and repair lifts, fire alarms, lighting systems, generators and other electrical equipment in public buildings such as schools, hospitals, offices and shelters.

When German bombs hit these buildings, MacDonald Syer electricians were often among the first responders to restore power and safety. They worked under dangerous conditions, sometimes at night or under fire, to fix damaged wires, fuses, switches and motors. They also helped salvage valuable equipment from rubble and debris.

Installing Air Raid Precautions

Another important task of MacDonald Syer electricians during WW2 was to install air raid precautions (ARP) in various locations across London. ARP was a set of measures designed to protect civilians from air attacks by providing warning systems, shelters, gas masks, fire-fighting equipment and blackout curtains.

MacDonald Syer electricians were responsible for installing sirens, loudspeakers, red warning lights and other devices that alerted people of impending raids. They also installed emergency lighting systems that could be switched on during blackouts to guide people to safety. They also fitted gas detectors and decontamination units in case of chemical attacks.

Supporting War Efforts

Besides repairing bomb damage and installing ARP, MacDonald Syer electricians also supported war efforts by working on various projects related to defence and production. For example, they helped build radar stations along the coast that detected enemy aircrafts. They also helped install generators and transformers that powered factories producing war materials such as guns, tanks and planes.

MacDonald Syer electricians also contributed to the morale of Londoners by providing entertainment services such as radios, gramophones and cinema projectors. They also donated money and goods to various charities supporting soldiers and refugees.

Conclusion

MacDonald Syer Ltd was more than just a lift engineering and electrical business. It was a company that served London with dedication and courage during one of its darkest times. The electricians who worked for MacDonald Syer were not only skilled professionals but also heroes who risked their lives to keep the city running.

6 thoughts on “MacDonald Syer Ltd – 1949 Margate Kent.”

  1. I worked for mc Donald syer in about 1977 at calvin st

    I remember mr pope managing director
    frank forderer electrical forman
    terry currie mate
    sid motor winder
    jack armour workshop guru
    john McIver lift engineer
    james mundy lift engineer
    colin critchlow mr brown
    George rogers mate
    dutch billy sales rep

    Reply
  2. My father, Jack Camfield is on the left,seated, second front row.
    Sometimes on Saturday we would get the train from Potters Bar to Kings Cross when he went to work at Whitbread’s Brewery.
    I remember the man in the second row from the rear on the right (with his arms on the man in front)……he was from Wales and was known as “Taffy”.
    Dad and our family left England in 1950 to live in Melbourne, Australia….. a great life for all of us.

    Reply
  3. Searching for information on, MacDonald Syer Ltd, I came across the photograph of the firms trip to Margate. Sitting in the second row is my grandfather, Bert Saunders, who was co Director with Mr Pottle, who I think is in the front row. I never knew the firm was in Shoreditch, I only remember the offices in Kings Cross.

    Reply
    • Thank you for getting in touch, my grandfather worked for them for many many years, ending up as foreman before retiring around 1981 or so. I went along once for a day with him and remember the Shoreditch premises well, Calvin Street.

    • My uncle was George Pottle the co-director you speak of. I think he is in the middle row, to the right of the 3 ladies as you look at the picture.

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