Fire apparatus 'The Magirus'

Second World War (1939-1945)

Netherlands, the Zeeland Middelburg

The Magirus is a fire truck that was built in 1930 with the Zeeland registration k-9909 (photo 3) and was delivered in 1931 from the factory in Ulm, Germany. The Magirus was then a very modern and luxurious fire truck. The truck has a 120 hp Maybach engine with magneto ignition and has a cilinder volume of 7,000 cc. The centrifugal pump mechanism and the cupboards are adapted to the specific needs of the fire management in that time. In particular, the choice of the pump valve is unique and was constructed at the direction of the then Director of the School of Machinists in Middelburg and commander of the fire crew, mr. E. Visscher. Hence perhaps the appearance of a ship called telegraph!

In the history of the Magirus1931 Foundation's website can be read that Magirus had a respectable feat made during the fires in the city of Middelburg on May 17th to May 20th 1940:
The greatest contribution of the Magirus undoubtedly came with the great "fire disaster on May 17th 1940. This fire set almost all of Middelburg city to ashes. The evaluation of the equipment in the year 1940, notified:
"The Magirus has worked continuously from May 17th 10:30 until May 20th in the morning in fires in the city. Only hoses and suction hoses are defective. A reel is destroyed. Due to that the water pressure gave insufficient, the syringe was moved to open water. By drawing in mud due to the low water level, the pump had to be rebuild. After disassembly it revealed that the low pressure came of the fact that a normally stationary blade spined around.
Damages: machine gun bullet through the windscreen, radiator and small equipment damaged by shelling."

The Margirus has been active for years (now with nationwide registration NJ-06-92) for the youth fire brigade. The instructors and members of the youth fire brigade have refurbished the Magirus and use it for demonstrations of the youth fire brigade. This left the car for visible for publicly. In 1970, the Magirus was sold to a private collector from Middelburg. You can imagine the surprise when the Magirus by chance in early 1987 was found in Dongen in Brabant. In the showroom of a dealer in firefighting equipment, the vehicle was for sale for a large 35,000 fl. Due to it's history in Middelburg it was retained by firefighters who set up the Foundation Margirus 1931. Soon, a large group of fans of the Magirus mobilized. The enthusiasm for action was great. The firefighters added a portion of their monthly salary, while the city of Middelburg and many companies and individuals donated a financial contribution. There were also several other activities organized. These activities were so successful that in the beginning of May 1987 the Margirus could be redeemed for immediate deployment to the liberation festivities on May 5th of that year. The Magirus was then exhibited in a special building of the former fire station at the Looierssingel. Over twenty years later, the Middelburg fire brigade along with the ambulance post got their base outside the city center, at the Stromenweg. The Magirus has moved with them to this location.

Unfortunately, the classic fire truck is not visible because it is off limits for public.

At present the Foundation Magirus1931.nl still searching for money for the final restoration of the water tanks and of the original engine. If this restoration is completed, the Magirus can be rented for events.
Owning classical heritage is one thing, maintaining it is really a challenge and ...... maintenance.

If you want to know more or if you want to rent the vehicle after restoration, please contact the Foundation Magirus 1931.nl

Photo 1 & 2: The Magirus in full glory.
Photo 3: The special pump mechanism.
Photo 4: The black hole in the middle of the picture is the bullet hole caused during the extinguishing of the "fire" in the city of Middelburg from 17 to 20 May 1940. In the top/middle section of the picture is a hole in the cap of the radiator, also due to a bullet. The bullet hole in the windshield is repaired.
Photo 5: The weapon of the Middelburg fire departement.