The LNER Encyclopedia

Looking to expand my knowledge of the LNER in the Second World War - have acquired a copy of ‘Rails to Victory’, has anyone else written anything on the subject?

Additionally looking in to what LNER staff were issued with, I assume operational staff such as drivers, firemen, guards, signalmen etc would be issued with the civil duty gas mask and a steel helmet, I’ve certainly seen a photo of a GWR driver leaning out of the cab wearing a gas mask and helmet - can anyone add to this? I assume LNER helmets would be stencilled LNER somewhere on them, too

Thanks,
Rob

There were a couple of publicity/propaganda type slim volumes issued that described the railways' collective efforts during the WW2: https://illustrated-books.co.uk/product ... e-and-war/ - I have rather well-worn copies of both.

Also B W L Brooksbank's 'London Main Line War Damage' is a comprehensive summary of the London Area bombings and other incidents covering the Big Four. I got a price-reduced copy through Postscript Books. I also have some locally published records of bombings and incidents in the Enfield Area. No doubt there are other records in local libraries, town halls or record offices.

And then there will be a raft of official paperwork about procedures and blackout and all that stuff.

Also try various search terms on this website: http://www.steamindex.com/

Hi Rob
Am I sensing you're researching a sequel to your North Eastern Book? If so I look forward to reading it

I seem to recall a bit of WW2 info in such tomes as "Bill Hoole-Engineman Extraordinary" and the 3 part LNER history by Bonavia

Its always worth a dig around any rail-related swapmeet or open-day or Model Railway Ex to find such items now often long out of print but nowadays cheap-as-chips

Yesterday I stumbled across " 2750 Legend of a Locomotive" by H C Webster for a quid in an odds and sods box at a local Industrial steam gala.
Well chuffed!

Good accounts from two well known LNER men: RNH 'Dick' Hardy of his experiences and adventures as an apprentice during the war, and D.W. 'Bill' Harvey's work in keeping the locomotive running side going. (He was very clearly that most valuable man, both a first class engineer and a 'company soldier' prepared to be posted wherever the need was most desperate; his immediately previous experience as chief running inspector on Nigerian railways probably very apt preparation for the role.)